The city of Kyoto, Japan, is widely known around the world for its link to climate control and the Kyoto accord, but this historical city has another claim to fame: tea. According to Calli O’Brien, sales and marketing director for DoMatcha Tea www.domatcha.com , the premium Matcha (the powdered green tea traditionally used in the Japanese Tea Ceremony) used in DoMatcha teas comes from Kyoto supplier Shohokuen, whose reputation in tea production goes back to 1886. Tea is steeped in the traditions of many cultures. In Britain, the practice of afternoon tea started in the early 1800’s with Anna, 7th Duchess of Bedford, who favoured it because she found it eased her hunger between lunch and dinner. But if you think tea is a drink for other cultures and countries, you might be surprised to discover that Canadians drink more than seven billion cups of tea each year. According to the Tea Association of Canada, our consumption of tea is on the uptick, increasing 43 per cent between 1996 and 2005.
Tea leaves come primarily from India, China, Sri Lanka and Kenya. And while you might not be able to partake in an authentic tea ceremony, you certainly can enjoy a cup of good tea in the comfort of your own home.
Canadian green tea connection: History and people behind DoMatcha
John Harrison, the owner of Ecotrend Ecologics and parent company of DoMatcha, grew up in Japan, leaving at the age of 17. Ecotrend Ecologics is a Canadian distribution company; Harrison distributes products, primarily health foods, across Canada.
“DoMatcha was a natural fit for John,” says O’Brien, citing his upbringing in Japan and product focus on healthy foods and beverages.
Do (pronounced “doh”) is the Japanese symbol for way or journey; Matcha refers to the rubbed or ground tea used for Sado, the Japanese Tea Ceremony.
DoMatcha sports three tea offerings: premium grade organic (30 gram size) and premium grade regular (30 gram size) Matcha, both in ceremonial grades, and the second harvest grade (80 gram size).
“Ceremonial grade is something emperors and world dignitaries would have had,” says O’Brien. Ceremonial grade tea is made from the purest, youngest, finest, softest leaves. “Now it’s become more available to the mass market because production has increased and technology has improved to allow it to be made at a lower cost.”
The second harvest grade is a slightly lowered grade, having matured longer on the tea plant.
In Canada, sales of the second harvest DoMatcha outstrip both the organic and regular, probably because of its affordability. It brews up about 75 servings for $32.13, while premium grade regular Matcha pours up 25 servings for $25.83 and premium grade organic tops off your tea cup 25 times for $29.76.
“The best of the best is the 30 gram organic Matcha,” advises O’Brien.
Matcha quality
You can learn to measure the quality of the Matcha you’re drinking – high quality Matcha will have a vibrant green colour, a sweet taste, a full, green flavour and will sport a good froth when whisked with the traditional bamboo whisk.
Tips for making the perfect cup of DoMatcha green tea
1. The perfect temperature for a cup of DoMatcha is between 65 and 85 degrees celsius.
2. Blend DoMatcha (1/2 – 1 teaspoon, depending on your personal taste) with a small amount of hot water and blend the mixture into a smooth paste.
3. If you’re using the traditional bamboo whisk, whisk the water/DoMatcha mixture until a layer of green foams forms on the surface.
Recipes featuring DoMatcha green tea
Enjoy some of these tasty recipes, courtesy of DoMatcha:
• White Vanilla Matchini
• Cacao Matchini
Where to get DoMatcha green tea
Find DoMatcha teas in health food stores across Canada and on the west coast of the United States. A listing of stores carrying DoMatcha can be found on the DoMatcha website, by scrolling down the page and opening the .pdf file near the bottom.
DoMatcha will soon be available to order online, and in the meantime, you can order DoMatcha here, or by calling 1-800-665-7065 ext 206 (Canada) and 1-877-675-7722, ext: 206 (United States).
