Matcha Harvest Seasons, Explained

Matcha Harvest Seasons, Explained

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If you’re sourcing matcha at scale, understanding harvest seasons is essential for:

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• Quality consistency
• Pricing expectations
• Flavor profiles
• Stock planning

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The Three Main Matcha Harvests

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In Japan, matcha (tencha) is typically harvested once a year for premium grades, but broadly speaking there are three harvest periods:

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1. First Harvest (Ichibancha) - Spring

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Timing: Late April to May

This is the most important harvest.

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After winter dormancy, tea plants store nutrients and develop:

• High amino acid content (especially L-theanine)
• Natural sweetness (umami)
• Smooth, low bitterness

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This is where ceremonial and high-grade matcha comes from.

• Highest price point
• Limited availability
• Best for premium positioning

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2. Second Harvest (Nibancha) - Early Summer

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Timing: June to July

Leaves grow faster due to warmer temperatures, but:

• Nutrient density is lower
• Bitterness increases
• Color is still good, but sightly less vibrant

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Often used for daily drinking, latte and premium matcha

• More affordable
• Good for blends, foodservice, or ready-to-drink products

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3. Third Harvest (Sanbancha) - Late Summer

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Timing: July to August

This harvest is typically:

• More fibrous
• More bitter
• Lower in chlorophyll and amino acids

Mostly used for culinary matcha and industrial applications.

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Why First Harvest Matters

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The difference isn’t just timing, but rather plant physiology.

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During winter:

• Tea plants slow down
• Nutrients accumulate in the roots

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When spring arrives:

• The first leaves draw on these reserves
• Resulting in richer flavor and better texture

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After that first harvest:

• The plant has fewer stored nutrients
• Subsequent growth is faster but less refined

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Harvest Season vs Color: What’s the Connection?

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Harvest timing directly affects matcha color:

• First harvest → deeper, richer green
• Later harvests → lighter, duller green

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But here’s where it gets important:

Color is influenced by both harvest timing AND farming practices

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Even first harvest matcha:

• Will not appear “neon green” if grown under organic conditions
• May look softer compared to heavily optimized conventional matcha

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Shading: The Critical Pre-Harvest Step

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Before harvesting, matcha plants are shaded for about 3-4 weeks.

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This process:

• Increases chlorophyll → greener leaves
• Boosts L-theanine → more umami
• Reduces bitterness

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However, shading interacts with harvest timing:

• First harvest + proper shading → premium quality
• Later harvest + shading → improved, but never equal to spring harvest

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Supply Reality: Why First Harvest Matcha Is Limited

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Each year:

• Only one true first harvest window exists
• Yields are finite
• Weather can impact volume significantly

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This creates:

• Supply constraints
• Price fluctuations
• Demand

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Interested in trying matcha from different harvest seasons? Reach out to us directly to order samples.