Welcome to monkee - your online shop for premium matcha!

Centuries ago, Buddhist monks discovered that drinking matcha enhanced 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 one 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 – 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 finest tea-growing regions, where the knowledge of tea cultivation has been passed down through generations. Our tea farm places great emphasis on sustainability and quality, ensuring that every cup of our matcha is not only a taste sensation but also a step towards a more conscious and healthier lifestyle.

What sets us apart:

  • Highest quality: We exclusively offer Ceremonial Grade Matcha – the best quality level – 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.

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

We are excited to accompany you on your Matcha journey!

Our mission is to share the superfood qualities of matcha with the world and to support our community in integrating healthy routines into everyday life 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, especially catechins, which help neutralize free radicals in the body. These antioxidants can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promote overall health.

2. Increased energy and concentration:

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

3. Supporting 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 strengthen the immune system and support the body's defenses against disease.

6. Improving skin health:

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

Overall, matcha is a true superfood that offers numerous health benefits. If you're looking for a natural energy source that also promotes 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 shaded growing areas. Here are some key characteristics and benefits of Ceremonial Grade Matcha:

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

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

3. Bright green color:
Ceremonial Grade Matcha has a vibrant, bright green color, indicating a 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. These offer numerous health benefits, supporting the immune system, promoting concentration, and boosting energy.

5. Traditional preparation:
Ceremonial Grade Matcha is often used in traditional ceremonies where the preparation and enjoyment of the tea are a meditative experience. It is typically prepared with 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 both in terms of taste and health benefits, Ceremonial Grade Matcha is the ideal choice.

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

1. Store in a cool, dark and dry place: Keep 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 you should keep it away from strongly smelling foods.

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

These simple tips will keep your matcha 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 and powdery texture. The matcha powder should dissolve easily in water.

3. Scent: 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 regions in Japan, such as Uji, Nishio or Shizuoka.

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

In summary: Matcha offers a gentler and longer-lasting energy boost, while coffee provides a faster but often shorter energy boost.

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