From Tencha to Matcha

The traditional grinding process

Matcha is a high-quality, powdered green tea that has a long tradition in Japanese tea culture. One of the decisive factors for the quality of matcha is the way in which the tea leaves are ground into a fine powder.

The importance of granite stone mills

Granite stone mills have been an integral part of matcha production for centuries. These mills consist of two round stones: an upper one that rotates and a lower one that is firmly anchored. The tea leaves are placed in the center of the upper stone and slowly ground into a fine powder by the rotation and weight of the stones.

  • Preservation of nutrients

    The slow grinding speed (1 grinder takes 1 hour for just 30g of matcha powder) and the low temperature generated when using granite stone grinders help to preserve the delicate nutrients and antioxidants in the tea.

  • Fine texture

    Granite stone mills produce an extremely fine powder that ensures a smooth texture and a rich, full flavor.

  • Tradition and quality

    The use of granite stone mills is a traditional process that ensures the quality and authenticity of the matcha.

The grinding process

Step 1: Selecting the tea leaves

The process begins with the selection of the tea leaves. Only the highest quality tencha leaves, which are grown specifically for matcha production, are used. These leaves are steamed, dried and freed from stems and veins to obtain a pure leaf material.

Step 2: Preparing the grinder

Before grinding begins, the granite stone mill is carefully prepared. The stones must be clean and evenly ground to ensure uniform grinding. The mill is then adjusted so that the stones are optimally spaced apart.

Step 3: Grind the tea leaves

The tencha leaves are slowly and evenly placed in the middle of the upper stone. The rotation of the upper stone crushes the leaves between the two stones. The grinding process can take several hours to produce a fine powder of the highest quality. As a rule, a stone grinder needs 1 hour to produce 30g of matcha.

Step 4: Quality control

After grinding, the matcha powder is checked for consistency and fineness. Only powder that meets the high quality standards is packaged and sold.

Why granite stone mills are still the best choice

Although there are modern machines that can grind matcha faster and more efficiently, many traditional producers prefer granite stone mills. The reason for this lies in the quality of the end product. Granite stone mills produce a matcha powder that is not only superior in taste, but also contains the maximum amount of nutrients.

The art of grinding matcha with granite stone mills is a laborious and time-consuming process, but well worth the effort. The method ensures that the valuable properties of the tea are preserved, resulting in a product of the highest quality. Next time you enjoy a bowl of matcha, remember that this exquisite powder is the result of centuries of tradition and careful craftsmanship.

Hier gehts zum fertigen Matchapulver: