Matcha is on everyone's lips at the moment. Literally. Your best friend has suddenly switched from coffee to Japanese tea, your bubble tea store has a range of matcha latte variations on offer and even the supermarket has recently started stocking matcha chocolate. But you still don't know what the term means? Matcha is a Japanese green tea that is very popular in Japan both in its pure form as tea and as an ingredient in various desserts, drinks and even noodles. Unlike conventional green tea, which you can often buy here under the name Sencha, the entire tea leaf is processed into a fine powder, which makes matcha a particularly intense taste experience and a valuable source of nutrients. In this article, we have collected everything you need to know as a matcha beginner: from the different varieties to preparation and delicious recipe ideas.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a powder made from the ground tea leaves of the tencha plant. What makes it special is that the leaves are shaded for around four weeks before harvesting, which increases the chlorophyll and amino acid content and gives the tea its bright green color. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried and ground into a fine powder. As the whole tea leaf is consumed when drinking matcha, you get the concentrated load of nutrients, antioxidants and vitamins.
Matcha or coffee - which is healthier?
Coffee drinkers may have already been advised to opt for matcha. So is matcha healthier than coffee? Studies are divided.
When consumed in moderation, both drinks have health-promoting benefits. Coffee provides the “wide awake” effect, while matcha increases concentration and productivity. Both are associated with a lower risk of stroke and dementia.
However, if you feel that coffee makes you nervous or gives you heartburn, you should definitely try matcha. A serving of the green tea has less acidity and caffeine than a cup of coffee. In addition, a substance called theanine in matcha has an anti-stress effect.
What types of matcha are there?
There are basically two types of matcha: Ceremonial Grade and Culinary Grade.
- Ceremonial grade: This high-quality matcha variety is used specifically for the tea ceremony. It has a smooth, slightly sweet taste and is characterized by a brilliant green color. Ideal for pure enjoyment.
- Culinary Grade: This variety has a slightly stronger flavor and is often used for cooking and baking. It is also ideal for smoothies and matcha lattes.
If you see matcha on the tea shelf in a regular supermarket, it is better not to buy it. It is very likely to be a low-quality powder that can only be used for cookies and cakes. And even then, the baggage probably won't have the bright green color you're hoping for and that you can achieve with high-quality matcha.
Take a look at our online store for Japanese food or visit our Japanese supermarket in Berlin. We have a select range of great matcha varieties and accessories.
Why is it worth buying high-quality matcha?
High-quality matcha not only has a better taste, but is also rich in nutrients. Cheaper matcha can often taste bitter and contains fewer amino acids and antioxidants.
If you want to enjoy matcha on its own, we recommend Ceremonial Grade. This has a bright green color, a mild, non-bitter taste and is produced under strictly controlled conditions. The higher price reflects the elaborate production and high quality.
History and tradition of matcha
How long has matcha been drunk? Matcha has its roots in the Japanese tea ceremony, which has been practised since the 12th century. Zen monks brought the tea from China to Japan, where it played a special role in Buddhist monasteries.
High-quality varieties are still picked by hand today. The most important tea-growing areas in Japan are in Uji near Kyoto and in Shizuoka Prefecture near the sacred Mount Fuji.
Even in modern Japan, matcha is considered a symbol of mindfulness and tranquillity. Especially when it is traditionally prepared and enjoyed as part of a tea ceremony.
What do you need to make matcha?
Did you know that a complete tea ceremony takes around four hours? Of course, it's much quicker at home. The preparation is actually quite simple and only requires a few utensils:
- Matcha powder: High-quality matcha is the basis.
- Matcha whisk (chasen): A traditional bamboo whisk that helps to whisk the matcha powder until frothy and lump-free. It consists of a single piece of bamboo that is split at the top into around 100 fine bristles.
- Matcha whisk holder (chasen tate): To ensure that your matcha whisk keeps its beautiful shape, it is best to store it on a specially designed holder when it is not in use.
- Matcha bowl (chawan): A wide bowl in which the matcha is mixed.
- Matcha spoon (chashaku): A bamboo spoon that you can use to measure out the perfect amount of matcha.
Do you really need these things to make your own matcha at home? No. As long as you have high-quality matcha powder, a cereal bowl and something to whisk with, such as a whisk or milk frother, you can do it. However, it will be difficult to produce foam without a chasen whisk. All in all, your matcha won't look as appealing and will have a slightly different texture, but it will still be drinkable.
Basic recipe for matcha at home
Making matcha is easier than you think! Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1-2 bamboo spoons of matcha (approx. 1 teaspoon)
- 70 ml hot water (approx. 80 °C)
Instructions:
- sieve the matcha powder through a fine sieve into a bowl to avoid lumps.
- add a little hot water and whisk the matcha with the bamboo whisk in quick Z-shaped movements until a fine foam forms.
- add the rest of the water and stir. Your matcha is ready!
Recipe for matcha latte
Matcha latte is a creamy and smooth version of traditional matcha tea, perfect for those who like it milder. You will also need a milk frother for this.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 bamboo spoons of matcha (approx. 1 teaspoon)
- 70 ml hot water (approx. 80 °C)
- 150 ml milk (or plant-based alternatives such as soy milk)
- Sweetener to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- prepare the matcha as in the basic recipe.
- heat the milk and froth it.
- pour the frothed milk into the matcha and sweeten to taste. Your matcha latte is ready!
Matcha for beginners? No problem!
That wasn't so difficult, was it? Matcha is a versatile and healthy companion in the kitchen. Especially if you opt for high-quality varieties, it will soon become part of your daily routine. With the right utensils and a little practice, you can make a perfect matcha or matcha latte in no time at all.
And once you've acquired a taste for matcha, you're sure to want to use it in other ways too. Here are a few ideas: you can also use the powder in smoothies, cookies, sponge cakes or even in desserts such as matcha ice cream. Or how about a combination with yuzu? The versatility of matcha opens up countless possibilities and in Japan, people are not afraid to constantly try out new variations.
So have fun experimenting too! You'll find everything you need in our store.