Matcha, roughly translated as ‘fine powdered tea’, is a Japanese green tea made from grounded tea leaves typically grown in Japan. Matcha contains a similar amount of caffeine as a single cup of coffee but without the crash and provides a long lasting, sustained energy. 

We source our matcha from the Nishio region in Aichi prefecture on the island of Hunshu in Japan. It is one of the oldest plantations in the area and is the main production site for the largest tea companies in the world. We prefer this over a smaller production facility to ensure the freshest product and fastest turnover possible.

Unlike Sencha, Tencha tea plants (the raw material which becomes matcha after processing) are grown in gradually reduced sunlight over a month’s period of time.

When it’s time for harvesting, only the new leaves are picked. Depriving the tea plants of sunlight makes the leaves thinner, more tender, and produces a fresher, deep green color. The leaves also contain much higher levels of chlorophyll, giving matcha it’s signature vibrancy.

To obtain a higher quality of matcha, our tea harvesters only select the finest tea leaves. Timing is crucial and it takes a true master with years of experience to choose the optimum time for harvesting.

Potion Matcha Bar was founded by Chloe Emmons in 2018 as a way to provide proper matcha in Columbus, OH.

Before Potion, Chloe was brought into the world of tea by the careful curation of a local independent tea shop in Columbus. Before long, an appreciation for matcha became personal ritual. She saw a lack of proper matcha in the city and began to import it for herself. Combining the deep history of the ritual with playful use of flavor and color, her now signature products were first enjoyed by the company of friends in her home and at work. From there, Potion was born.