What is Matcha?
The tea of Japanese Zen Buddhist ceremonies, matcha's preparation is a meditation in itself β the formal chado (tea ceremony) established by Sen no RikyΕ« in the 16th century prescribes every motion of whisking and serving as a spiritual practice. The production is extraordinary: tea plants are shade-covered for 3-4 weeks before harvest, forcing them to produce more chlorophyll (creating the vivid green) and more theanine (creating umami sweetness and the calm alertness that made it ideal for Zen meditation). Only the youngest leaves (tencha) are hand-picked, steamed to prevent oxidation, dried, and stone-ground at 30-40g per hour β granite millstones any faster would generate heat that damages the flavor. The highest grade (ceremonial) costs over $100 per 30g tin.
Where is Matcha from?
Matcha originates from Kyoto in Japan. It is considered one of the defining dishes of Japan's culinary tradition.
What does Matcha taste like?
Matcha has a distinctive flavour characteristic of Kyoto's food culture.
What are the main ingredients in Matcha?
The traditional recipe for Matcha includes: Tencha shade-grown green tea leaves (stone-ground), Hot water (80Β°C, not boiling).
Is Matcha spicy?
The traditional spice level of Matcha is 0. Most people find this level comfortable.
Is Matcha vegetarian?
The traditional recipe for Matcha is not vegetarian, though vegetarian adaptations exist.
How many calories are in Matcha?
Matcha contains approximately 10 per serving.
Where can I eat authentic Matcha?
The most authentic Matcha is found in Kyoto, Japan. When visiting Japan, prioritise local restaurants and street vendors over tourist-facing establishments for the genuine experience.
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The tea of Japanese Zen Buddhist ceremonies, matcha's preparation is a meditation in itself β the formal chado (tea cere...
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