The World of Matcha: Exploring Japan's Green Tea Phenomenon
Beloved by monks, featured in the first tea ceremonies, and enjoyed by samurai before battle, drinking matcha is perhaps the most historically significant culinary practice in Japan.
To the rest of the world, matcha green tea is considered a healthy superfood. However, there are many hidden facts about matcha green tea that most people are unaware of. For example, its role as the world’s only suspension tea and impact on brain power are little known facts.
In this post, we’ll reveal everything about matcha, including its cultural impact, varieties, and health benefits. We will also delve into the snacks, drinks, and desserts that utilize matcha as the primary ingredient.
Matcha 101: Understanding Japan’s Favorite Green Tea
We need to define matcha, explain its manufacturing process, and discuss its historical significance in Japan before we dive deeper.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is green tea leaves ground into fine powder. The leaves are gotten from the Camellia sinensis plant and are typically grown under a shade for several weeks. During the procedure of turning the green tea leaves into powder form, matcha may undergo other forms of processing, depending on the manufacturer.
In its raw form, matcha powder typically has a vibrant dark or bright green color. This color may vary slightly, depending on the grade. You can identify high-grade matcha by looking out for a bluish tint in its green color. The low-grade versions tend to have a yellowish-brown hue.
When it comes to texture, matcha should be completely smooth and fine, with next to no clump formation. When mixed with hot water, it forms a foamy and cloudy beverage known as matcha green tea. This tea, which is one of the most popular green teas in Japan, tastes grassy and slightly sweet with bitter undertones.
The Matcha-Making Process Explained
The process of making matcha begins about three weeks before the Camellia sinensis plant leaves are harvested. Firstly, the tea maker covers the leaves to prevent direct sunlight from getting to them. This will boost chlorophyll and amino acid production in the leaves. It’s a vital step that produces matcha’s distinct green color.
After harvesting the leaves, the tea maker has to lay them out flat to dry. The dry leaves crumble, forming what is known as tencha. Next, the team maker removes the veins and stems of the tencha before turning them into finely ground powder using a stone. This fine powder is matcha. Japan is the world's primary source of this green tea powder.
Matcha's Historical and Cultural Significance
Zen Buddhist monks returning from China introduced matcha to Japan in the 12th century. The drinking of matcha originally began as a Buddhist practice. Monks would simply roast and grind green tea leaves to make it.
They later shared the spiritual and physical benefits of drinking green tea with the samurai class. The warriors began to drink matcha as a way to prepare for battle. Japanese tea farmers accidentally discovered the method of growing leaves under shade in the late 16th century while trying to protect their plants from the harsh winter.
It was around that period that the practice of drinking matcha at Japanese tea ceremonies was born. Today, it’s impossible to separate the two cultural elements from each other.
The Art of Matcha Tea Ceremony: A Cultural and Performative Experience
The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as chanoyu or chado, is the ritual presentation and drinking of matcha. This event is not only a way to enjoy matcha but also an immersive cultural experience. Through these rituals, a bond is created between the ceremonial host and their guests.
The original pioneers of ancient Japanese tea ceremonies were Zen Buddhist monks and samurai warlords. Today, tea ceremonies serve as hobbies for many Japanese households.
The ceremony is held in a tea room adorned with tatami mats. The guests take a seat on the mats and await their tea. Everyone watches as the tea master prepares matcha. Next, they eat traditional sweets and drink the green tea. After the first tea is served, the host asks if they want more.
Some tea ceremonies are enhanced by the presence of apprentice geishas, maiko. These beautiful and graceful apprentices frequently host these ceremonies, adding cultural depth to the occasion. Tourists seeking an authentic Japanese experience can join the tea ceremonies taking place at tea houses in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Uji.
Matcha Drinks: Beyond Traditional Tea
The traditional way to enjoy matcha is to put it in a cup and add hot water of about 85 °C to make green tea. Nevertheless, there are many modern concoctions that use green tea powder. You can make them at home using a bamboo whisk to mix the powder.
Matcha latte: This is a mixture of powdered green tea, hot water, steamed milk (or a dairy-free alternative), and a sweetener. It combines the earthy matcha flavor with the creaminess of milk.
Match highball: You can make this simple cocktail by adding a little matcha to a mixture of an alcoholic spirit (typically whiskey) and soda water or ginger ale. It’s the perfect festive highball.
Matcha gin and tonic: Matcha can be mixed with tonic water, gin, lime juice, and ice. This creates a cocktail that looks appealing and tastes fantastic.
Matcha lemonade: You may combine the zesty flavors of lemon juice, the grassy notes of matcha, and the sweetness of sugar to create this refreshing twist to the classic beverage. Serve with ice!
Matcha in Modern Cafés: Lattes, Smoothies, and More
Cafés in Japan and around the world are innovating with matcha in a variety of drink forms. There’s the matcha latte, which we already discussed above. Some cafes offer matcha-spresso, which is basically all kinds of matcha-infused espresso drinks.
Ever heard of matchaccino? It’s a stronger and richer version of matcha latte. Matchaccino, like the classic cappuccino that inspired the drink, features creamy steamed milk and a milky foam layer.
Don't forget about matcha-flavored smoothies, made with kale, banana, vanilla, and almond milk. Japan’s Tokyo is a city famous for having all kinds of matcha cafes. If you’re in the neighborhood, you can visit these cafes to enjoy not just green tea drinks but also matcha-infused desserts.
Matcha Desserts: A Sweet Revolution
Matcha dessert recipes are popular across the world. The grade used for these treats is often not as high as those used in tea ceremonies.
In Japan, interests tend to lean towards traditional sweets and desserts. These traditional treats include matcha mochi (rice cake), kakigori (shaved ice), and matcha castella (sponge cake). There are also many modern interpretations, such as matcha parfait, ice cream, cookies, cake, pancakes, and cheesecake.
Matcha Chocolate Innovations: KitKat and Beyond
We can’t talk about desserts without discussing matcha’s ultimate confectionery product, chocolate. Matcha-infused chocolates perfectly blend the sweetness and bitterness of cocoa with the grassy and nutty flavors of green tea.
The Japanese Kit Kat is famous for its matcha chocolate products. Kit Kat: Rich Green Tea combines fine white chocolate and matcha from Uji, Kyoto. It has a Double Layer version that contains both white and dark chocolate. Other popular chocolate brands with green tea powder flavors include Glico Pocky and Lotte.
Bokksu is not responsible for the accuracy of the products’ nutritional or allergen information. Warning: California’s Proposition 65 may be in effect. For more information,visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. Some Bokksu Market products are produced overseas and may have a Production Date printed on the packaging, rather than a Best Buy Date as is standard in North America. If your product appears expired, do not be alarmed! This is most likely the Production Date. All items have been double checked to ensure they are not expired and safe to eat.
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Matcha Cookies: Baking with Green Tea
You can make a matcha cookie recipe at home by adding some of the powder to your dough mixture before baking it.
The Matcha white chocolate chips are some of the easiest to make and are very popular in Asia. Gathering ingredients like baking soda (or baking powder), all-purpose flour, white sugar, and butter is only half the recipe. You still need to observe the following precautions:
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Ensure the butter is at room temperature.
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Brown sugar adds moisture; use white sugar instead of brown sugar for a crispy texture.
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Use culinary-grade matcha powders.
If you don’t feel like making these cookies from scratch, you can always buy matcha-flavored cookies from top Japanese and global confectionery brands.
Oreo has a sandwich cookie line featuring matcha ice cream. Additionally, Bourbon sells matcha-flavored wafers and cookies.
Matcha and Health: Green Tea Benefits
Matcha powder's insoluble nature suspends its particles in the hot water until they eventually settle at the bottom of the cup. No other green tea has this property. Hence, matcha’s health benefits are more amplified than those of other green teas.
Here are some of the health advantages of matcha:
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High in antioxidants, which help to prevent diseases and cellular damage.
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Stimulates brain function by improving attention, focus, reaction speed, and memory.
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Boosts metabolism, which aids weight loss.
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You can use it to make healthier desserts like low-fat brownies and gluten-free muffins (using almond flour).
Global Craze for Matcha: Influence on Tourism and Cuisine
Although matcha has always been a Japanese staple, its global popularity has seen a rise in recent years. Today, the global matcha market is worth billions of dollars. Japanese tea makers and confection brands export green tea and its derivatives to millions of consumers in Europe and North America.
Matcha and tea ceremonies have also contributed to Japan’s recent tourism boom. People learn about Japan's cultivation of the finest matcha green tea and they desire to sample it. Some travel to Japan to experience the famous tea ceremony firsthand.
Tea Ceremonies Across Borders: From Tourist Attractions to Global Homes
Not just in Japan, but in homes worldwide, people embrace tea ceremonies. Japanese communities abroad frequently gather to participate in the ritual. Some of them adapt these rituals in their own spaces, fostering a deep appreciation for Japanese culture beyond its borders.
During visits to Japan, tourists can participate in these ceremonies by booking sessions with local tea houses.
Where to Find Authentic Matcha Snacks
In Japan, you can find authentic matcha snacks in supermarkets, convenience stores, and vending machines. If you live in the United States, the best way to buy these snacks is via online platforms like Bokksu Market. We offer a simple search feature with relevant filters that allow you to find exactly what you want.
The Enduring Charm of Matcha
Matcha is a popular tea in Japan and around the world due to its health benefits and diverse uses. You can enjoy it as a green tea, alcoholic beverage, dessert, and healthy treat.
Whatever your preferences, it has something unique to offer you. We can’t wait to see what enthusiasts come up with as matcha continues its enduring evolution in the culinary world.
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