This traditional green tea from Japan has taken the world by storm — and for good reason. Here’s everything you need to know about this special green tea.
A green world wonder
Originally from the lush hills of Japan, matcha comes from Camellia sinensis, the same plant that makes black, white, oolong, and, of course, green tea. But matcha is different.
Unlike steeped tea, the plant is harvested when it’s young, and the whole leaf is dried, ground, and consumed. This unique type of green tea delivers a fuller flavor and powerful health benefits like calm, focused energy that lasts all day.
From the hills to Haru
Matcha is primarily grown in Japan, in the humid, subtropical mountains of Uji, Nishio, Shizuoka, and Kagoshima. These regions and their farmers have the perfect climate, soil, and harvesting techniques that make matcha such a special tea.
It takes 3-5 years before matcha leaves are mature enough to be ready for harvest. From there, the plant is grown in the shade for 20-30 days. This boosts its nutrient content, amino acid profile, and produces a rich, umami flavor. When it’s ready for harvest, timing makes a big difference in its taste, color, and smoothness.
Every spring, matcha is picked by hand to protect its quality and flavor. The stems are removed, then stone-ground into the fine powder you know and love. As you can see, this is no ordinary green tea.
what is the difference?
Not all matcha is created the same. There are degrees of quality in matcha that can make or break your experience.
When in doubt, color is your cue. If the matcha is bright, vibrant, and green, it’s fresh and high-quality. If it’s yellow, dull green, or even brown, it’s older and of a lower-grade. Choose your matcha grade wisely.
Powerful perks
This green tea’s health benefits never seem to end. Here are some of matcha’s top health benefits you should know.
side-by-side comparison
When it comes to the differences between matcha and coffee, it’s like night and day. Here’s a fun little head-to-head between matcha and coffee. Hint: matcha is the winner if you ask us.
| Regular latte | Matcha latte |
|---|---|
| 40-50mg caffeine | 35-45mg caffeine |
| Energy crash | Sustained energy |
| Jittery rush | Calm focus |
| Nutrient poor | Nutrient rich |
More musings
When it comes to matcha, there’s always more to learn. From how we source our green tea to the dozens of recipes you can make with Haru. Dive into the tradition and convenience of making matcha a part of your daily ritual.