Question 1

Is your match orgainc?

Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for contacting us! Our Breakaway Coldbrew Organic is the only one that is certified organic. Coldbrew Organic is available as an option on this page, along with our other two blends, Coldbrew Original and Coldbrew Reserve.

We're aware that organic certification is very important to many people, and in most cases it means safer, healthier food. However, Japanese agricultural standards are much stricter than American standards, and government regulations prevent farmers from dumping loads of harmful chemicals on their plants. Our other two coldbrew products, Coldbrew Original and Coldbrew Reserve, are not certified organic but have been extensively independently tested for 121 different agricultural pesticides and fungicides, as well as lead, and radiation. There are no detectable levels of any of these in any of our teas. The only reason they can not be certified USDA organic is because of the nitrogen-enhanced fertilizer used during the growing process.

In the case of matcha, organic does not actually equal better quality. To achieve that bright, bold green color, and beautiful, creamy  sweetness without any bitterness, the plants require more nitrogen than can be provided by organic fertilizer. It took us a long time to find an organic matcha that was up to our standards because of the difficulty in producing quality matcha this way.

Please let us know if you have any further questions. We are always happy to help!

Question 2

Can I drink this hot?

Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for the question! This tea is meant to be served ice cold, it is not intended to be consumed hot. You can drink it however you like, of course, but you may notice some bitterness if you make it hot. If you were going to drink one of these blends hot, I would go with the Coldbrew Reserve! It will have the nicest flavor. That said, any of the three will be better than most of the "ceremonial" matcha you'll find.

Please let us know if you have any further questions. We are always happy to help!

Question 3

Can you drink this as an iced latte?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely— shake up normally but use less water, finish with milk.

Question 4

Are the stems and mid ribs (spines) of the leaves used? Is this labeled ceremonial grade?

Accepted Answer

Hi, thanks for contacting us! The short answer is no, absolutely not. We work with farmers from small, family run co-ops in Japan, who are obsessed with producing only the highest grades of matcha. Only the smallest, youngest/greenest parts of the plant—the two leaves at the tip of each new shoot—are picked. They are then steamed to preserve the color and nutrients, thoroughly dried in large cages equipped with heated blowers, and once dry, they are sorted for grade (with the youngest, greenest, most tender leaves earning the highest marks). Then the laborious and immensely time-consuming task of destemming and deveining happens. Once the leaves are free of veins and stems, each batch is hand-milled to order. The ground tea is then fastidiously packed and refrigerated at very low temperatures until it ships, to preserve freshness. Fun fact: if you refrigerate your matcha between uses, the cold preserves the quality and flavor of the tea far better than storing it in a cabinet or on your counter.

The ceremonial question is a bit more complicated. "Ceremonial" is a word that is overused in the matcha world; it actually has very little meaning, and absolutely no formal regulation (much like the term "natural"). While ceremonial matcha is certainly a step up from most supermarket matcha, it is still quite bitter, and often no better than culinary grade. Our matcha (even our culinary) is miles above the ceremonial matcha available domestically, in terms of quality and taste. We're confident that once you taste it, you'll never go back.

Please let us know if you have any further questions. We are always happy to help!

Direct Farm Sourced From Japan - Breakaway Matcha Coldbrew Original Iced Green Tea Powder - Highest Grade - Beyond Ceremonial (30g)

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