Insights from Tea Farmers in Uji, Japan

When shopping for matcha, you’ve probably asked yourself: Should I go organic?
It sounds healthier, more natural — but is it always better?

After speaking directly with tea farmers in Uji, Kyoto — one of Japan’s most respected tea regions — we’ve learned that the answer is more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no.”

Color and Flavor: A Matter of Cultivation

Non-organic matcha is often a vivid, lush green with a bold, umami-rich taste. This comes from careful fertilization, especially with nitrogen-rich inputs that intensify flavor and color. Think of it as a gourmet approach — rich in nutrients, designed to bring out the best in every leaf.

In contrast, organic matcha tends to be lighter in color, with a gentler, more subtle taste — sometimes closer to sencha. Without the help of chemical fertilizers, the tea plants dig deep into the earth to find nutrients naturally. It's a kind of “vegan farming,” and the taste reflects that: earthy, soft, and unpretentious.

But “Organic” Doesn’t Mean Just One Thing

What surprised us most was how diverse organic farming can be.

Some farms use organic fertilizers derived from animals, while others follow a completely plant-based, sustainable cycle. Both are certified organic under Japan’s JAS system — but the farming philosophies are very different. These differences can greatly influence the tea’s aroma, depth, and finish.

So while the “organic” label is useful, it doesn’t tell the full story. Knowing how the tea is grown matters just as much.

Processing, Storage, and Beyond

Tea farmers were also quick to point out that cultivation is only part of the picture.

The type of tea plant, weather, soil, how the leaves are steamed, dried, and ground — even the condition of the stone mill — all affect the taste. And once matcha is ground into powder, it becomes incredibly sensitive. Light, heat, and air can quickly degrade its flavor and color.

In fact, the vibrant green you see in premium matcha is often the result of careful, cold storage just as much as expert farming.