Who is Pure Matcha?

Pure Matcha is a ceremonial-grade matcha sourced exclusively from Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, by Brooklyn-based wellness brand Golde. It is certified organic and tested free of radiation and heavy metals, with a proprietary cold-processing method that preserves its smooth, mellow profile and vibrant emerald hue.

The tea leaves come from a multigenerational, family-run producer in Uji, grown under shade cultivation (bamboo or nylon mesh) for two to four weeks before the hand-picked ichibancha first flush. Tencha is steamed near 80°C, dried below 35°C, then stone-ground below 25°C on granite millstones, retaining heat-sensitive L-theanine and antioxidants.

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Ceremonial-grade matcha from Uji, Japan since 2017

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Pure Matcha in details

Pure Matcha by Golde brings ceremonial-grade tea from Uji, Japan’s most celebrated matcha region, directly to wellness enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on quality. Founded by Trinity Mouzon Wofford in Brooklyn in 2017, Golde has built its reputation on making premium superfoods accessible without sacrificing authenticity or sourcing standards.

Beyond Ceremonial Grade

While many brands stop at ceremonial grade, Pure Matcha pushes further. Each batch is freshly shade-grown and cold-processed in Uji to preserve maximum antioxidant and amino acid content. The result is a smooth, mellow flavor profile that stands beautifully on its own or pairs naturally with honey or maple syrup.

The brand maintains rigorous quality standards: certified organic, radiation-free, heavy metal-free, vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO. These aren’t just checkboxes—they reflect Golde’s commitment to transparency in every step of the sourcing process.

Recognition From Trusted Sources

Pure Matcha has earned accolades from publications that matter. New York Magazine named it “Best Matcha Powder for Lattes,” while Food & Wine declared it “The Best Matcha Powder for 2024.” TODAY praised its ability to deliver energy without the caffeine jitters that plague many morning rituals.

What Sets This Matcha Apart

The functional benefits align with what serious matcha drinkers seek:

  • L-theanine for sustained, serene focus that carries through demanding workdays
  • Approximately 60mg of caffeine per serving—enough for clean energy without the crash
  • High concentrations of polyphenols and catechins that support overall wellness
  • Chlorophyll content that aids natural detoxification processes

Accessible Premium Quality

Golde offers Pure Matcha in two formats: a 40g tin providing roughly 15 servings, and a 100g pouch with approximately 33 servings. At $39.00, the brand positions itself in the premium segment while offering subscription options for regular matcha drinkers who want consistency in their routine.

Trinity Mouzon Wofford’s vision extends beyond selling tea. Golde represents a community-oriented approach to wellness, where quality sourcing and authentic education take precedence over marketing hype. For matcha enthusiasts comparing options, Pure Matcha delivers verifiable quality from a brand that understands the difference between ceremonial grade and truly exceptional.

About the Pure Matcha Matcha

Pure Matcha by Golde is a ceremonial-grade green tea known for its vibrant emerald hue, silken texture, and nuanced flavor. It is certified organic and tested free of radiation and heavy metals, and is vegan, gluten-free, and non-GMO.

Flavor and Character

The taste blends smooth, mellow green-tea notes with hints of sweetness and umami. Its striking color, measured at L*95, a* -2, b* 10 on the CIELAB scale, signals elevated chlorophyll and superior quality, and it works well in both lattes and culinary uses. Each serving delivers around 25mg of L-theanine for serene focus without coffee jitters, with an ORAC antioxidant value above 1,500 TE/g.

Cold-Processing Method

A proprietary cold process controls temperature throughout: leaves are gently steamed near 80°C for 15-20 seconds, dried below 35°C, then stone-ground below 25°C on granite millstones to protect heat-sensitive antioxidants, amino acids, and aromatic compounds.

Harvest location

Pure Matcha is sourced exclusively from Uji in Kyoto Prefecture, a region with a centuries-long legacy as the epicenter of premium matcha. Uji's terroir features undulating hills, misty mornings, and mineral-rich soil that give tea plants optimal conditions.

Terroir and growers

A temperate climate with four distinct seasons promotes slow, deliberate growth, concentrating flavor and nutrients in the leaves. The brand collaborates with a multigenerational, family-run producer in Uji for consistent quality.

Shading and harvest

About two to four weeks before harvest, the plants are draped with bamboo or nylon meshes to cut sunlight by roughly 90%. This shading drives chlorophyll production for the vibrant green hue and intensifies amino acids for umami. During the ichibancha first flush in spring, only the youngest, most delicate leaves are hand-plucked. The leaves become tencha, which undergoes quality control including heavy-metal testing by ICP-MS and radiation testing.

Pure Matcha History

Pure Matcha grew out of Golde, founded in Brooklyn in 2017 by Trinity Mouzon Wofford with a vision of accessible wellness. That year the company forged a direct relationship with a multigenerational, family-run producer in Uji, Japan.

Milestones

  • 2018: Proprietary cold-processing method introduced at the Uji facility.
  • 2024: Named a best matcha powder by New York Magazine and Food & Wine.
January 1, 2017

Trinity Mouzon Wofford established Golde in Brooklyn, New York, driven by a vision of inclusive well-being and accessible wellness products. This founding moment marked the beginning of what would become a pioneering superfood brand focused on quality and transparency.

June 1, 2017

Golde forged a direct relationship with a multigenerational, family-run producer in Uji, Japan, representing a pivotal moment in the company's matcha journey. This partnership fostered heightened transparency and oversight throughout the production chain, ensuring authentic Japanese craftsmanship.

January 1, 2018

Pure Matcha introduced its proprietary cold-processing method at the Uji-based supplier facility, meticulously controlling temperatures throughout steaming (80°C), drying (below 35°C), and grinding (below 25°C) phases. This innovation preserved heat-sensitive compounds while maintaining traditional stone-grinding techniques.

January 1, 2020

Golde implemented stringent quality control measures including ICP-MS testing for heavy metals, gamma spectrometry for radiation detection, and sensory evaluations by trained tea connoisseurs. These protocols ensured each batch met exacting standards with ORAC values surpassing 1500 TE/g.

January 1, 2024

Pure Matcha received prestigious recognition as 'Best Matcha Powder for Lattes' by New York Magazine and 'The Best Matcha Powder for 2024' by Food & Wine, cementing its position as a premium ceremonial-grade matcha in the competitive wellness market.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers.

What makes Golde's Pure Matcha different from other ceremonial-grade matchas with its cold-processing method?

Golde's Pure Matcha uses a proprietary cold-processing technique that maintains strict temperature controls throughout production. The leaves are steamed at 80°C (176°F) for only 15-20 seconds, dried below 35°C (95°F), and stone-ground below 25°C (77°F).

This cold-processing method preserves heat-sensitive antioxidants and amino acids that would otherwise degrade at higher temperatures. The result is a matcha with enhanced flavor, vibrant color, and superior nutritional profile compared to traditionally processed ceremonial grades.

How does Pure Matcha's ORAC value of over 1500 TE/g compare to typical matcha antioxidant levels?

Pure Matcha's ORAC value exceeding 1500 TE/g represents exceptionally high antioxidant activity. This measurement indicates the tea's ability to neutralize oxygen radicals, providing robust cellular protection and immune system support.

The elevated ORAC value results from Golde's shade-growing techniques in Uji and their cold-processing method, which preserves delicate antioxidant compounds that contribute to the matcha's health-promoting properties.

Why does Golde specifically source Pure Matcha from a multigenerational family producer in Uji?

Golde established a direct relationship with a multigenerational, family-run producer in Uji to ensure authenticity and quality consistency. This partnership provides heightened transparency throughout the production chain and upholds centuries-old cultivation traditions.

  • Access to Uji's distinctive terroir with mineral-rich soil
  • Traditional farming techniques passed down through generations
  • Direct oversight of the ichibancha (first flush) harvest
  • Guaranteed adherence to Golde's cold-processing standards

This collaboration ensures each tin embodies the heritage of authentic Uji craftsmanship.

What does Pure Matcha's color measurement of L*95, a* -2, b* 10 on the CIELAB scale indicate?

The CIELAB color values L*95, a* -2, b* 10 quantify Pure Matcha's striking emerald appearance and indicate superior quality. The L*95 value represents exceptional brightness, while the a* and b* values confirm the vibrant green hue characteristic of high-grade matcha.

These precise measurements reflect elevated chlorophyll content achieved through Golde's shade-growing process, where tea plants are covered for 2-4 weeks before harvest to boost chlorophyll production and create the brilliant color that distinguishes ceremonial-grade matcha.

How much L-theanine does Pure Matcha contain per serving and what effects does this provide?

Pure Matcha contains approximately 25mg of L-theanine per serving, an amino acid that promotes serene focus without the jitters associated with coffee. This L-theanine concentration results from Golde's shade-growing process, which intensifies amino acid development in the tea leaves.

The 25mg dosage provides a state of calm alertness, making Pure Matcha ideal for sustained concentration and mental clarity throughout the day.