Storied Japan

Matcha, sencha, and gyokuro all come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. What separates them is two decisions: whether the leaf grows in sun or shade, and whether you grind it to powder or steep it in a pot. This lays out brewing temperatures, caffeine, and flavor side by side.

"Ceremonial grade" is printed on $8 tins and $80 tins alike, with no standard in between. Here is what the label signals, what it hides, and how Japan sorts its matcha.

Hojicha has roughly 7–20 mg of caffeine per cup; matcha has around 38–89 mg per 2 g serving. That single gap explains most of why people choose one over the other — but the real reason hojicha is gentle isn't roasting. Here is the full comparison.

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