{"product_id":"matsuba-japanese-matcha","title":"MATSUBA 松葉 Japanese Matcha","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA light-bodied Japanese matcha with a straightforward vegetal character, low astringency, and a subtle dark-cocoa finish. MATSUBA 松葉 means “pine needles” or “pine leaves”—a name inspired by its muted, complex green color and the quiet image of pine leaves rustling in the wind.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Experience\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMATSUBA 松葉\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a light and approachable Japanese matcha with a distinctly vegetal character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe cup opens with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eclean green, vegetal notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and a light body, followed by low astringency that keeps the texture smooth and easy to drink. Toward the finish, an unexpected \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehint of dark cocoa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e emerges—subtle rather than sweet, adding depth without taking the matcha away from its fresh green character. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe result is straightforward yet nuanced: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003elight, vegetal, and smooth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe named it \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMATSUBA 松葉\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, meaning \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“pine needles” or “pine leaves.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e The name reflects both the matcha's muted, complex light-green color and the imagery of pine leaves moving gently in the wind—quiet, natural, and understated.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProfile:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Light ✦ Vegetal ✦ Smooth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOpening:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Fresh • Vegetal\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMid-Cup:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Clean green tea • Light-bodied\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFinish:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Smooth • Subtle dark cocoa\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAstringency:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Low\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBody:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Light\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTea \u0026amp; Ingredients\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTea Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Matcha Green Tea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIngredients:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Matcha green tea\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdded Flavoring:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e None\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaffeine:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Caffeinated\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike loose-leaf tea, matcha is finely powdered and whisked directly into water, so \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ethe tea leaf itself is consumed rather than removed after steeping\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHow to Prepare\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor a traditional bowl, sift approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1 matcha poon of MATSUBA\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e into a matcha bowl. Sifting helps break up small clumps and creates a smoother, more even suspension.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdd approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e2–3 oz \/ 60–90 ml of water at 160–175°F \/ 71–79°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUsing a bamboo \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003echasen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, whisk briskly until the matcha is evenly suspended and a fine layer of foam develops across the surface.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnjoy MATSUBA first with water alone. This is the best way to experience its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003efresh vegetal opening, light body, low astringency, and subtle dark-cocoa finish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. For a lighter cup, simply add additional warm water after whisking.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditional preparations to explore:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUsucha (Thin Tea):\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Use a smaller amount of matcha with more water and whisk briskly to create a fine foam. This preparation suits MATSUBA particularly well, highlighting its \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003elight body, clean vegetal character, and smooth finish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKoicha (Thick Tea):\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Prepare with more matcha and less water for a concentrated expression. Rather than whisking vigorously for foam, slowly knead and fold the matcha with the chasen until thick and smooth. This preparation brings greater intensity to MATSUBA's \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003evegetal character and underlying cocoa-like finish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTea Expert Tip:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Avoid boiling water. Begin around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e160–175°F \/ 71–79°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and experiment within that range. Cooler water generally gives you a softer expression, while warmer water can emphasize vegetal character and astringency.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat Does MATSUBA 松葉 Mean?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e松葉 — Matsuba — literally refers to “pine needles” or “pine leaves.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe chose the name not because pine is an ingredient or flavor, but because it captures the visual and sensory impression of this matcha. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emuted, complex light-green color\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e evokes the varied greens of pine foliage rather than an intensely vivid single shade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThere is also something quieter in the name: the image of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epine leaves stirring and rustling in the wind\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e—movement expressed through something restrained and natural. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat imagery fits MATSUBA's character in the cup. It doesn't overwhelm with richness or intensity. It is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003elight, vegetal, smooth, and quietly expressive\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhy Low Astringency Matters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAstringency is the drying or gently puckering sensation tea can leave on the palate. It is different from bitterness. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMATSUBA has \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003elow astringency\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which contributes significantly to its smooth character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThat makes it an approachable reference point in a comparative tasting: once you recognize MATSUBA's low astringency, it becomes easier to identify greater structure and drying sensation in another matcha such as YUUBI.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLearning to separate \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebitterness, astringency, vegetation, sweetness, umami, body, and finish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is one of the most useful steps toward tasting matcha like a tea professional.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePackaging \u0026amp; Storage\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStore matcha \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003etightly sealed and protected from heat, moisture, light, air, and strong odors\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Once opened, use it while its aroma and fresh green character are at their best.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExplore Churchill's Matcha Collection\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBegin with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMATSUBA 松葉\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as the lightest and smoothest of these three expressions. Then move to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYUUBI 優美\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for greater earthiness and structure, followed by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGyokuro Matcha\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for fuller body and deeper umami.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrepare all three using the same amount of matcha, water, temperature, and technique. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe comparison demonstrates an essential lesson in tea tasting: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epure matcha does not need added flavoring to offer dramatically different flavor profiles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMATSUBA vs. YUUBI vs. Gyokuro Matcha\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChurchill's pure matchas are selected to offer \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003edifferent expressions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\" style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMATSUBA 松葉 (This Matcha)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight ✦ Vegetal ✦ Smooth\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e→ For those who prefer a light body, straightforward vegetal character, low astringency, and subtle dark-cocoa finish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\" style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/churchillsteas.com%20%E2%80%BA%20products%20%E2%80%BA%20yuubi-organic-japanese-matcha\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYUUBI 優美 — Organic\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedium-Light ✦ Earthy ✦ Refined\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e→ For those who prefer an earthy-forward matcha with delicate grassiness and slightly more structure from astringency.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\" style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/churchillsteas.com%20%E2%80%BA%20products%20%E2%80%BA%20gyokuro-green-matcha\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGyokuro Matcha\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFull ✦ Umami ✦ Meditative\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e→ For those seeking the fullest and most umami-driven expression, with greater depth and richness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThink of them not as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003egood, better, best\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, but as three different expressions of pure matcha:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMATSUBA is light and smooth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/churchillsteas.com%20%E2%80%BA%20products%20%E2%80%BA%20yuubi-organic-japanese-matcha\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eYUUBI\u003c\/a\u003e is earthy and refined.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/churchillsteas.com%20%E2%80%BA%20products%20%E2%80%BA%20gyokuro-green-matcha\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eGyokuro\u003c\/a\u003e is full and meditative.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMATSUBA is particularly suited to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003etraditional matcha preparation, everyday matcha drinking, comparative tastings, and tea drinkers beginning to explore pure Japanese matcha without added flavors or sweeteners\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ccode\u003e\u003c\/code\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"CFTB","offers":[{"title":"1 ounce","offer_id":54500893425982,"sku":null,"price":14.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"2 ounces","offer_id":54500893458750,"sku":null,"price":29.9,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Hot Matcha Shot (in-store only)","offer_id":54500893491518,"sku":null,"price":6.45,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Iced Matcha Shot (in-store only)","offer_id":54500893524286,"sku":null,"price":6.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/churchillsteas.com\/products\/matsuba-japanese-matcha","provider":"Churchill's Fine Teas","version":"1.0","type":"link"}