An Introduction to Matcha

Let's take a moment to imagine how lucky we are to have a cup of tea that not only delights our taste buds but also powers up our energy and wellness at the same time. Yes, we are talking about that vibrant, creamy, and frothy sensation that comes to us with a rich culture and heritage–Matcha!

What Is Matcha?

Matcha was a staple drink in Japanese culture and is cherished even today for its ceremonial values and health benefits. This steaming cup of tea has recently crossed its national boundaries to meet its rising global popularity, owing to its unique flavor and health benefits. Unlike any other regular tea that comes in different leaf shapes and sizes, matcha is a fine powder that packs loads of antioxidants and nutrients.

Matcha originates from the tender leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis); however, the growing and processing style of this tea makes it a unique drink compared to others. It all starts with shade-grown tea leaves resulting in many beneficial chemical reactions including increased chlorophyll and amino-acid. This shade-growing phase creates a stunning green hue, reduces bitterness and leads to a unique umami flavor profile.

From the harvesting point, tea leaves are handled very delicately. They are picked by hand and go through a steaming and drying phase to halt their natural oxidation. This step helps preserve the vibrant green appearance of matcha.

After drying, the stems and veins are removed from tea leaves to produce what is called tencha.

The final stage of pulverizing tencha is very unique as tea producers utilize an authentic stone mill to grind matcha slowly and finely. This process of grinding can take up to 24 hours for just 1 pound of matcha.

What Is Cultivar?

Cultivar is a cultivated plant variety that has been produced and developed by a farmer or horticulturist through controlled plant breeding, as opposed to occurring naturally. The reason behind this is to preserve or improve certain traits or characteristics of the plants.

Although it is more common to find matcha blended from multiple cultivars, we strive for single cultivar matcha to explore the uniqueness that each has to offer from year to year, farmers to farmers, and differing terroirs.

Just as a wine from a single type of grape has a distinctive, identifiable flavor, so does matcha from a single cultivar of Camellia sinensis. Here’s the list of our cultivar collection:

  • Sae-midori

    Sae-midori is a cross between Asatsuyu, a high quality but delicate tea cultivar with Yabukita that is more hardy and frost resistant. Meaning “clear green”, Saemidori has an aroma of melon and fresh grass. The flavor palette includes broccoli and kale followed by pineapple essence and umami. Suitable for koicha

  • Samidori

    Native to the Kyoto region, Samidori is one of the most popular ceremonial matcha cultivars. It has light green color and rich umami along with flavors of young spring vegetable tips and velvety vanilla.

  • Gokou

    Gokou cultivar is often classed as the illustrious ceremonial grade matcha. The color is a rich and deep verdant emerald green. It has a light aroma of wildflowers and a sweet flavor of wheatgrass with a mineral finish.

  • Okumidori

    Okumidori is a rare cultivar that was developed in Shizuoka, Japan. Translated to “deep green”, this cultivar is rich in sweet chlorophyll. The taste is of jasmine flowers and the most tender baby spinach leaves.

  • Kurasawa

    Kurasawa matcha has a striking shade of warm green. The taste is reminiscent of deep green hearty vegetables like bok choi and zucchini with a slightly bitter cocoa finish.

  • Yabukita

    Yabukita is a legacy Japanese tea cultivar developed in Shizuoka over a century ago. This catechin-rich variety has a spicy cardamom aroma and the taste of toasted rice with a touch of nutmeg.

  • Asahi

    Asahi is considered a high quality tea cultivar and often used in tea competitions since it excels in all the traits sought after in a Japanese tea. It is relatively rare and not widely available in the market. Part of this is due to the short picking season that occurs during late April or early May, depending on the weather conditions. 

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Health Benefits of Matcha

Matcha is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Unlike regular brewed tea types, matcha is consumed as a frothy suspension. This preparation style allows us to drink the whole tea leaf and fully absorb its healthy compounds and nutrients.

Some nutritionists even recognize matcha as a superfood. Below are the core health benefits that matcha is known for: 

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are found in scores of fruits, vegetables, and other superfoods. Matcha is no different. Antioxidants help protect our bodies from roaming free radicals and oxidative stress. By doing so antioxidants keep our bodies safe from the general wear and tear like potential damage to organs and can assist in slowing down the signs of aging. It can also help promote healthy teeth and hair as well as reducing inflammation.

Caffeine

Matcha presents a decent amount of caffeine. Caffeine has some interesting health benefits besides getting us up in the morning, which, frankly, is really magical! Caffeine helps with alertness by stimulating the brain and nervous system. It also stokes metabolism and can enhance physical performance. As opposed to coffee, caffeine in tea including matcha is released over a longer period of time so it is less likely to cause jitteriness and a crash.

L-theanine

One of the amino acids in tea that makes all that caffeine even better is L-theanine. L-theanine is the perfect counterpart to caffeine because it helps one stay calm and centered. L-theanine is unique since it crosses the blood-brain barrier and affects the brain directly. Instead of an intense, heart-pounding caffeine rush that one might experience with coffee, L-theanine turns tea into the Zen experience that it is.

EGCG

Among matcha’s many superb health-promoting vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, one, in particular, stands out, which is epigallocatechin-3-gallate or EGCG for short. This catechin is so coveted that it commonly gets isolated and turned into supplements with a large body of research and studies about the effectiveness. EGCG can help reduce inflammation, possibly aid in weight loss, and most interestingly can potentially help guard against certain types of cancer–prostate, lung, liver, and skin cancer in particular.

Heart Health

Enjoying matcha does a lot for our hearts. It is known to help cut down on bad cholesterol, promote proper cardiovascular health, blood flow, and circulation, and can potentially protect against heart disease and stroke.

Cognitive Benefits

Regular consumption of matcha is linked to improved memory, concentration and attention. Matcha is a powerful adaptogen that can aid the body in managing stress and increase feelings of relaxation. It may also potentially help protect against Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, as well as dementia. 

How to Store Matcha 

Just like other tea, the best way to store matcha is to place it in an airtight container that is away from direct contact with sunlight, heat, moisture and odor. Light, UV rays, and heat degrade tea very quickly.

Moisture can cause problems as it can activate enzymes that contribute to its decomposition. Tea is shelf stable because it is dry. Unfortunately, it absorbs moisture and odor very easily when exposed to air.

When it comes to matcha, the shelf life is even shorter than loose tea because it is a pulverized powder. We recommend that you use matcha within 3 months after opening.

Preparing Matcha Is as Simple as 1-2-3

Make the perfect cup of matcha for your daily routine in three simple steps:

  • Measure

    Measure 1/2 tsp of matcha into a bowl. The powder can be sifted to reduce clumps. Alternatively, 3/4 tsp can be used for a more robust flavor.

  • Whisk

    Add about 2-3 oz of 160-170F water to the matcha. This temperature is hot to the touch, but much lower than boiling. Whisk until a thick foam develops.

  • Enjoy

    Add 5-6 oz of hot water to the mixture. For a cold version, pour whisked matcha over ice. Add more water, milk, or sweetener if the drink is too bitter.

Excited to see it in action? Check out our video tutorials! 

Fun Ways to Get Your Daily Dose of Matcha 

  • Matcha Latte

    Combine 1-2 teaspoons of matcha with a splash of warm water and whisk. Pour this over a cup of milk (hot/cold) and a sweetener according to your taste

  • Matcha Smoothie

    Add 1-2 teaspoons of matcha to a cup of almond or oat milk, a frozen banana, and a handful of spinach or kale to make a delicious and healthy smoothie.

  • Matcha Baked Goods

    Use your creativity with matcha and incorporate 1-2 tablespoons into your baking recipe. You can enjoy vibrant green shades with added health benefits.

Want more fun recipe ideas?

View All Matcha Recipes →

Still have questions about matcha?

Let’s get in touch and have a matcha chat.