Welcome to monkee – your online shop for premium matcha!

Centuries ago, Buddhist monks discovered that drinking matcha increased their mental clarity and concentration, giving them energy for hours of meditation. Even today, matcha is considered a cultural treasure. The traditional preparation of matcha is a sacred and spiritual experience that invites you to be fully present in the here and now.

Inspired by the centuries-old tradition of Japanese tea culture and the ever-increasing demand for natural superfoods, we have made it our mission to offer you the best matcha directly from Japan - regardless of whether you are already a matcha lover or have only recently discovered matcha.

We source our matcha directly from our tea farmers in Uji, one of Japan's best tea-growing regions, where tea-growing expertise is passed down from generation to generation. Our tea farm places great emphasis on sustainability and quality, so every cup of our matcha is not only a taste experience, but also a step toward a more conscious, healthier lifestyle.

What sets us apart:

  • Highest quality: We only offer Ceremonial Grade Matcha – the best quality – which is characterized by a mild, slightly sweet and non-bitter aroma and a bright green color
  • Tradition & Innovation: We value Japan's centuries-old tea culture and combine it with a modern, healthy lifestyle
  • Sustainability: Our matcha is grown and harvested under fair conditions, keeping the ecological footprint as small as possible.

With us, you'll find the perfect matcha powder—whether you're looking for matcha for your daily matcha ritual, as a natural energy booster, or as an ingredient in recipes. Our goal is to provide you with premium matcha and inspire you to create a healthy, mindful break in your everyday life.

We look forward to accompanying you on your Matcha journey!

Our mission is to share the superfood qualities of matcha with the world and help our community incorporate healthy routines into their daily lives that naturally boost energy, focus, and performance.

FAQs

Matcha offers a variety of health benefits:

1. Rich in antioxidants:

Matcha contains a high concentration of antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help neutralize free radicals in the body. These antioxidants may reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall health.

2. Increase energy and concentration:

Matcha contains caffeine, which, combined with L-theanine, an amino acid with relaxing properties, provides gentle, long-lasting energy. This can improve concentration and mental clarity without triggering the typical jittery effects of coffee.

3. Supports metabolism:

Studies have shown that consuming matcha can boost metabolism and support fat burning.

4. Detoxification of the body:

The chlorophyll contained in matcha helps the body to detoxify by binding and eliminating heavy metals and other harmful substances.

5. Strengthening the immune system:

The antioxidants and other nutrients in matcha can boost the immune system and support the body's defenses against disease.

6. Improve skin health:

Matcha's anti-inflammatory properties can help improve skin health by reducing redness and irritation.

Overall, matcha is a true superfood that offers numerous health benefits. If you're looking for a natural energy source that also boosts your health, matcha could be the perfect choice for you.

Ceremonial Grade Matcha is the highest quality grade of matcha, specially selected for traditional tea preparations and ceremonies. This premium form of matcha is made from the youngest, most tender leaves of the tea plant, cultivated in shady growing areas. Here are some key characteristics and benefits of Ceremonial Grade Matcha:

1. High-quality sheets:
Ceremonial Grade Matcha is made from the finest leaves of the tencha plant, carefully harvested by hand. Only the topmost leaves, rich in nutrients, are used for this premium quality.

2. Intense taste:
This grade of matcha is characterized by a sweet, umami-rich flavor, ideal for preparing traditional matcha teas. The taste is much more delicate and less bitter than lower grades.

3. Bright green color:
Ceremonial Grade Matcha has a vibrant, bright green color, indicating its high chlorophyll content and careful processing. This color is an indicator of the tea's freshness and quality.

4. Nutrient-rich:
Ceremonial Grade Matcha is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which offer numerous health benefits. They support the immune system, promote concentration, and increase energy.

5. Traditional preparation:
Ceremonial Grade Matcha is often used in traditional ceremonies where preparing and enjoying the tea is a meditative experience. It is typically prepared using a bamboo whisk (chasen) and a bowl (chawan) to achieve the perfect consistency and best flavor.

If you are looking for a high-quality matcha that impresses with both taste and health benefits, Ceremonial Grade Matcha is the ideal choice.

To optimally preserve the freshness and flavor of your matcha powder, we recommend the following storage tips:

1. Store in a cool, dark and dry place: Store your matcha in a cool, dark and dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

2. Pack airtight: Use an airtight container to minimize oxidation. A metal or ceramic container with a tight-fitting lid is particularly suitable.

3. Avoid strong odors: Matcha can easily absorb odors, so keep it away from strong-smelling foods.

4. Store in the refrigerator (optional): For even longer shelf life, you can also store your matcha in the refrigerator. Make sure to use an airtight container to protect your matcha from moisture.

With these simple tips, your matcha will stay fresh and aromatic for as long as possible.

You can recognize good matcha by several factors:

1. Color: High-quality matcha has a bright, intense green color, which indicates a high content of chlorophyll and nutrients.

2. Texture: You can recognize high-quality matcha by its fine, powdery texture. The matcha powder should dissolve easily in water.

3. Smell: High-quality matcha has a fresh, grassy scent.


4. Taste: Good matcha tastes full-bodied, sweet and slightly umami, without bitter or astringent notes.


5. Origin: The highest quality Matcha teas come from renowned growing areas in Japan, such as Uji, Nishio or Shizuoka.

The main difference between matcha and coffee in terms of caffeine lies in how the caffeine works in the body. A single serving of matcha (2g) contains 70mg of caffeine, roughly the same amount as a single shot of espresso. However, the caffeine in matcha is released more slowly because it's consumed alongside L-theanine, an amino acid. This results in a smoother and longer-lasting energy boost, without the typical jitters or rapid drop that many experience after consuming coffee. Coffee, on the other hand, can cause a faster rise in blood caffeine levels, resulting in a quicker energy boost followed by an abrupt drop.

In summary, matcha provides a smoother and longer-lasting energy, while coffee provides a faster, but often shorter, energy boost.

In our Matcha Guide we show you how to prepare Matcha.