What is real matcha?

Not all green tea powder is matcha – In Japan, matcha tea has a strict definition. The bushes that will be used to make matcha are grown slowly, in the shade, allowing the very tender, thin young leaves to grow. Only the youngest ones are picked - they are light green and have a sweet taste. Because the tea grows slowly, farmers only pick it once a year, usually in May. After harvesting, the leaves are separated from the stems, steamed, dried and slowly ground in granite mills to an extremely fine powder. This is true Japanese matcha.

In contrast to this one , there are other teas in Japan that are grown in direct sunlight, which causes the leaves to grow faster. These teas can be harvested up to 4-5 times a year. Their leaves are thicker, harder, dark green, and have a bitter taste, and the powder is produced industrially. In Japan, this tea is called "green tea powder" and is often used in baked goods. It is not considered high enough to be called matcha .

However, outside of Japan, this green tea is often called matcha , as there is no valid international definition (as there is with champagne, for example).

The term " Ceremonial Matcha" does not exist in Japan. It is a purely Western marketing term, perhaps referring to tea suitable for a tea ceremony. However, it is not a clear or useful description, as it lacks a precise definition. The only truly meaningful and reliable terms used in Japan are " matcha tea " and " green tea powder." Using these terms, consumers can make the right choice of tea based on taste, purpose, and price.

It is unfair to both consumers and the producers of genuine matcha that green tea powder, which is much easier and cheaper to produce, is widely sold as matcha in the Western world. Therefore, when choosing matcha, always look for one that the seller provides as much information about. – where it was grown (in which region of Japan), when it was harvested, what farm (organic or not), the name of the farm (smaller farms even indicate the name of the farmer), how long it is valid, whether it was imported directly from Japan or through intermediaries, etc.