Matcha FAQ
Is withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha safe?
Yes. withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha is 100% safe. It is grown without the use of fertilizers, nitrogen or chemicals, and is routinely tested for purity. The soil is also tested frequently to ensure that no toxins can leach into the final product.
Do I have to worry about radiation contamination from Fukishima?
Absolutely not. TruOrganic™ Matcha is stringently tested for contaminants including radiation. In order for our product to hold the JAS/JONA, Canadian Organic and USDA certificates samples must pass all tests. No traces of radiation have been found.
How much matcha is needed for a serving?
Approximately 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (1-2 bamboo scoops). This means that our 30g tin of matcha should last 25-30 servings.
How many times a day can I drink withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha?
The recommended consumption for matcha is approximately 1-2 cups per day.
How is TruOrganic™ Matcha different from brewed green tea?
Green tea leaves are steeped and discarded whereas with matcha, the whole leaf (which has been dried and ground down into a fine powder) is being consumed.
In addition, matcha is shade-grown and therefore has more chlorophyll, polyphenols, and antioxidants, including EGCG and L-Theanine, than the average green tea. This equates to more fat-burning and cancer preventing capabilities along with more cognition and clarity. In fact, 1 cup of matcha is nutritionally equivalent to 10 cups of brewed green tea!
Why is it important to buy matcha sourced from Japan versus China?
Matcha originated in Japan over 800 years ago, and the growing practices have been perfected by the Japanese. Farmers in China have tried to replicate the optimal growing conditions for tencha, but as a result of geography and lack of traditional experience, the tencha leaves, and matcha, will never be competition for Japanese grown matcha.
China also has less stringent testing for products, and in some instances even organically grown green teas have been proven to contain lead.
What does First Harvest mean?
In Japan, green tea is hand picked at different periods throughout the year. First Harvest or ‘first flush’ is the first time the tencha leaves are picked in the season. This means that the best leaves are hand selected, and these leaves are considered by tea experts to be the absolute finest in quality, freshness and flavor.
How many grades of matcha are there, and what grade is withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha?
Matcha ranges from grade A+ - D. TruOrganic™ Matcha is an exclusive blend of Grade A+ and A, the two highest grades of matcha available. Grade A+ is very limited, as it is only produced from one harvest from the year, so once it is used up, it is not produced again until the following First Harvest.
What is ‘Ceremonial Grade’?
Ceremonial Grade is not a grade that is recognized in Japan, it has been created by the Western world to make matcha sound authentic. In actuality ‘ceremonial grade’ matcha could be grade D (the lowest grade).
Where is withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha sourced from?
TruOrganic™ Matcha is from Japan’s oldest and most highly acclaimed tencha growing region, Kagoshima and Kyoto where matcha originated over 800 years ago.
Can I add TruOrganic™ Matcha to my smoothie? Will I still benefit from the antioxidants?
Yes. You can add TruOrganic™ Matcha to smoothies.
How do I make it? Is it time consuming to make?
It's very simple to make a traditional cup of TruOrganic™ Matcha. Just follow these steps:
1. Heat water to 165-175F
2. Add 1-2 scoops (0.5 - 1 tsp) of TruOrganic™ Matcha
3. Pour 2oz of water into a bowl
4. Whisk to make a paste
5. Add more water to taste - approx. 3-4 oz
6. Whisk with a W-Shaped motion, until a thick layer of foam is formed
7. Pour into a mug, sit back and enjoy.
Why should I prepare my TruOrganic™ Matcha in a bowl and not a mug?
In order to dissolve all clumps and achieve the layer of froth on top of your matcha, it must be whisked up in a bowl. When matcha is whisked, the tea is aerated, releasing the sweet flavor of the matcha which is not released to satisfaction when prepared in a mug.
What does ‘pre-boiled’ water mean?
When preparing matcha, the water should be just under boiling. A good way to achieve this is to boil water, then let it sit for 1-2 minutes before pouring it onto the matcha powder. If the water is too hot, it will scorch the matcha and leave a slightly bitter flavor.
Is TruOrganic™ Matcha sweetened/flavored?
No. We do not add any sweetener, preservatives or coloring to TruOrganic™ Matcha. It is 100% pure, organic Japanese matcha.
Does withinUs TruOrganic Matcha contain TruMarine™ Collagen? Can I mix the two?
No, TruOrganic™ Matcha does not contain collagen – it is 100% pure Japanese matcha, with no additives or preservatives.
However, adding a scoop of withinUs TruMarine™ Collagen to your matcha is a fantastic way to get your recommended daily intake of antioxidants and collagen for skin, hair, nail, and joint health. withinUs TruMarine™ Collagen is a hydrolyzed peptide, benefits are not lost by mixing the product into hot beverages, such as matcha.
Is withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha gluten-free?
Yes. Matcha is naturally gluten-free. withinUs TruOrganic™ does not contain any color or flavor enhancers or added sugar. In fact, it is free from any additives or preservatives - TruOrganic™ Matcha is simply pure, Japanese matcha.
Is there a caffeine-free version of withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha?
No. By decaffeinating any matcha, the nutrients and antioxidants are lost.
How much caffeine does withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha have?
There is approximately ⅓ to ½ of the amount of caffeine in a cup of matcha compared to a cup of coffee. TruOrganic™ Matcha's effect lasts longer because it contains the amino acid L-Theanine (no insulin spikes, no jitters). L-Theanine has a calming, relaxing effect and slows the release of tea-caffeine.
How is the caffeine in matcha different from the caffeine in coffee?
The caffeine in TruOrganic™ Matcha and the caffeine in coffee have been shown to have a very different effect on the body. Because the caffeine in matcha is combined with phytonutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids, it is released slower into the body. This means a more pleasant energy boost and an increase in focus lasting up to 6 hours with no jitters, as opposed to an immediate and short-lived “caffeine rush”. The caffeine time-release effect inhibits the sudden release of insulin meaning no crashes, and does not stimulate the release of cortisol (stress hormone) as coffee does. The nutrients accompanying the caffeine in matcha also means that it is gentler on your stomach than the caffeine in coffee.
How do I store withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha?
TruOrganic Matcha is quite delicate and is best if kept out of heat, air, moisture and light. After opening, keep the matcha in the tin, lid closed tightly and store in the refrigerator to ensure maximum freshness. Once opened, it is recommended to consume within 60 days.
What does withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha taste like?
withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha is truly a superior and excellent quality matcha. It tastes smooth, naturally sweet, and definitely not bitter. Lower quality matcha will be more bitter and not have a smooth finish. Our matcha has a great deal of umami, which is the result of the high amino acid content of a high quality, premium matcha. It has a pleasant, sweet finish with young vegetal notes. Any bitterness tasted in a high quality matcha is a result of burning the matcha by using water that is too hot. The water used to make matcha should be around 175F/80C. We suggest boiling water, then letting it sit for a couple minutes before making your cup of matcha.
By combining withinUs TruMarine™ Collagen and withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha, are the benefits of either product lost?
Not at all. In fact combining withinUs Trumarine™ Collagen and withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha is a fantastic way to get your recommended daily intake of antioxidants and collagen for skin, hair, nail, and joint health. Because both have amino acids integral for our health and have proven anti-aging benefits. withinUs Trumarine™ Collagen is in hydrolyzed peptide form, benefits are not lost by mixing the product into hot matcha.
Can I drink my matcha cold?
Absolutely! Preparing your matcha as a cold drink makes for a refreshing treat - perfect for a summer day or to fuel you through a workout! It is important to note that the finely milled nature of withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha is a characteristic that makes it a premium-select grade of matcha. Preparing it non-traditionally, or cold, usually results in a few, small lumps of matcha powder. However, this tends to be overshadowed by the brilliant sweetness of the matcha that is brought out by enjoying it cold! withinUs has 2 favourite ways to create a cold glass of matcha.
- Shake and Go!
This method of creating matcha is as easy as it sounds! Simply scoop your desired amount of withinUs TruOrganic™ Matcha (we recommend 0.5 - 1 teaspoons per cup of water) into our withinUs water bottle. Add cold water and/or ice, shake, and enjoy!
- Whisk and Go!
This method is a little more involved, but ensures a smoother cold matcha experience. Add 2-3 ounces of hot water to your desired amount of matcha (we recommend 0.5 - 1 teaspoons per cup of water). Use the withinUs Matcha whisk to whisk the water and matcha together until a layer of foam is created. Add cold water and/or ice, give a final stir, and enjoy!
Does withinUs have a cold-brew matcha?
withinUs does not have a specific cold-brew matcha. Most cold-brew matchas sacrifice quality by making a coarser matcha or adding other solvents to create a matcha that dissolves easier into cold water. Sacrificing the quality often means sacrificing the sweet taste that develops in a high quality matcha.