Quickly Benicia Introduces Ceremonial Matcha to Northern California Tea Lovers
Quickly Benicia has added ceremonial matcha to its menu, sourced directly from Uji, Kyoto, through a partnership with Uji Matcha Green Tea. The announcement makes Quickly Benicia one of the few establishments in the region to serve authentic Uji matcha from Japan, prepared according to traditional methods.
The decision to carry ceremonial-grade matcha came after months of sourcing. Unlike commodity-grade matcha sold in grocery stores, ceremonial matcha requires specific growing conditions, hand-picking, and stone grinding that most suppliers cannot replicate. Quickly Benicia selected Japan Uji matcha for its depth of flavor and vibrant color, characteristics that distinguish genuine Kyoto Uji matcha from mass-produced alternatives.
What makes ceremonial matcha different from regular green tea
The matcha served at Quickly Benicia comes from Uji tea farms that shade their plants for three weeks before harvest. This shade-growing technique increases chlorophyll and L-theanine content while reducing bitterness. The result is a Uji powdered green tea that tastes smooth rather than astringent.
After harvest, workers remove stems and veins from the leaves before grinding them on granite stone mills. A single mill produces only 30 to 40 grams of organic uji matcha per hour. This slow process prevents heat buildup that would destroy the tea's bright green color and delicate amino acids.
Conventional tea bags contain broken leaves and dust that steep in water. When you drink regular green tea, you discard 90 percent of the leaf material. Matcha consumption works differently. Because matcha green is a whole-leaf product ground into powder, you ingest the entire leaf during matcha intake. Research on tea catechins indicates that this method yields higher antioxidant concentrations than steeping loose-leaf tea.
How Quickly Benicia prepares authentic Uji matcha
Matcha preparation at Quickly Benicia follows the traditional Japanese technique. Staff sift the Uji organic matcha through a fine mesh to break up clumps, then add 175-degree water in precise amounts. They whisk the mixture with a bamboo chasen until a layer of fine foam forms on the surface.
The temperature matters. Water that is too hot scorches the powder, producing bitter matcha. Water that is too cool fails to release the full aroma. Quickly Benicia trains its team to make the matcha tea the same way each time, so customers receive a consistent product whether they order at 11 AM or 7 PM.
Customers can order the uji kyoto matcha straight, with steamed milk, or over ice. Each version uses the same Uji Hikari matcha sourced from ujimatchagreentea.com. The shop also sells matcha by the tin for customers who want to make their own at home.
Organic ceremonial matcha sourced from Uji, Japan
Uji sits between Kyoto and Nara in a river valley where morning mists create natural shade. Tea cultivation began there in the 12th century, and the region still produces what many consider the finest matcha Uji in Japan in the world. Quickly Benicia's organic ceremonial supply comes from farms that have grown tea for multiple generations.
The organic certification matters. Matcha is consumed whole, so any pesticide residue on the leaf ends up in the drink. Organic uji matcha near me searches have increased as consumers learn more about food sourcing. The uji tea sold at Quickly Benicia is USDA organic-certified and tested for heavy metals and contaminants.
Each batch arrives with documentation showing the harvest date, farm of origin, and grinding date. This level of traceability is uncommon in the green tea market, where products often pass through multiple brokers before reaching stores.
Events at Quickly Benicia featuring ceremonial matcha
Quickly Benicia plans to host matcha events throughout the year. The first event, scheduled for next month, will feature a demonstration of traditional whisking technique and a tasting flight comparing different grades of green powder. Attendees can sample the difference between culinary, premium, and ceremonial grades side by side.
Future events may include guided tea ceremonies with guest instructors. The shop has also discussed partnerships with local bakeries to develop matcha-infused pastries using their ceremonial matcha supply.
"We want people to understand that matcha is more than a latte flavor," a Quickly Benicia representative said. "When you taste real ceremonial grade tea from Uji, you realize what you have been missing."
Where to find ceremonial matcha near me in the Bay Area
Quickly Benicia is located in downtown Benicia, California. The full official Quickly menu is available at quickly.menu, where customers can also place pickup orders. Store hours, directions, and contact information are posted at quicklybenicia.com.
The ceremonial matcha is available now as both a standalone drink and in specialty beverages. Prices vary by preparation method. The shop recommends that first-time matcha drinkers try the traditional preparation to experience the tea's full character before adding milk or a sweetener.
For customers who want to learn more about the sourcing and health properties of Uji matcha, Quickly Benicia points to their supplier's website at ujimatchagreentea.com, which includes information on product selection, brewing guides, and the history of the Uji region.
About Quickly Benicia
Quickly Benicia serves tea, coffee, and specialty drinks in downtown Benicia, California. The shop focuses on quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods. For more information, visit quicklybenicia.com.
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