Matcha is everywhere: in trendy cafés, on social media, in pastries. But what actually is it? Where does it come from? And why is it so different from regular green tea? We explain it all.
What exactly is matcha?
Matcha is a green tea powder obtained by finely grinding dried tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and then removed, with matcha you consume the entire leaf reduced to powder.
This unique feature changes everything: the flavors, the texture, the concentration of nutrients, and how it is prepared are radically different.
Where does matcha come from?
Matcha originates from Japan, where it has been used for centuries in the tea ceremony (chanoyu). This practice, codified in the 16th century, makes matcha much more than just a drink: it is a ritual of mindfulness, calm, and focus on the present moment.
Tea plants intended for matcha are grown in the shade for several weeks before harvest. This technique, called shading, increases the concentration of chlorophyll (hence the intense green color) and L-theanine, an amino acid with calming effects.
Matcha vs regular green tea: what’s the difference?
| Regular green tea | Matcha | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Whole or broken leaves | Fine powder |
| Preparation | Steeping + filtering | Dissolved in water |
| Consumption | Liquid only | Entire leaf |
| Taste | Light, vegetal | Intense, umami, creamy |
| Caffeine | Moderate | Higher |
How to prepare traditional matcha?
Traditional preparation is simple once you have the right technique:
- Sift 1 to 2g of matcha powder into a bowl to avoid lumps.
- Add 70 to 80ml of hot water (definitely not boiling — 70-80°C is ideal).
- Whisk vigorously with a bamboo whisk (chasen) by moving in a "W" or "M" shape.
- Continue until a light foam forms on the surface.
- Enjoy immediately.
No chasen? A small electric whisk or milk frother works very well.
Matcha latte: the gourmet version
Matcha latte is now one of the most popular drinks in cafés around the world. The basic recipe:
- 1 to 2g of matcha powder
- A little hot water to dissolve
- 150 to 200ml of hot milk (or oat, almond, or soy milk)
- Optional: a touch of honey or vanilla syrup
Dissolve the matcha in a little water first, then add the frothed hot milk. The result: a creamy, sweet, and elegant drink.
Which matcha should you choose?
Not all matchas are created equal. We generally distinguish between two main categories:
- Ceremonial grade: intended for pure consumption, intense green color, sweet and umami taste. This is the quality we offer at OMEGA COFFEE.
- Culinary grade: more bitter, duller color, used mainly in cooking and baking.
For a drink, always opt for ceremonial or premium grade — the difference in the cup is immediate.
Ready to discover matcha? Our OMEGA COFFEE Premium Matcha is a ceremonial-grade, finely ground powder, perfect for your homemade preparations.