Frequently Asked Questions
Origin & Craft
What grade(s) of matcha does AMÉ have?
At AMÉ, we intentionally move beyond grade labels.
Terms like “ceremonial” or “culinary” often simplify something far more nuanced. We believe quality is better understood through cultivar, harvest, season, and the way the tea expresses itself in the cup. This is defined through color, texture, balance, and palate.
Rather than fixed categories, we focus on offering thoughtfully selected matcha of exceptional quality, each with its own distinct character.
What are cultivar(s), and what does "single cultivar" mean?
Cultivars are the specific varieties of tea plants used to make matcha, each with its own flavor and character.
A single-cultivar matcha is made from one variety of tea plant, while a blend combines multiple cultivars to create balance and harmony.
How does AMÉ select its farms and teas?
We thoughtfully select farms that cultivate teas with care, integrity, and respect for tea culture and community.
We seek teas of exceptional quality that also reflect the natural variation of place, season, and expression, embracing diversity and the beauty of change as part of the tea experience.
About AMÉ
What is the philosophy behind AMÉ?
Beauty lives in difference.
Inspired by wabi-sabi, we honor the natural variation of place, season, cultivar, and leaf, recognizing that no single origin defines quality and no single ritual defines enjoyment. While our roots begin in Japan, our philosophy extends beyond it, thoughtfully exploring exceptional teas from around the world and appreciating how different regions, climates, and traditions shape the experience of matcha.
We believe matcha is personal. Some find beauty in a delicate usucha, others in a bold latte during a busy morning. By offering carefully selected teas across origins, cultivars, and flavor profiles, we hope to help each person discover their own taste and enjoy matcha on their own terms.
Why "AMÉ"?
AMÉ is a name held by many meanings, much like tea itself.
From soul, to rain, to “I loved,” each interpretation reflects our belief in connection, renewal, and the beauty of change. Like every harvest and every ritual, meaning is not singular — it evolves, deepens, and becomes uniquely your own.
Taste & Preparation
Which tea is right for me?
There is no single “best” matcha, for it all depends on what suits your ritual.
For usucha and koicha, we recommend soft, balanced profiles with low bitterness. For milk pairings and mixed beverages, typically teas with greater structure and natural sweetness maintain their presence in the cup.
Are AMÉ teas more focused for traditional rituals or mixed beverages?
AMÉ teas are curated with certain rituals in mind, though the best preparation is ultimately the one that feels right to you.
Traditional preparation reveals the tea’s full character and nuance, while milk softens the profile, mellowing bitterness and bringing forward sweetness. The experience shifts with ratio, ritual, and intention.
What is the ideal ratio for a latte?
Balance is key.
The ideal ratio will vary depending on the tea’s profile. More delicate expressions may require less milk, while fuller profiles can support more.
Ratios may be adjusted to taste, though restraint with sweetener helps preserve depth and clarity.
What temperature is best to prepare matcha?
Typically, warm water (160–175ºF / 70–80ºC) offers the most balanced expression, though the ideal temperature may vary by tea and ritual.
Hotter water can emphasize bitterness, while gentler temperatures preserve sweetness, color, and texture. Some profiles may also be beautifully expressed in cooler or cold-water preparations.
Tips for Storage
How is tea best stored?
Tea is best stored in a cool, dry place away from heat, light, moisture, and strong odors.
Keep it tightly sealed to preserve freshness, aroma, and color. If refrigerated or frozen, allow it to return to room temperature before opening.
How long does matcha remain at its best?
Once opened, it is most expressive within one to three months, when aroma, color, and vibrancy are at their peak.
When stored carefully, it remains enjoyable beyond this window, though character gradually softens over time.