Once difficult to find, matcha is no longer limited to Japan, and is now hugely popular around the world. It’s a staple in the routine of tea enthusiasts, a regular ingredient across cafes and bakeries alike, and stocked on supermarket shelves too. When I was first introduced to Japanese matcha it was the striking green colour, unique and unmissable, that stood out to me – but I soon learned that its qualities extend far beyond just the aesthetic.
From an overview of its health benefits, and instructions on how to prepare the perfect matcha, to understanding the different grades of matcha and some recommended stockists to buy from, we make the case for introducing Japanese matcha into your wellness routine.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder from Japan. Unlike regular Japanese green tea, where the leaves have their flavour extracted and are then discarded, the matcha process involves consuming the entire leaf, which offers a richer taste and has a series of wellness benefits.
The process for creating matcha is done with huge amounts of detail. Matcha comes from shade-grown Camellia Sinensis tea plants, which are shaded for 20-30 days before harvesting. This helps to stimulate the production of amino acids, creating the rich umami flavour and signature vibrant green colour we associate with matcha. The carefully harvested leaves are then steamed to prevent oxidation, dried, and finely ground into a powder.
The production and enjoyment of matcha has always been a central element of the Japanese tea ceremony, emphasising mindfulness, harmony, and respect. Today, the production of matcha continues to be a symbol of Japanese heritage and craftsmanship.
Health Benefits: More Than Just Japanese Green Tea
As the most well-known form of Japanese Green Tea here in the UK, matcha is incredibly popular amongst those seeking the immense variety of health benefits that it offers.
- Rich in Antioxidants – matcha contains high levels of catechins, which are antioxidant compounds that are known to have cancer-preventive effects.
- Enhances Focus & Calmness – the unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine provides sustained energy without jitters, promoting a good balance of alertness and relaxation. While a standard cup of coffee contains 80-100mg of caffeine, matcha provides roughly 70mg a serving.
- Supports Heart Health & Immunity – regular consumption of matcha has been linked to improved cardiovascular health and a stronger immune system.
- Detoxifies The Body – the chlorophyll in matcha helps cleanse the body by flushing out toxins and heavy metals. Since matcha is shade-grown, it has higher chlorophyll levels than regular green tea, making it a more effective detoxifier.
- Improves Skin Health – matcha’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can help reduce acne, redness, and irritation. The antioxidants promote collagen production, helping to maintain healthy and glowing skin.
How To Prepare Matcha At Home?
Making matcha the traditional way enhances its unique flavour and texture. We suggest following these steps to produce the perfect cup:
- Sift one to two teaspoons of matcha into a bowl to prevent clumps.
- Add 70-80°C water – boiling water can damage the delicate flavours
- Slowly add the water and stir vigorously in a zigzag motion using a bamboo whisk (known as a ‘chasen’)
Other Ways To Use Matcha
Matcha powder is incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways beyond traditional ea. Whisking matcha with hot water creates a pure, earthy drink, whilst frothing and adding milk makes for a creamy treat of a matcha latte. You can also shake matcha with cold water and ice for a refreshing drink, or make a matcha smoothie by blending it with fruits and yogurt. If you’re baking, it can be used in anything from pancakes and muffins to energy balls and cakes. It can even be used in savoury dishes to create matcha salad dressings or flavourful broths.
Understanding Matcha Grades And Quality
Matcha comes exclusively in the form of a powder – but there are two primary grades that distinguish the quality of matcha.
Firstly, there is Japanese matcha at its highest quality, often more vibrant in colour, smoother in texture, and sweeter in taste. With the leaves carefully selected to meet high standards, this is the matcha that is usually used in traditional Japanese Green Tea ceremonies.
Culinary grade Japanese matcha is slightly more bitter and often used for cooking, baking, and making matcha lattes.
When selecting your matcha look for a deep, bright green hue, fine texture, and a fresh, grassy aroma.
Where To Buy The Best Matcha?
To fully appreciate authentic Japanese Green Tea, it’s important to obtain it from trusted sources, ideally those with direct ties to Japanese ea growers. Choosing authentic matcha over mass-produced alternatives helps preserve Japanese tea-growing traditions and ensures the highest quality of Japanese Green Tea available.
There are a number of places to buy from, but we’ve included some of our favourites in this list:
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