Why Matcha Rules: Japanese Tea Company Insights on Drinking & Cooking

In today’s era of healthy lifestyles, “Matcha” has carved a unique place for itself. This tea, revered for centuries in Japanese culture, has now gained worldwide popularity. What makes this “green tea powder” so special, and how did it manage to find its place in everything from matcha latte to various dishes? America already had a craze for Japanese dishes like ramen, sushi, yuzu, etc., but matcha has emerged as a different wave in itself. The demand has increased so much that the supply is not able to keep up. To know the secrets of this tea mahakumbh, we spoke to Tomoko Honda, Global Operations Head of Ippodo Tea Co., and Rona Tison, Tea Ambassador of Ito En (North America) Inc.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a super-fine green tea powder, which is used in making beverages and in various sweets and dishes. It is specially made from Japanese green leaf tea “Tencha”. Tencha, a variety of Camellia sinensis, is grown in the shade for about 20 days before harvesting. This shade cultivation increases the chlorophyll content of the tea leaves and adds depth of flavor. According to Honda, “After harvesting the Tencha, the stems and veins are removed, and the remaining leaves are dried and stone ground into a fine powder.” This fine powder is what is known as true matcha.

The Tencha Production Process

• Region and Climate
  The Shizuoka, Kagoshima and Kyoto (especially Uji) regions in Japan are the main centers for Tencha production. Uji is where matcha originated.
• Growing in Shade
  The sun’s rays are blocked by placing a blue cloth over the plants for about 20 days before harvesting. This increases the plant’s L-Theanine content, which makes the tea delicious, sweet, and calming.
• Drying and Grinding the Leaves
  The leaves are picked when they are fully green and full of juice. The thick veins are then separated, and the remaining leaves are dried. Finally, the leaves are slowly ground in a stone mill to produce a bright green powder. “The art is in controlling the mill position and grinding speed to maintain the vibrant color and fine texture of high-quality matcha,” says Honda.

Types and Grades of Matcha

Rona Tison explains that matcha, like wine, varies in taste depending on the “terroir” and season. The different grades are:

• Ceremonial Grade
  The finest quality, golden bright green color, and rich umami flavor. Made from the most delicate leaves, used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Blended into a matcha latte, the flavor and nutrients are enhanced.
• Daily Grade
  A balanced flavor between ceremonial and culinary. Bold, sweet, and versatile. When you think of the benefits of drinking matcha in the morning, this grade is top-notch.
• Culinary Grade
  Strong, mild raw flavor and light green color. It has a slightly rough texture but adds a lot of flavor to baked goods, savory dishes, and cocktails.

Be aware: Some brands label other green tea powders as matcha instead of true Tencha. So “Know your source and origin,” as Tison recommends.

Nutrients and Health Benefits

• Caffeine and L-Theanine
  One gram of matcha powder contains about 32 mg of caffeine (compared to 60–80 mg in a shot of espresso). Shade cultivation increases the amount of L-Theanine, which helps keep the mind feeling refreshed but calm.
• Antioxidants and Vitamins
  It’s rich in the powerful antioxidant EGCG, which is essential for glowing skin and internal health. Also, vitamins C, K, A, B2, B3, B6 are available – which are helpful for benefits of matcha for skin and overall health.
• anti-stress and mind-body connection
  Research shows that matcha consumption increases “mindfulness”, regulates stress hormones, and increases concentration.

However, it is also important to be aware of matcha tea side effects – excessive caffeine can cause insomnia or nervous system stimulation. Pregnant women are advised to consume it in limited quantities.

Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (日本茶道)

The Japanese tea ceremony is not just a method of drinking tea, but a meditative (Zen Buddhist) art based on four fundamental principles:

• Harmony (和)
• Respect (敬)
• Purity (清)
• Tranquility (寂)

Utensils needed to make ceremonial matcha:

• Tea bowl (Chawan)
• Tea scoop (Chashaku)
• Bamboo whisk (Chasen)

Basic method:

• Sift the matcha with a ladle, and add about 1 teaspoon of powder to the chawan.
• Boil water and cool to 165°F (~74°C).
• Add 2 ounces of water and whisk with the chasen in gentle but rapid movements to create a fine froth (especially do not create large bubbles).

How to Drink & Eat Matcha

Many people are incorporating matcha into their lifestyles these days. Personalized rituals have made this green powder even more popular, moving away from traditional tea.

• Matcha Lattes
  Making a matcha latte is easy. Simply stir the powder into warm water, add milk (almond, soy, regular), sweetener to taste, and enjoy. Many people ask, “Is matcha latte good for you?” The answer is—when used in quality ceremonial or daily grade, it is good for the heart, brain, and skin. Benefits of matcha latte include an energy boost, mood improvement, and gentle alertness.
• Smoothies
  Matcha blends well with acidic fruits like pineapple. Adding matcha to an Avocado-Banana Smoothie can also increase its antioxidant profile.
• Cocktails
  These days the craze for matcha cocktails is on the rise. Add matcha to Mojito or make Frozen Lemonade by mixing it in simple syrup.
• Chia Pudding
  The combination of chia seeds, milk, and matcha makes a healthy breakfast. Top it with toasted nuts, berries, and banana.
• Desserts
  Add matcha to Classic Cheesecake, Brownies, and Cupcakes to enhance both flavor and color.
• Energy Balls
  Add matcha to Banana Energy Bites to make breakfast more nutritious.
• Salads & Sauces
  Add matcha to the dressing of Watermelon-Cucumber-Feta Salad. You can also add matcha to Spicy Grilled Shrimp sauce or Marinades (Soy-Ginger Pork Chops).

All these experiments show how the versatility of matcha is increasing, and hence its demand is constantly increasing worldwide.

Personal rituals and mindfulness

Nowadays many people go beyond the traditional method and create their own personal matcha rituals. Some people wake up in the morning and drink it for the benefits of drinking matcha in the morning, while others meditate with a light milky matcha latte in the evening. Rona Tison says, “Earlier it was more formal, but now people use matcha for both its health benefits, taste, mindfulness and relaxation.”

Conclusion

Matcha is not only a powder of tea, but it is a merging of meditation, health, and taste. From a traditional Japanese recipe to a modern use, like matcha lattes, smoothies, desserts, or sauces, it has demonstrated its versatility. Its nutrients, antioxidant nature due to l-douni, making it an indispensable part of a routine. By consuming in the proper amount, you can be a beneficiary of all the benefits provided by matcha, from sublime flavor to skin glow.

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