What Is Matcha? The Ultimate Guide to Japan’s Ceremonial Superfood
June 7, 2025 ·
ARTJOM MASANIN

If you’ve seen vibrant green lattes on Instagram or heard whispers about its health benefits, you may be wondering: what is matcha?

Matcha is more than just a trend — it’s a centuries-old Japanese tradition, a mindful ritual, and a superpowered tea that has taken the wellness world by storm. In this post, we’ll explore what matcha is, how it’s made, why it’s special, and how you can start enjoying it today.

What Is Matcha?

Matcha (抹茶) is a type of powdered green tea made from specially grown and processed shade-grown tea leaves, known as tencha. Unlike regular green tea where you steep the leaves and discard them, with matcha, you're consuming the entire leaf, whisked into hot water or milk.

This means:

More antioxidants
A gentle, sustained energy boost
A deeper, more umami-rich flavor

Matcha originated in China over a thousand years ago, but it was in Japan where it was refined into the ceremonial drink we know today.

How Is Matcha Made?

The process of producing high-quality matcha is an art form:

Shade-Grown: A few weeks before harvest, tea plants are covered to block out direct sunlight. This boosts chlorophyll, giving matcha its vibrant green color and unique nutritional profile.
Hand-Harvested: Only the youngest, most tender leaves are selected.
Steamed & Dried: Leaves are briefly steamed to preserve freshness, then dried without rolling.
Stone-Ground: Once dried and deveined, the leaves become tencha, which is then slowly stone-ground into a fine powder.

The result? A delicate, bright green powder that blends tradition, purity, and flavor in every sip.

Ceremonial vs Culinary Matcha

There are different grades of matcha, and it’s important to choose the right one:

Ceremonial Grade: Made from the youngest leaves, vibrant in color, smooth in taste, and meant for drinking straight (with water only).
Culinary Grade: Slightly more bitter, perfect for mixing into lattes, smoothies, or baking.

At our store, we source authentic Japanese matcha — crafted by expert tea farmers and graded to ensure the perfect match for your rituals or recipes.

Health Benefits of Matcha

Why has matcha become a favorite among health lovers? Here are a few key benefits:

✅ Rich in Antioxidants: Especially EGCG, which may help fight inflammation and support heart health.
✅ Calm Energy: Thanks to L-theanine, matcha provides a more relaxed focus compared to coffee.
✅ Boosts Metabolism: Some studies suggest it may help with fat oxidation.
✅ Supports Mindfulness: Traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies to promote presence and connection.

How to Enjoy Matcha

To prepare a traditional bowl of matcha, all you need is:

1 tsp of matcha powder
~70-80°C (158–176°F) water
A bamboo whisk (chasen)

Whisk until frothy — and sip slowly.

You can also explore modern ways to enjoy it:

🍵 Matcha lattes
🍰 Matcha desserts
🥤 Matcha smoothies
🛁 Even matcha face masks!

Final Thoughts

So, what is matcha? It’s a ritual. A superfood. A bridge between tradition and modern wellness. Whether you’re looking for a healthier alternative to coffee, a mindful moment in your day, or a delicious twist in your kitchen — matcha has something for everyone.

Ready to try it yourself? Explore our matcha collection and elevate your everyday ritual.