What is Matcha?A thorough explanation of its history, benefits, and tasty ways to drink it.【2025 update】
Matcha, a traditional Japanese green tea, has attracted worldwide attention in recent years.This article provides a detailed introduction to matcha, from its basic knowledge to its benefits and tasty drinking tips.
Definition and Characteristics of Matcha
Matcha is powdered tea made from tencha, which is grown in tea fields under shade from the sun, and ground finely in a stone mill.Unlike regular green tea, powdered tea leaves are consumed as a drink, so the nutrients of the tea leaves can be ingested in their entirety.
History of Matcha
Matcha was introduced to Japan from China around the 12th century.Initially, it was drunk by Buddhist monks as part of their ascetic training, but after the Kamakura period (1185-1333), it spread to the samurai community and later developed into a uniquely Japanese culture known as the tea ceremony.
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Matcha
Rich content of catechins
Matcha contains about three times as many catechins as regular green tea.Catechins have strong antioxidant properties and can be expected to have the following effects
- Prevention of lifestyle-related diseases
- cosmetic effect
- antibacterial effect
- Halitosis prevention
Effects of theanine
It is also rich in theanine, which has a relaxing effect.Its synergistic effect with caffeine helps maintain a state of calm alertness.
How to choose matcha
Difference by Grade
Matcha is divided into two main grades
Usucha (light grade) :
- Suitable for daily drinking
- Easy to use for baking
- Relatively affordable
Koicha (high grade) ：
- Highest quality product used in tea ceremony
- Deeper flavor and aroma
- Price is high
How to make delicious Matcha tea
Required Tools
- Chasen (tea whisk)
- teacup
- Chashaku (tea ladle)
- sieve
- cloth napkin
Preparation: Importance of Sieving
Because matcha is a powder, it tends to harden during storage.Sifting matcha before serving is an important process to ensure that the tea is smooth to the touch.
Sieving Procedure
- Prepare a clean sieve
- Place the sieve over the teacup.
- Place the matcha measured with a tea scoop on the sieve.
- Use the back of a tea scoop or tea spoon to gently press the matcha through a sieve.
- Continue sifting until there are no more clumps.
Basic tsukemoto procedure
- Allow the water to cool to about 80 degrees.
- Heat the teacups with hot water.
- Wipe the teacup with a cloth.
- Using a sieve, add 2 grams of matcha (about 2 tea scoops).
- Pour about 70ml of hot water.
- Dip the tea whisk in the tea leaves in a quick motion as if drawing a W with the tea whisk.
- Finally, lightly slide the tip of the tea whisk over the surface of the bowl to set the bubbles.
Sieving Points
- Use a fine mesh sieve
- Work gently, as too much force will cause powder to fly around.
- Matcha should be brewed immediately after sifting.
- Always keep the sieve clean after use
Common mistakes and their countermeasures
- Clumps remain → Sieve carefully
- Powder dances → Sieve close to the bowl
- Clumps form → Sieve thoroughly before pouring hot water
Thus, the sieving process is very important for making delicious matcha.By following the procedure carefully, you can enjoy the smooth taste of matcha.
Traditional beauty of wagashi and matcha green tea that adorn the four seasons
The combination of matcha green tea and Japanese sweets is the essence of Japanese tea culture, which has been handed down for centuries.Here we introduce the harmony between the flavors of wagashi, which change with the seasons, and the fragrant matcha tea.
Fresh confections heralding the arrival of spring
These springtime josekashi, which resemble cherry blossoms or wisteria flowers, enchant us with their delicate colors and graceful appearance.The refined sweetness of the white bean paste and grated yam buns enhances the fragrance and astringency of matcha, reminding us of the coming of spring.Enjoying the transparent Nishikidama-kan and matcha, you will have a refreshing moment as if you were in a spring garden.
Water sweets for a cool summer
During the hot season, cool Japanese sweets such as kuzumochi and mizu-manju are the perfect accompaniment to matcha.Kuzumochi, with its smooth texture, accentuates the deep flavor of matcha and makes you forget about the summer heat.Enjoy matcha together with fresh mizu-manju, and you will feel a refreshing cool breeze blowing through the air!
Kneaded doughnuts expressing the harvest of autumn
Autumn kneaded sweets in the shape of chestnuts, persimmons, and autumn leaves create the perfect marriage with matcha green tea with their brightly colored appearance and elegant sweetness.Among them, chestnut kinton, with its rich flavor, harmonizes perfectly with the aroma of matcha green tea, reminding us of the deepening of autumn.
Red bean paste confectionery that conveys the warmth of winter
During the cold season, warm bean-jam confections enhance the appeal of matcha.Daifuku, filled with Koshi An (sweet bean paste), envelopes the bitterness of matcha with its gentle sweetness, creating a heartwarming tea time experience.The combination of the rich sweetness and the astringent taste of matcha, paired with yokan, is wonderful and makes a winter afternoon a special one.
A classic Japanese confectionary loved all year round
Dried confections such as dobashi and rakugan are in perfect harmony with matcha, regardless of the season.The taste of matcha is enhanced by the delicate melting of rakugan, which gives the tea a deeper flavor.The crispy texture of the skin and the sweetness of the bean paste create a perfect balance with matcha.
Nama-gashi, the star of the tea ceremony
At the tea ceremony, fresh confections specially tailored for the occasion are served with matcha.These delicately crafted sweets express the season of the day and the theme of the tea ceremony, making the encounter with matcha even more special.The world created by the craftsmen who put their heart and soul into each wagashi and the fragrance of matcha tea is truly a crystallization of the Japanese sense of beauty.
The combination of wagashi and matcha tea is more than a mere taste experience; it is a reminder of Japan’s changing seasons and traditional sense of beauty.By selecting the appropriate wagashi for each season and enjoying them with matcha, you will be able to experience the world of chanoyu in a deeper way.
Luxurious marriage of matcha green tea and western sweets
Matcha goes well not only with Japanese sweets, but also with Western sweets.The encounter between traditional Japanese tea and Western sweets leads to the discovery of new delicacies.
Chocolate meets matcha tea in a seductive encounter
The combination of smooth chocolate and matcha green tea is the ultimate taste.Especially when combined with bitter chocolate, the astringency of matcha and the deep flavor of cacao create a wonderful harmony.Enjoying the chocolate that slowly melts in your mouth together with the fragrant matcha tea is a luxurious way to spend your tea time.
A blissful moment that meets the tenderness of vanilla
Sweets made with vanilla ice cream and whipped cream gently envelop the bitterness of matcha.Pouring matcha over simple vanilla ice cream creates a contrasting adult dessert.Furthermore, when fresh cream and matcha are combined with soft and melt-in-your-mouth sponge cake, you can enjoy the perfect balance of Japanese and Western flavors.
Feast with crunchy texture
The crunchy texture of cookies, pies, and puff pastry is a perfect match for matcha.In particular, when matcha is combined with buttery sablé, the mellow aroma that spreads in the mouth and the crispy texture are a perfect match.It also goes wonderfully with sweets made with nuts such as almonds and hazelnuts for a deeper flavor.
Cheesecake weaves a new world
Match the matcha with a rich baked cheesecake or smooth rare cheesecake and you’ll be surprised at how good it tastes.The sour and salty taste of the cheese enhances the flavor and astringency of the matcha, creating a more complex and profound taste.
Elegant tea time brought to you by macaroons
The pairing of delicately textured macarons and matcha green tea is truly elegant.Take a bite of the sweet macaroon and then take a bite of the fragrant matcha tea.This luxurious combination will make you feel as if you are in a luxury salon in Paris.
The marriage of these Western confections and matcha has a different appeal from that of traditional Japanese confections.It is fun to experiment with different combinations depending on the season and your mood.Please try to find your favorite combination.
How to Store Matcha
Matcha is easily oxidized, so proper storage is important!：
- Store in refrigerator
- Use airtight containers
- keep out the light
- Use within 1 month after opening
summary
Matcha is one of Japan’s world-class traditional green teas.Its rich nutritional value and health benefits have made it a favorite of many people even today.Matcha can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from traditional drinking to modern arrangements.We hope you will find a way to enjoy matcha that suits you best.
【Frequently Asked Questions】
Q. How many times can I make matcha?
A. Once the matcha is made, it is basically drunk.It is never re-poured.
Q. Is the caffeine content of matcha tea high?
A. Matcha contains more caffeine than regular green tea, but theanine has a milder effect.
Q. Can I drink matcha tea while pregnant?
A. Moderate amounts are fine, but be careful about the amount of caffeine you consume.If you are concerned, we recommend that you consult your physician.
