Matcha powder is finely ground, shade-grown Japanese green tea, prized for its vibrant green colour, earthy aroma and smooth umami taste. Unlike loose leaf or bagged green tea, where leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha involves whisking the whole leaf powder directly into water or milk, meaning you consume the entire leaf rather than an infusion of it.
Beyond its traditional role in Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha has become a versatile ingredient in modern kitchens, lending its distinct depth of flavour to lattes, desserts and both sweet and savoury dishes. Tea Drop's Pure Organic Matcha is crafted from finest shade-grown tea leaves, offering a well-balanced profile suited to everyday drinking and culinary use alike.
What is inside matcha powder?
Matcha is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used for all traditional green, black, white and oolong tea. What sets matcha apart is how the leaves are grown and processed. Tea bushes are shaded for several weeks before harvest, which boosts chlorophyll and gives matcha its distinctive bright green colour. The leaves are then steamed, dried and stone-ground into a fine powder.
Matcha is often described in relation to green tea more broadly. Matcha in green tea terms is best understood as a specific format of green tea, not a separate variety, made from shaded leaves that are ground rather than steeped. This shading process is also what distinguishes matcha's flavour from standard green tea.
What does matcha taste like?
Matcha has a smooth, umami-forward taste with a mild natural sweetness and a light, earthy bitterness. Its flavour is often described as grassy, vegetal and slightly creamy, distinct from the lighter, more astringent taste of standard steeped green tea. Higher-quality matcha, made from younger, more tender leaves, tends to taste sweeter and less bitter, while lower grades can taste sharper and more astringent.
What is matcha flavour used in cooking and baking?
When used as a flavouring, matcha brings its signature earthy, umami character to both sweet and savoury dishes. In desserts, it pairs particularly well with white chocolate, cream and berries, which help balance its natural bitterness with sweetness. In savoury cooking, matcha can be used to add depth to sauces, dressings and baked goods.
Matcha grades: what's the difference?
Matcha is generally sold in two broad categories. Ceremonial grade matcha is made from the youngest, highest-quality leaves and is intended to be prepared simply, whisked with hot water, for a smooth, naturally sweet cup on its own. Culinary grade matcha has a slightly stronger, more robust flavour, making it well suited to lattes, baking and cooking, where it's typically combined with milk, sweeteners or other ingredients.
How do you prepare matcha?
To prepare matcha, sift 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl to remove any clumps, add a small amount of hot (not boiling) water, and whisk briskly in a zigzag motion with a bamboo whisk (chasen) until a smooth, frothy layer forms on top.
How to brew matcha tea, step by step:
- Sift 1–2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a matcha bowl to break up any clumps.
- Add a small splash of hot water, around 70–80°C rather than boiling, to prevent bitterness.
- Whisk briskly in a zigzag "M" motion using a bamboo whisk until frothy.
- Add more hot water (or steamed milk, for a matcha latte) to taste.
How to make a matcha latte
To make a matcha latte, whisk matcha powder with a small amount of hot water into a smooth paste, then top with steamed or frothed milk of your choice. This method keeps the matcha well combined and avoids clumping, giving a smooth, evenly flavoured latte rather than a gritty one.
How to drink matcha
Matcha can be drunk hot or cold, on its own or with milk. Traditional preparation uses a matcha bowl and bamboo whisk, though a small whisk or milk frother works well for everyday brewing at home. For a quicker approach, matcha can also be shaken with cold water or milk over ice for a refreshing iced matcha drink.
Matcha beverages beyond the classic latte
While the matcha latte remains the most familiar way to enjoy it, matcha powder can be used across a wider range of beverages, including iced matcha, matcha smoothies, and matcha blended with other teas for a layered flavour profile. Its versatility as an ingredient is part of what has driven its popularity well beyond the traditional tea ceremony.
Elevate Your Culinary Creations with Tea Drop Japanese Matcha
1. Matcha White Chocolate Coated Strawberries
A simple yet elegant treat, these matcha white chocolate strawberries bring together creamy sweetness and earthy matcha notes. Crafted in collaboration with an artisan chocolate maker, this exclusive Tea Drop creation showcases the finest white chocolate blended with our signature Japanese Matcha. The result is a smooth, balanced bite that enhances the natural juiciness of the strawberries, delivering a truly indulgent Tea Drop experience.
2. Raspberry Matcha Roulade
A delightful fusion of tangy raspberries and the deep, velvety essence of matcha, this roulade is a showstopper. The earthy undertones of Tea Drop Japanese Matcha beautifully complement the sweet and tart raspberry filling, creating a perfect balance of flavours. The soft sponge infused with matcha not only enhances the taste but also adds an elegant touch to the presentation. Find the full recipe here.
3. Matcha Chocolate Truffles
Indulgent and rich, these matcha-infused chocolate truffles are a luxurious treat. The velvety dark chocolate melds with the smooth umami of Tea Drop Japanese Matcha, resulting in a sophisticated bite-sized delight. A dusting of matcha powder enhances the depth of flavour, making each truffle an irresistible delicacy. Discover how to create these decadent truffles by following the recipe here.
4. Iced Mango Matcha Latte
A refreshing twist on a classic favourite, the Mango Matcha Latte combines the creamy, umami-rich taste of Tea Drop Japanese Matcha with the sweet and tropical notes of mango. This vibrant blend offers a naturally energising drink that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether enjoyed hot or iced, it’s the perfect way to experience the harmonious balance of matcha and fruit. Learn more about our matcha and how to make the perfect mango matcha latte here.
The possibilities with Tea Drop Japanese Matcha are endless. From matcha-infused smoothies to delicate matcha cookies and Matcha Strawberry Chocolate, this finely ground green tea powder brings a vibrant twist to everyday recipes.
Why Choose Tea Drop Japanese Matcha?
Our Organic Matcha is sourced from Japan’s finest tea gardens, ensuring an authentic and high-quality experience in every sip or bite. Whether you’re a home baker, a seasoned chef, or a matcha lover, Tea Drop Japanese Matcha is your go-to ingredient for culinary excellence.
