Matcha is a Japanese green tea ground into a fine powder, made from tea leaves grown in the shade for several weeks before harvest. Unlike other teas, the entire leaf is consumed here in the form of tea powder, which explains its richness in amino acids, its intense green color, and its characteristic umami taste.
If you're wondering what matcha is or what exactly matcha is, here's a simple definition: matcha green tea is a powdered green tea derived from Camellia sinensis, traditionally used for the Japanese tea ceremony called cha no yu.
- Quick Definition of Matcha
- How is Matcha Made?
- Why Does Matcha Have an Intense Green Color?
- What Does Matcha Taste Like?
- Traditional Matcha and Japanese Ceremony
- Matcha Latte: Modern Version
- How to Drink Matcha?
Quick Definition of Matcha
Matcha is a Japanese green tea consumed as a fine powder. It differs from classic green tea because the entire ground tea leaves are ingested.
| Matcha | Classic green tea |
|---|---|
| Leaves ground into powder | Leaves steeped then removed |
| Consumption of the entire leaf | Consumption of the infusion only |
| Vibrant green color | Light green color |
| Pronounced umami taste | Lighter flavor |
This characteristic explains why matcha contains more active compounds per cup.
How is Matcha Made?
Matcha is cultivated using a unique process that alters the composition of the tea leaves.
Several weeks before harvest, the tea plants are covered to reduce sun exposure. This shade cultivation increases the concentration of chlorophyll and amino acids.
After harvest:
- The leaves are steamed
- The veins are removed
- The leaves are dried
- They are then ground between stone mills
This produces an extremely fine tea powder: powdered green tea called matcha.
Why Does Matcha Have an Intense Green Color?
The vibrant green color of matcha is due to its high chlorophyll content. Shade cultivation stimulates this production, giving matcha green tea its characteristic hue.
Ceremonial grade matcha has a deep, luminous green color, a sign of freshness and quality.
What Does Matcha Taste Like?
Matcha has a unique umami flavor. Unlike bitter teas, traditional matcha develops a soft, vegetal, and slightly sweet umami taste.
This flavor is linked to its richness in L-theanine, an amino acid naturally present in shade-grown tea leaves.
Traditional Matcha and Japanese Ceremony
Matcha is used for the Japanese tea ceremony called cha no yu.
This tradition dates back to the 16th century and was codified by the tea master Sen no Rikyū. The preparation of traditional matcha relies on precise gestures:
- Use of a bowl (chawan)
- Adding a teaspoon of powder
- Whisking with a chasen (bamboo whisk)
The goal is not only to drink matcha but to experience a meditative moment.
Matcha Latte: Modern Version
Matcha latte is a contemporary adaptation of traditional matcha.
It is prepared by mixing:
- 1 teaspoon of powdered green tea
- Hot milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Optionally, a natural sweetener
This milder version enhances the umami taste while making it accessible to uninitiated palates.
How to Drink Matcha?
Drinking matcha can be done in a traditional or modern way.
- As a pure version with hot water
- As a matcha latte
- In culinary recipes
A classic serving is approximately 1 to 2 grams, or a level teaspoon.