Tea varieties
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is powdered green tea made from tencha leaves. Instead of steeping and removing the leaf, you whisk the powder into water and drink the suspended tea.
How it differs from ordinary loose leaf
Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture describes matcha as tencha ground into powder. Tencha is produced from shaded leaves and handled differently from sencha. The result is a green tea prepared by whisking rather than by straining a leaf infusion.
Because the whole powder remains in the bowl, matcha has a different texture and can feel more concentrated than a lightly brewed green tea. It is also used in lattes and cooking, but those additions change the tasting experience.
An approachable first bowl
Sift a small amount of powder to avoid clumps, add a little warm water, and whisk until evenly mixed. Follow the producer’s suggested ratio and temperature. Boiling water can make a delicate matcha taste rough.
Look for color, aroma, and a clean finish rather than assuming every bright green powder is the same. Origin and freshness deserve attention.