Matcha has become hugely popular in recent years—both among tea lovers and those looking to make healthier lifestyle choices. But what exactly is matcha? What does it taste like? And how do you choose the right matcha powder? In this blog, you’ll learn everything about matcha: its origins, its uses, and the difference between matcha tea and matcha powder.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a traditional Japanese green tea made from carefully cultivated tea leaves. Just before harvest, the tea plants are shaded for several weeks, which increases their chlorophyll and amino acid content. After picking, the leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder. Unlike regular tea, where you steep the leaves and discard them, with matcha you consume the entire leaf in powdered form.
Curious how matcha compares to other Japanese teas? Check out our blog on Japanese tea and matcha.
What does matcha taste like?
Matcha is known for its rich umami flavor: smooth, creamy, slightly sweet, with a subtle bitterness. The quality of the powder heavily influences the taste. Ceremonial-grade matcha is smooth and mellow, while culinary matcha tends to be more robust and slightly more bitter.
Types of matcha powder
There are two main types of matcha:
- Ceremonial matcha – Ideal for drinking on its own. It has a vibrant green color and a delicate flavor.
- Culinary matcha – Used for cooking, baking, or lattes. Typically darker and more astringent.
Want to learn how to make a matcha latte? Read our blog on what a matcha latte is and how to make it.
Where does matcha come from?
The best matcha comes from Japan—especially regions like Uji, Nishio, and Shizuoka. These areas have centuries of expertise in growing and producing high-quality tea.
Health benefits of matcha
Because you consume the whole leaf, matcha is packed with antioxidants, particularly EGCG, which is known for its health-supporting properties. Matcha also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm focus and balances out the energizing effects of caffeine. Many people describe the result as a smooth, focused boost of energy. In addition, matcha contains fiber, chlorophyll, and small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals—making it a valuable addition to a healthy routine.
How to include matcha in your daily routine
Matcha is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as a traditional tea or incorporate it into smoothies, oatmeal, pancakes, or even ice cream. Many people turn their morning matcha into a ritual—whisking the powder with a bamboo whisk (chasen) encourages a mindful and calm start to the day. Just be mindful of the dosage: matcha is potent. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust as needed.
In short: how to choose the right matcha
Matcha isn’t just another green tea—it’s a full experience. Because you consume the whole leaf, you get a deep flavor and concentrated nutrition. Choose ceremonial or culinary grade depending on your use, and get guidance from a specialty tea shop.