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The Matcha - represented in Japanese by the ideogram 抹茶 - or Japanese green tea is a high-quality green tea finely ground with a stone mill and transformed into the famous powder everyone is talking about. It is an Japanese tea with ancient origins rich in properties and benefits that we will discover together in this article, a tea used in formal tea ceremonies.
According to the Japanese lexicon, Matcha should actually be pronounced and written as Maccha, but over time it has now been identified with the term matcha (P.S. if you are passionate about lexical debates on tea like us, read our article on how to write tea in Italian!).
Matcha is an emblem and pillar of Japanese culture, with an ancient history sometimes shrouded in mystery and legend: the first traces of this tea date back to the Tang dynasty (7th-10th century AD), during which the leaves were cooked and powdered to be consumed with water and salt. However, it was later, during the Song dynasty (10th-13th century AD), that its fame was consolidated by the founder of Zen philosophy, Eisai Myoan: returning from China, he brought seeds and methods to cultivate the plant. Due to its therapeutic and medicinal benefits, the consumption of Matcha became the focus of monastic life, and later also of the aristocratic class, and only in subsequent centuries was it established as a tea ceremony foundation.
- Matcha: preparation, benefits, and everything you've always wanted to know • A pinch of matcha history • Matcha today and its uses - Production and processing of Matcha Tea - Matcha: properties and benefits - Matcha Tea: traditional preparation • Matcha: Traditional Accessories • How to prepare Matcha • Video Tutorial: how to prepare matcha tea - The flavor of matcha - The various types - Recipes and alternative preparations - Where to buy matcha tea
The first Matcha Tea - despite being renowned in Japan - originated in China where it was consumed during the famous tea ceremony since the tenth century. It is therefore a relatively ancient tea, because the first forms of tea, as we know from our article on the history of tea, date back over 4500 years. We owe the modern preparation of Matcha tea to the Song dynasty, which refined the processing method - grinding it into a powder - and preparation of matcha as we know it today with the traditional whisk that blends the matcha powder with hot water. The preparation and consumption of this exquisite tea even became part of the Buddhist chan ritual. Tradition says that it was a Buddhist monk of the Tendai sect, Saicho, who introduced tea drinking to Japan at the beginning of the ninth century of our era. Three or four centuries later, Zen monks would not fail to drink a large bowl of Matcha, our vitamin-rich powdered green tea, before facing long hours of meditation.
The use of this specific variety of tea has therefore been passed down over time, but in recent years, Matcha has definitely moved away from the strict aesthetics of the ceremony to be consumed in various forms.
Over time, the habitual consumption of this ancient beverage has crossed the borders of the Land of the Rising Sun, where it was used within a strict ceremonial code, the Cha No Yu (the ancient Japanese tea ceremony). The introduction of Matcha as an ingredient in culinary and the growing demand of the global market have led to differentiations in production and use, with consequent classification in grades. For example, the harvest, which originally took place in spring, now also occurs in summer and autumn, no longer solely by hand, but also using machinery and with different shading times. Additional factors that determine quality are color, flavor, and origin. In our loose tea section, you can find the different grades of Matcha tea and the accessories to prepare it correctly.
Matcha tea is not only used as a beverage, but also as a spice, ingredient, and natural coloring for preparations and recipes thanks to its peculiar acidic green color. It is not difficult to discover in restaurants and bistros recipes with Matcha such as Matcha ice cream, Matcha latte, Matcha coffee, chocolates, muffins, frappes, and many others. Explore the Matcha tea for sale section in our tea and herbal tea e-shop, and start experimenting with this extraordinary product.
The cultivation and production of Matcha are not only characterized as extremely delicate work, but as a true art passed down through time.
Due to the high concentration of antioxidant polyphenols in matcha, it is said that a cup of matcha tea is worth 10 cups of any other green tea.
This particular green tea also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that directly affects brain alpha waves inducing relaxation, which combines with caffeine producing a state of alert relaxation eliminating the unwanted effects of caffeine. It is said that Buddhist monks consume matcha tea before meditation to achieve this state of alert relaxation that amplifies the effects of meditation.
Matcha green tea is also an excellent drainage and a great source of vitamin C. The high concentration of chlorophyll resulting from the production and processing methods of this powdered tea makes matcha tea a natural purifying and detoxifying agent: chlorophyll facilitates the elimination of heavy metals and toxic chemicals from our bodies.
Among the lesser-known benefits of matcha are the energizing properties that this tea possesses. Some studies claim that matcha tea can improve sports performance by up to 24%. Initially, it was believed that this was due to the presence of caffeine in Japanese powdered tea, but it was later concluded that it is the combination of some of its properties that provides this 100% natural energizing effect.
The properties and benefits of this tea are truly incredible. Matcha
All of this is enhanced by how we consume Matcha; being a powdered tea, it is as if when we drink it, we are eating the whole leaf, fully assimilating its properties. For the same reason, it is important to buy organic matcha tea.
Matcha tea is considered an elixir and has numerous beneficial properties. However, it is advisable not to abuse it, as it could have side effects, especially for those suffering from certain conditions and taking medications or supplements. It is a green tea with a high theine content, so it is a strong energizer. It is not recommended to consume matcha tea during pregnancy, as it reduces folic acid, and caution is advised in case of gastrointestinal disorders, stress, anxiety, and insomnia, as the caffeine present in this Japanese tea could exacerbate them.
If you are approaching this fantastic Japanese green tea for the first time, you are certainly asking yourself about matcha tea, preparation, and how to make it at home. In the following lines, we will explain how to prepare matcha tea using the right tools, the traditional ones of the Japanese tea ceremony. Yes, because this extraordinary tea from Japan is not prepared as we have seen in the traditional tea preparation by infusion, but it requires specific tools and precautions, which we are about to see.
Here's how to prepare matcha in a simple way by following the steps of the tea ceremony. And if you still have any doubts, watch our video. If instead you want to prepare a cold matcha, read the recipe on our blog!
Many people ask us what does matcha tea taste like and show their curiosity for this Japanese powdered tea with many virtues. Let's start by saying that the flavor of matcha tea is very peculiar and it is difficult to compare it with that of other teas.
Matcha is obtained from the processing of Tencha leaves that are kept in the shade before being processed to release chlorophyll. This element is very present among the flavors of matcha and vaguely resembles the mineral tone of algae. It is therefore correct to say that the prevailing flavor in Matcha tea is umami. Only sometimes can a certain astringent note be perceived.
However, the taste of this Japanese tea can vary depending on the grade of the tea and other factors such as water temperature, the quantity of matcha powder, and the type of matcha itself.
The daily amount of matcha tea to consume should not exceed two cups a day, so according to the recommended doses for the preparation of this extraordinary Japanese tea, no more than 4-5 grams of matcha a day, because it still contains theine (or caffeine) and is therefore stimulating. However, the theine content makes it an excellent substitute for coffee: many wonder when to drink matcha tea, and we suggest drinking it in the morning, perhaps in a delicious matcha latte, for which you can also find the recipe, or after lunch.
Where to find the highest quality matcha tea? On Terza Luna, we have an entire section where you can buy matcha tea and all the accessories and items necessary to prepare it correctly.
Japan has not yet developed a label that protects the good name of real Matcha, as is the case for wines, or for other controlled origin denominations. This means that today on the market you can find a bit of everything.
The real Matcha must be produced in Japan, from Tencha leaves, preferably freshly harvested. There are then many different grades that mainly differ in the harvesting period and the type of leaves they come from. The later the Matcha (starting from mid-March), the lower the grade.
Terza Luna is more than happy to be able to offer Matcha in four organic variants:
Matcha Basic ORGANIC, harvested before the summer of 2019 in the Shizuoka prefecture. Although it is often considered a lower grade, it is actually a Matcha of excellent quality, very versatile: it can be sipped as it is, especially by those who are familiarizing with this green tea for the first time, however, it is used as an ingredient in the preparation of cappuccinos, smoothies, and desserts, which is why it is also classified as 'culinary grade', expressing all its energy, with intense vegetal aromas and flavors of cut grass, pine, and seaweed. Unleash your creativity!
Our own creation, a concentrate of beneficial properties, is the Chai Matcha ORGANIC, produced starting from the 'culinary grade', to which we have added highly aromatic Indian spices, also organic, including turmeric, black pepper, ginger, and cardamom. Perfect if prepared traditionally, Chai Matcha is also great for making cappuccinos and smoothies.
Nishio, in the Aichi prefecture, home to one of the best Matcha on the Japanese market, is the origin of our Matcha Aichi Premium ORGANIC. Harvested in spring, it is humble, yet elegant and precious, it does not claim to be prepared according to the strict Japanese ceremony standards; it rather offers itself as a good companion in everyday life, as an excellent stimulant on slow and tired mornings. It will awaken your palate with a sweet taste of dark chocolate, with a sparkling finish of gooseberry and yellow peach.
Uji, in the Kyoto prefecture, pivotal in Matcha production, is the city from which our Matcha Ceremony Grade ORGANIC comes. Harvested in spring and produced, according to traditional methods, from tender Tencha leaves, the 'ceremonial grade' matcha is ideal for the ceremonial preparation of thick tea. Sweet and velvety, precious and infinitely good, it reveals to the nose the scent of white chocolate and envelops the palate in a dance of delicate flavors, reminiscent of almond, vanilla, and blueberries, on a very pleasant umami background.
As we mentioned a few lines above in this article, another reason for the success of Matcha lies in the possibility of using it in many different ways. It is not uncommon to find Matcha in the most disparate recipes.
In addition to being drunk as a tea, being a powder it can be used in smoothies, juices, desserts, and recipes of any kind, cocktails, cappuccinos, or even in cosmetic products. Here are some Matcha recipes signed by Terza Luna:
Many contact us writing "matcha: where to buy it" or asking where to buy matcha online. Terza Luna is the answer for Japanese tea enthusiasts in powder form rich in benefits and properties.
On our online matcha tea shop you can buy different types of matcha, from the finest to organic ones, to those ideal for recipes and preparations. You will also find many matcha accessories and sets for the preparation of traditional matcha tea.
We recommend you to try our Organic Matcha Green Tea powder to start approaching this world of the most appreciated Japanese green tea. If you are an expert, instead, buy online the Premium Matcha from Terza Luna to use with one of the matcha sets you can find for sale in the online matcha tea section on our website, where you can find the highest quality matcha tea and all the accessories for traditional preparation.
For the writing of this article, we also relied on one of the most authoritative blogs on tea in the world: My Japanese Green Tea. Here you can find all the information about it.
