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Nishio Matcha

西尾の抹茶, Nishio tencha

8.2/10 editor's score

Matcha from Nishio in Aichi, the largest producer of powdered green tea in Japan. One of Japan's regional matcha brands.

MatchaShade-grownAichi

↓ Jump to brew guide About this tea Compare

Based on published sources, not yet tasted.

What you need

70 ml water75 to 80°C

Whisk 0:301 steep

LiquorOpaque jade green

Served inChawan (tea bowl)

At a glance

Matcha from Nishio in Aichi, the largest producer of powdered green tea in Japan.

CaffeineHigh~30 to 70 mg a serving, our estimate

Beginner fit7.0 / 10From the editor's score

HarvestMay (first flush)Tencha for the best matcha.

Pairs withWagashi, White chocolate, LattesLess good with heavy spice

Grown atYahagi river plainsNishio, Aichi

Served inChawan (tea bowl)Whisked and drunk from the bowl

About Nishio Matcha

What sources say about the taste

Sources say shade growing gives matcha its bright green colour and strong umami ¹.

01 · Aroma

First sip

Lift the cup and smell before you drink.

02 · Taste

Middle

Let it sit on the tongue for a moment.

03 · Finish

Finish

What stays after you swallow.

Hover or tap a noteBigger image and more dots mean a stronger note.

Notes and intensities are an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not our own tasting.

Where it grows

Largest: Japan's top producer of powdered green tea ²
Land: Fertile plains along the Yahagi River ²
Brand: A regional matcha brand ¹
Record: 14,718-person tea ceremony in 2006 ²

History and culture

Nishio's plains have grown tea since ancient times ².

In 2006 it set a record for the largest simultaneous tea ceremony ².

Editor's score

8.2/10

Weighted across six criteria: flavour 30%, heritage 20%, availability 15%, value 15%, beginners 10%, versatility 10%.

Based on published sources, not yet tasted. Rates the tea style, not a brand. How we score →

Taste profile and caffeine

Profile is an editor's summary of published tasting notes, not a lab measurement or our own tasting.

Caffeine

Brewed coffee~95 mg

Nishio Matcha~30 to 70 mg

Black tea (average)~47 mg

Green tea (average)~28 mg

Our estimate. You drink the whole leaf. Per 8 fl oz (240 ml) cup. Coffee and tea averages from Mayo Clinic^C.

Harvest calendar

The finest matcha uses first-flush tencha ¹. Tap a month or a season.

Cultivars and plant

Shade-grown Camellia sinensis, made into tencha ¹.

How it is made

01Shading

2 to 3 weeks before picking ¹.

02Steaming

Leaves steamed.

03Drying

Dried as tencha ¹.

04Milling

Stone-milled to powder ¹.

Dry leaf and liquor

LiquorOpaque jade green.

After steeping

Wet leafFrothy green.

The colour swatch is an approximate guide, not a photograph.

Food pairings and storage

Works well

Wagashi
White chocolate
Lattes

Best avoided

Heavy spice

Pairings are general suggestions from the tea's style, not tested matches.

Storage

Airtight, opaque container, away from light, heat and smells.
Green tea fades fastest: aim to finish it within 3 to 6 months of opening.
Unopened sealed packs can go in the fridge. Let them reach room temperature before opening.

Grades and fakes

"Ceremonial" and "culinary" are marketing terms, not official grades.

First-flush matcha was historically reserved for tea ceremonies ¹.

How to spot a poor or fake one

Bright green, not yellow or brown.
Avoid sugar-added mixes.

FAQ

Ceremonial or culinary?

These are marketing terms. Choose by colour, smell and harvest.

Find it inGreen teas Teas from Japan NishioMatchaShade-grownAichi

Sources

Wikipedia, "Matcha". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matcha
Wikipedia, "Nishio, Aichi". en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nishio,_Aichi
Mayo Clinic, "Caffeine content for coffee, tea, soda and more". www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

Scores and content updated 30 Oct 2026.