In recent years, matcha has surged in popularity, becoming a favorite among tea enthusiasts and health-conscious consumers alike.

This vibrant green powder, with its unique flavor profile and numerous health benefits, has found its way into everything from traditional tea ceremonies to trendy lattes and baked goods.

What Is Matcha?

Made from carefully produced and processed green tea leaves, matcha is a finely powdered powder. Matcha is a more concentrated form of green tea that contains more minerals and antioxidants than conventional green tea since the leaves are ingested whole rather than steeped and discarded.

How Is Matcha Made?

The production of high-quality matcha is a meticulous process that involves several steps:

1. Cultivation: Tea plants destined for matcha production are shade-grown for about 20-30 days before harvest. This process increases chlorophyll production, giving matcha its vibrant green color and boosting its amino acid content.

2. Harvesting: Only the youngest, tender leaves are hand-picked for matcha production.

3. Steaming: The leaves are quickly steamed to prevent oxidation, preserving their green color and nutritional properties.

4. Drying: The leaves are dried and become known as "tencha" at this stage.

5. Deveining and Destemming: Any stems and veins are removed from the dried leaves.

6. Grinding: The leaves are stone-ground into a fine powder. This process is slow and careful to ensure the leaves don't heat up, which could affect the flavor and nutritional content.

The result is a fine, bright green powder that's ready to be whisked into hot water or used in various culinary applications.

Recommended Matcha Brands

1. Ippodo Tea - Ummon-no-mukashi

Price: Around $80 for 40g

• High-grade ceremonial matcha

• Vibrant green color

• Smooth, rich flavor with a balance of sweetness and umami

• Sourced from Uji, Kyoto - a region renowned for its tea production

Ippodo is a respected Japanese tea company with a history dating back to 1717. Their Ummon-no-mukashi is a premium ceremonial grade matcha, perfect for traditional preparation or for those seeking the highest quality experience.

2. Encha Organic Matcha - Ceremonial Grade

Price: Around $39 for 60g

Features:

• USDA certified organic

• First harvest leaves

• Smooth, creamy texture with a naturally sweet taste

• Sourced from Uji, Kyoto

Encha offers high-quality organic matcha at a more accessible price point. Their ceremonial grade is suitable for traditional preparation but versatile enough for lattes and culinary uses.

Whether you're drawn to matcha for its health benefits, its unique flavor, or its cultural significance, there's no denying that this green tea powder has made a significant impact on the global beverage scene. From traditional tea ceremonies to modern cafes, matcha continues to captivate tea lovers and health enthusiasts alike. So why not give matcha a try?