PRODUCTS BY KISSA TEA

What do you mean by saying that KISSA Tea creations are 100 % natural?

All our KISSA tea creations taste as good as they smell. We do not use artificial flavours or additives. Pure tea is our priority. You can be sure to find only tea leaves of the highest quality in our KISSA tins. Like that, the tempting taste of KISSA can be ensured. We believe in 100 % natural quality and the pure joy of drinking tea.

Where are the KISSA Tea creations from?

Only tea of the best quality will be packed in our tins. Therefore, KISSA obtains all its teas from growing areas specialized in the respective type of tea. Our authentic Matcha creations are from Japan, from the Kagoshima Prefecture located on the island Kyûshû.

Are KISSA Tea creations tested and are they certified according to organic standards?

Of course they are. Maximum food safety is of utmost concern to KISSA Tea. We collaborate with Eurofins in Hamburg, a renowned and independent German testing institute, where all our teas are tested. Strict control procedures prove that all KISSA teas are unpolluted and clean – this applies to contamination by pesticides as well as by radioactivity.
All our teas are made of 100 % organic ingredients. Our code number, issued by the authorized inspection body is: AT-BIO-301.

Is it still safe to drink KISSA Tea creations after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011?

We collaborate with Eurofins in Hamburg, a renowned and independent German testing institute, where all our teas are tested. Strict control procedures prove that all KISSA teas are unpolluted and clean – this applies to contamination by pesticides as well as by radioactivity.

How do I store Matcha?

All our KISSA tea creations are fresh products. Once they have been opened, it is best to store your Matcha and KISSA Tea creations in the fridge. Our convenient tins can be reclosed tightly after they have been opened. Like this, you can be sure that no other smells and flavours affect the taste of your Matcha or tea creation and it will stay fresh up to 1–2 months.

The twirled tip of the bamboo whisk uncurls. Does that usually happen?

The KISSA whisks come with 80 fine natural baby-bamboo bristles. The curly tip simply makes it pretty to look at. When using the whisk, the baby-bamboo bristles uncurl and perfectly whisk your Matcha into fine, creamy froth. The best results will only be achieved after the bristles have opened up.

Does KISSA Matcha contain components of mineral oils such as MOSH/MOAH?

Kissa Tea stands for high quality green tea products. To express this claim, we only work with suppliers and manufacturers who comply with food safety standards and are certified accordingly.

It is our claim and our self-image that our products are free from any non-natural substances. For this reason, we ensure that all our products are free of pesticides, constantly monitor microbiological values, and even have samples analyzed for heavy metals.

Meanwhile, mineral oils, which include MOSH (Saturated Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons) and MOAH (Aromatic Mineral Oil Hydrocarbons), which are often referred to in the media, can be found in many places in daily life. They are used, for example, for fuels, cosmetics or printing inks. As a result, these substances are widely used in the environment. There are currently no studies on the direct effects of these substances on the human organism.

For tea, no legal limits for residues of mineral oil in the product are set.

In response to the latest findings, we, together with our quality management in Japan and together with our suppliers, comprehensively review all stages of production and processing to avoid inadvertent entry.

Do KISSA Tea products have a Fairtrade seal?

Since our green tea is grown in Japan, our products have no Fairtrade seal. KISSA CEO Thomas M. Grömer is a friend of the KISSA tea farmers in Japan and personally knows all KISSA tea growers. At least once a year Thomas M. Grömer travels to Japan to check on the tea and the people behind it.

Is KISSA Rainforest Alliance Certified™?

KISSA have recently been certified by the Raiforest Alliance and are happy to use the seal!

Founded in 1987, the Raiforest Alliance is an international non-profit environmental organization.

The Rainforest Alliance certification consists of three parts: Environmental Protection, Social Justice and Profitability. Growers are helped by the organization to progress in all three areas. Since its inception in Costa Rica in 1992, the certification system has been extended to 43 countries that are at risk for the well-being of millions of farmers and farm workers and countless animal and plant species. Over two million farmers, farm workers, and family members benefit directly from the Rainforest Alliance certification. Certification helps you to be proactive and sustainable. Working together with the growers and their traders on strategies and plans to preserve nature and improve living conditions for people and nature.

The certification of the Rainforest Alliance is based on standards set by independent organizations (such as SAN Sustainable Agriculture Network) and FSC (Forest Stewardship Councel). Written and practical audits are part of the certification process. Certification ensures that the certified raw materials are traceable and that jointly developed sustainability programs are adhered to. The certification and use of the Rainforest Alliance seal says that the certified product is in line with the conservation of biodiversity in the growing area and that the living conditions of the producers are sustainable. At the same time, the work of the Rainforest Alliance ensures that measures always remain economical in order to achieve a greater sustainability effect.

Here’s more information on the Rainforest Alliance.

MATCHA PREPARATION

How much Matcha do I need for the preparation of one drink?

Matcha is the espresso of teas. That is the reason why most people do not drink a whole mug or bowl in one serving. It is recommended to take 2 bamboo spoons/ ½ teaspoon full of Matcha and add about 150 ml of hot water (80 °C).

Do I need a bamboo whisk to make Matcha?

Using a bamboo whisk is not essential when making Matcha, but we highly recommend it. Sensing the soft, creamy froth on your lips – that is the true pleasure of Matcha. Of course you may also use an electric milk frother, but a really perfect crema can only be properly made with the bamboo whisk.

Why should I sift Matcha before preparation?

Since Matcha is a very fine powder, it can easily happen that lumps form during preparation. Therefore, we recommend sieving Matcha before preparation, so that the fine tea particles dissolve and nothing stands in the way of your creamy Matcha enjoyment. How to prepare your Matcha properly, you will find out here.

Can I drink my Matcha hot as well as cold or does it have an influence on the absorption of the nutrients?

Unlike traditional leaf tea, the temperature of the water or milk makes no difference to your Matcha consumption. With Matcha, you consume 100% green tea ingredients as you whip up the milled leaf, whether in hot or cold water, your smoothie, or your favorite latte. 

In leaf tea, the heat of the water is needed to extract the ingredients from the tea leaf. So you can enjoy about 10% of the ingredients.

INGREDIENTS AND EFFECTS

Why is there a difference in the nutrients of your Matcha teas?

This is based on the production of our Matcha. All our Matcha varieties are made of exquisite tencha leaves and are ground into finest powder with granite stone mills in Japan. Depending on region, location and altitude, the fine Japanese tencha green tea is cultivated in different qualities and with different nutrients. As an example, our Matcha Focus compensates for the lack of light caused by an exceedingly long shading period with an intense production of the amino acid L-theanine. You will find out more about the differences between the Matcha grades here.

Why are the effects of Matcha different to those of coffee?

Just like coffee, Matcha contains natural caffeine. However, the caffeine contained in roasted coffee is in a compound with chlorogenic acid and potassium and is released immediately after consumption – hence the quick effect. By contrast, caffeine in tea contains polyphenol compounds; the alkaloid is released not until it is absorbed by the intestines. The energy boost is not as sudden as the caffeine rush inherent in coffee, but lasts way longer. These effects are verified by scientists from Ecopro Research Co. Ltd. // By Standard Table of Food Composition in Japan Fifth Revised Edition, 2000 // Recourses Council, Science and Technology Agency, Japan.

How much Matcha can I drink in one day?

Just like the effects of coffee, the effects of Matcha depend on your own body’s reaction. Matcha rookies should start with one or two servings of Matcha per day (prepared with ½ tsp of Matcha). It is usually safe to drink Matcha during pregnancy. However, please consult your doctor to be sure that there are no medical reasons against the consumption of Matcha.

WEBSHOP

I cannot login. Can you delete my account so that I can create a new one?

No, we don’t want to delete your account! 🙂 You have probably not signed up yet or entered a wrong user name or password. You can reset your password on the login page.

Can I still change my order after payment?

No, unfortunately that is not possible. We are happy to help you personally in such a case. Just write us!

Where can I enter my coupon code?

You can enter your coupon code right into your cart. After clicking “Apply Coupon”, the value of the voucher will be deducted from your order and the new invoice amount will be displayed.

Is it possible to buy more products than the value of the voucher includes?

Yes of course! The value of the voucher will automatically be deducted from your order. You can choose a payment method to pay for the outstanding amount.

Can I only buy KISSA Tea in your web shop?

No, you can also buy our tea creations from our partners in stores. Find out where to buy them here. Please keep in mind that our partners might not sell the whole selection of KISSA creations.

SHIPPING AND PAYMENT

Where can I find the shipping costs and delivery conditions?

Everything about shipping costs and delivery can be found here.