Matcha Journey from its Origins to Your Cup

January 13, 2025

Matcha Journey from its Origins to Your Cup

January 13, 2025

Matcha is more than just a vibrant green tea; it’s a centuries-old tradition, an art form, and a health-boosting elixir that has won hearts worldwide. But where did matcha come from, and how has it evolved into the beloved beverage we enjoy today? Let’s take a closer look at its fascinating journey.

The story of matcha begins in the early 12th century when a Japanese monk, Shoichi Kokushi, brought tea seeds from China to Japan. These seeds, planted in fertile Japanese soil, became the foundation for a tea-drinking culture that has lasted for centuries. Japan’s Shizuoka region, known as the tea capital of the country, now produces some of the finest matcha in the world.

During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the practice of drinking powdered green tea was introduced by Zen Buddhist monks. It was not just a drink but also a meditative practice. By the 15th century, the art of tea-making had become an integral part of Japanese culture, culminating in the development of the traditional tea ceremony. Matcha, with its vibrant colour and unique flavour, became the centerpiece of this ritual.

True matcha has a rich, complex flavour profile. High-quality ceremonial-grade matcha is known for its umami, a savoury taste complemented by a subtle sweetness and a creamy texture. Culinary-grade matcha, while slightly more robust, retains the characteristic vegetal notes and a lingering sweetness that makes it ideal for lattes and culinary creations.

Matcha is a power house of health benefits:

Rich in Antioxidants: Packed with catechins, particularly EGCG, matcha helps combat free radicals and supports overall health.
Boosts Energy and Focus: The combination of caffeine and L-theanine provides a calm yet alert state, enhancing productivity without the jitters.
Supports Detoxification: The chlorophyll in matcha aids in detoxifying the body, flushing out toxins naturally.
Promotes Relaxation: L-theanine fosters a sense of calm and relaxation, making matcha a great choice for mindfulness practices.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Matcha

Selecting the right matcha is crucial because it directly impacts the quality of your tea experience. Always opt for organic matcha, as it ensures you're consuming the purest form of ground tea leaves without any additives. Since matcha involves consuming the whole leaf, organic certification guarantees the absence of harmful chemicals.

Tea Drop’s matcha comes from the Tenryu Region of Shizuoka, Japan, where expert farmers cultivate tea leaves under shaded canopies for up to two weeks before harvest. This traditional method boosts the chlorophyll content, giving matcha its vibrant green colour and delicate vegetal flavour.

Freshly packed at the source in Shizuoka, Tea Drop matcha preserves its rich flavour, vivid colour, and captivating aroma. This careful packaging is essential, as matcha oxidizes quickly after production, impacting its quality. Choosing matcha packed at the origin ensures an exceptional tea experience every time.

Our Ceremonial Green Matcha is perfect for traditional preparation, offering an unmatched umami flavour and smooth finish. For more versatile uses, our Japanese Pure Organic Matcha (culinary grade) shines with its subtle vegetal notes and lingering sweetness, ideal for lattes and other creations.

Whether hot or cold, brewing matcha is an art. Here’s how to create the perfect cup:

How to Make Ceremonial Green Matcha the Right Way

Ingredients: 1 tsp Japanese ceremonial matcha, 60 ml (2 oz) hot water (70°C).
Instructions:
1. Prepare matcha bowl by warming it with boiled water.
2. Prepare matcha whisk by soaking the tips in boiled water for about 10 seconds.
3. Using the matcha spoon add one spoon of matcha to bowl and 75ml of hot water. (70°C)
4. In a slow "W" motion, submerge any loose bits of matcha that maybe floating on the surface of the tea.
5. Whisk the tea more briskly in a back-and-forth motion until the surface of the matcha becomes frothy.
6. Consume immediately.

Iced Matcha Latte with Pure Organic Matcha

Ingredients:
- 1 tsp Japanese Pure Organic Matcha (culinary grade)
- 60 ml (2 oz) hot water (70°C)
- 200 ml (7 oz) cold milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tsp sweetener (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions:
1. Add 60 ml (2 oz) of hot water and whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion using a bamboo whisk (or a small hand whisk) until the matcha is dissolved and a frothy layer forms on top.
2. Mix in 1 tsp of your preferred sweetener while the matcha is warm to ensure it blends seamlessly.
3. Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour 200 ml (7 oz) of cold milk over the ice.
4. Gently pour the whisked matcha over the milk, creating a beautiful, layered effect.
5. Stir gently before sipping or enjoy the aesthetic layers before mixing.

Tea Drop’s matcha, with its exceptional quality and taste, invites you to experience the art of matcha in every sip. Whether you prefer a traditional hot brew, a refreshing iced latte, or any other culinary creation, our matcha brings the best of this centuries-old tradition to your cup.