What Is Matcha Green Tea Powder?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves (Camellia sinensis). For traditional matcha, the tea plants are shaded for several weeks before harvest, which makes the leaves darker green and richer in flavor. The leaves are steamed, dried, the stems and veins removed, and the remaining leaf, called tencha, is slowly ground into a silky powder.
Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and removed, with matcha you drink the whole leaf whisked into water. This gives matcha its vivid color, its creamy body and its full, fresh, grassy, vegetal and slightly sweet umami taste.
Matcha has been at the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony, chanoyu, for centuries, where it is whisked with a bamboo whisk (chasen) into a frothy bowl. Today it is enjoyed all over the world as matcha lattes, iced matcha, smoothies and in baking, ice cream, chocolate, cookies and cakes.
Matcha naturally contains caffeine together with L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea. Its color is a good guide to freshness: the brighter the green, the fresher the powder.
Our matcha contains only green tea powder with nothing added. It is sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.
How to Use Matcha Green Tea Powder
- Whisked matcha: Sift 1 teaspoon (about 2 g) into a bowl, add 2 to 3 fl oz (60 to 80 ml) of water at 160 to 175 F (70 to 80 C) and whisk in a zigzag motion until frothy.
- Matcha latte: Whisk 1 teaspoon with a little hot water into a paste, then add 1 cup of warm or iced milk and sweeten to taste.
- Baking and smoothies: Add 1 to 2 teaspoons to cookies, cakes, pancakes or smoothies.
Safety
Contains caffeine. If you are sensitive to caffeine, pregnant or nursing, drink in moderation. Keep out of reach of children.
Read our full guide: How to prepare matcha: step-by-step guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Does matcha contain caffeine?
Yes. Matcha naturally contains caffeine, usually more than regular green tea because you drink the whole leaf.
Why should I sift matcha?
Sifting breaks up small clumps so the matcha whisks smooth and lump-free.
What water temperature is best for matcha?
Water at 160 to 175 F (70 to 80 C). Boiling water makes matcha bitter.
Can I use this matcha for baking?
Yes. It works well in lattes, smoothies and baking as well as whisked tea.
How should I store matcha?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge or a cool, dark place, and use within a few weeks of opening.
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