If you’re exploring the world of matcha tea, you’ve probably seen words like blend or single cultivar thrown around. But what do they really mean — and how do they affect the taste, quality, or experience of your cup?
Whether you’re new to matcha or searching for the best ceremonial matcha to buy, understanding the difference helps you choose the right one for your taste and lifestyle.
🌱 What is Single Cultivar Matcha?
A single cultivar matcha is made using just one specific variety of the tea plant — like Okumidori or Seimei. That means the leaves all come from the same cultivar, grown in the same region, and often harvested at the same time.
It’s a focused, unblended expression of what that plant has to offer.
Think of it like a solo musician — clear, expressive, and full of character.
Why people love it:
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Pure and traceable – You know exactly what you’re drinking and where it comes from.
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Deep flavour expression – From soft floral notes to creamy nuttiness or bright umami, each cultivar has its own personality.
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Ideal for mindful sipping – Perfect if you enjoy usucha (traditional matcha tea preparation) or want to taste the nuances of the tea leaf.
A few things to keep in mind:
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Seasonal variation – Since it’s not blended, the taste can shift slightly year to year.
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Less balanced – Some single cultivars might taste bolder, greener, or more vegetal — it depends on the plant.
🍵 What is a Blended Matcha?
Blended matcha is crafted by combining multiple cultivars (and sometimes multiple harvests). It’s a skillful process led by tea masters who balance different flavour profiles to create a smooth, reliable, and delicious matcha.
It’s the matcha version of a perfectly mixed playlist — easy to love and hard to get wrong.
Why blends are popular:
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Balanced flavour – Rich but mellow, smooth but layered. Great for everyday drinking.
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Consistency – Slight changes in harvests can be adjusted for, so your matcha always tastes just right.
A few trade-offs:
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Less specific – You won’t get the sharp flavour identity of a single cultivar.
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Harder to trace – It can be more difficult to know exactly which cultivars are in your tin.
So… Which Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick breakdown to help:
| Choose... | If you want... |
|---|---|
| Single Cultivar Matcha | A deeper dive into flavour and origin. Perfect for curious palates. |
| Blended Matcha | A smooth, reliable matcha that’s easy to love |
At Romi, We Offer Both — for a Reason
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🥜 Blend 01 – Nutty, smooth, and balanced. An award-winning ceremonial matcha blend, designed for cosy matcha lattes and quiet moments.
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💚 Okumidori – A creamy, mellow single cultivar with soft umami and floral notes. Grounding and satisfying.
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🍃 Seimei – A rare, elegant single cultivar with a fresh lift and oolong-like clarity.
All of our matchas are sourced from Yame, Japan — a region known for rich, smooth, and characterful ceremonial matcha. Whether you're seeking a dependable blend or a unique single cultivar, every tin of matcha tea powder from Romi is crafted to bring calm clarity to your day.
Where to Buy Matcha in the UK?
If you’re wondering where to buy matcha in the UK, you’re in the right place. At Romi, we make it easy to explore high-quality, authentic Japanese matcha tea online — with transparent sourcing, award-winning blends, and curated bundles to help you discover what you love.
Not sure where to begin?
Try our Yame Ceremonial Trio — a tasting set of all three matchas: one smooth blend, two distinct single cultivars.