At Hello Matcha, we believe that great matcha is more than just a drink, it’s an encounter with history, tradition, and craftsmanship. All our ceremonial matcha powder is stone-milled in the lush hills of Uji, Kyoto, where Japan’s most revered matcha culture was born. What exactly is stone milled matcha? And why does this centuries old method matter today?
Let’s take a closer look at the timeless process behind one of the world’s most refined teas.
What Is Stone Milled Matcha?
Stone milling is the traditional process of grinding dried tencha leaves (the precursor to matcha) between two hand carved granite wheels. This method dates back to the 12th century and remains largely unchanged in Japan’s most prestigious tea regions, especially Uji, long celebrated as the spiritual home of matcha.
Unlike modern industrial grinders, stone mills rotate slowly, taking nearly one hour to produce just 30–40 grams of ultra fine matcha powder. This low friction process prevents heat damage, protecting the tea’s delicate amino acids, antioxidants, and chlorophyll, all key to producing that vivid green color and signature smoothness.
The result? Matcha that is:
- Bright in color
- Velvety in texture
- Umami rich in flavour
- Naturally sweet and low in bitterness
Why Uji?
Uji, located just south of Kyoto, has cultivated tea since the Heian period and is synonymous with quality. Its misty climate, fertile soil, and skilled tea masters make it the ideal environment for producing the finest matcha in Japan. Many of Japan’s oldest tea growing families reside here, passing down knowledge through generations.
At Hello Matcha, we source our ceremonial matcha powder from tea farms and factories in Uji that use time honoured techniques, from hand shading the tea plants in early spring to careful stone milling after harvest. This commitment ensures that every pouch embodies the elegance and purity that Uji matcha is known for.
The Craft of Slowness
In a world that moves fast, stone milling is an act of intention and slowness. Each granite mill must be precisely balanced and regularly maintained by artisans who understand the exact rhythm and pressure needed to produce perfect matcha. It’s a delicate process that prioritises quality over speed, and it’s the only method that meets the high standards of ceremonial grade matcha.
This is why most of the world’s best matcha, including ours, is still made this way, right in Uji.
From Leaf to Cup: The Hello Matcha Promise
When you enjoy a cup of our ceremonial matcha, you’re not just tasting green tea, you’re experiencing a living tradition. Every scoop comes from shaded fields, every leaf is hand selected, and every gram is stone milled in Uji to bring out the full character of the tea.
Whether you’re practicing a tea ceremony, enjoying a moment of mindfulness, or simply starting your morning right, our matcha offers you a taste of heritage, purity, and calm.
Try the Real Thing
We invite you to explore our ceremonial matcha powder, sourced from Kyoto’s historic tea farms and stone-milled in the heart of Uji. Let the centuries of care and craftsmanship transform your daily ritual into something extraordinary.
