Shin matcha (新抹茶) is from the very first flush tealeaves with minimum aging to no aging. Tencha, the processed dried tealeaves, is often aged in a controlled condition (usually in a freezing facility) to let the flavour settle and become more complex and bold.

Shin matcha, in contrary, is ground directly from freshly processed tencha, resulting in a fresh, grassy, light tasting end product.