Let’s start off with the basics shall we? Matcha comes from the words “cha” meaning tea and “ma” meaning powder. Matcha is a finely ground powder of specially grown and handled green tea. In the aspects of farming and processing, you’ll appreciate how much specially processed Matcha is compared to the usual green tea : The green tea plants for matcha are shade-grown for about three weeks before it is harvested, both the stems and veins are extracted during processing.
Traditionally, both the Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies would be centered on the preparation, serving, and even drinking of Matcha. In modern times however, the ever so famous Matcha has come to be used to flavor today’s favorites – ice cream, noodles, mochi, bread, and even lattes from our favorite coffee shop.