Matcha Samurai

What does Matcha Samurai say about its sourcing

The company says it buys directly from small, certified-organic farms in Japan, and that most of its range is JAS-certified organic, the exception being its all-purpose ceremonial grade. It describes its ceremonial grade as stone-ground from the youngest first-harvest leaves, and its cafe, all-purpose and culinary grades as bead-milled. It does not name specific farms or regions. These are the company's own statements; the grade guides below cover how to judge any matcha for yourself.

What does Matcha Samurai sell

A graded matcha range in retail and bulk sizes, with a subscription on 60 g products for repeat orders.

• Matcha in four grades: ceremonial for drinking plain, cafe grade for lattes and iced drinks, all-purpose ceremonial for everyday use, and culinary for baking and cooking
• Roasted matcha (hōjicha), organic, in 60 g and bulk sizes
• Pack sizes: 60 g for home use, and 500 g and 1 kg bags for cafes and kitchens
• Yuzu powder and yuzu juice, plus Japanese cold brew tea
• Teaware: whisks, spoons, mixing bowls, matcha bowls, an iron teapot, starter kits and a selection of antique Japanese wares

Where can you buy Matcha Samurai

Direct from the company's own web store, which has a New Zealand storefront and delivers worldwide. Cafes and food businesses can buy through its wholesale programme, which includes a sample pack and bulk sizes.

• matchasamurai.com (opens in a new window): the brand's official store, grade guide, organic certification statements and wholesale contact.

How should you evaluate it for yourself

The same checks apply to every matcha brand, this one included: match the grade to the use (ceremonial for drinking plain, culinary for lattes and baking), look for a stated origin and a harvest or best-before date, prefer airtight opaque packaging, and read the ingredient list: pure matcha has one ingredient, while latte blends add sugar or milk powder and are a different product.

• Ceremonial grade matcha: what the drinking grade should deliver, and how to judge it.
• Culinary grade matcha: the right expectations for lattes and baking powder.
• Where to buy matcha in NZ: every NZ buying option (supermarkets, pharmacies and specialists) side by side.

Common questions