Have you ever wondered why matcha, especially “Japanese matcha”, comes with a higher price tag compared to regular green tea? Let's take a closer look at its craftsmanship, and incredible health benefits, which explains why this unique tea is loved by so many!

In this post, we’ll compare Japanese matcha with Chinese matcha, and explore the factors that contribute to its cost. 

What is Matcha? (It's not just "green tea powder")

Matcha is a powdered green tea made from finely ground tea leaves -- TENCHA, which is shaded for 3-4 weeks before harvesting.

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Unlike regular green tea (SENCHA) , where leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha involves consuming the whole leaf, which makes it richer in nutrients and antioxidants.

What Makes Japanese Matcha Unique:

Chinese matcha, while more widely available, simply cannot replicate the unique qualities of Japanese matcha. Our Japanese matcha boasts:

• Vibrant green color: A sign of the high chlorophyll content and careful cultivation methods.
  
• Complex flavor profile: A nuanced balance of sweetness, umami, and subtle bitterness.
• Higher EGCG levels: EGCG is a powerful antioxidant linked to various health benefits, and Japanese matcha is known to contain higher levels than other matcha varieties.

Matcha vs Regular green tea (sencha)

• Japanese matcha: It is uniquely shade-grown for 3-4 weeks before harvest, which boosts its chlorophyll and amino acid content. 
• Japanese green tea" Sencha": It is grown in full sunlight. The leaves are picked, steamed, and rolled before being dried. This process preserves the fresh, grassy flavor but does not have the same depth of umami or sweetness found in shaded matcha.

Matcha is Stone-milled:

• High-quality Japanese matcha is ground using granite stones, which is a slow, meticulous process (30g of matcha can take an hour to grind!). This creates a fine, smooth powder.
• Chinese matcha is often ground more quickly using machines, which can generate heat and compromise the flavor and nutrients.

How to Identify Authentic Matcha

As a consumer, how will you know the "matcha" you're buying is made from Tencha and not simply Sencha, which is not real matcha at all?

Here are some key tips to help you identify true matcha:

1. Look at the Color

Authentic ceremonial grade matcha has a vibrant, deep green colour, while matcha made from Sencha is often dull green or yellowish.

2. Check the Texture (swipe test)

High-quality matcha is silky smooth and ultra-fine, almost like talcum powder. If it's gritty not smooth, it may not be authentic or lower quality.

3. Taste the Difference

True matcha has a rich umami flavor with natural sweetness. If it’s bitter or astringent, it might be made from Sencha.

4. Read the Label

Look for packaging that explicitly states "made from Tencha" or "ceremonial-grade matcha." Avoid terms like "green tea powder."

The Health Benefits That Make Matcha Worth It

The health benefits of matcha are unmatched compared to other teas. Here are some key health benefits:

• Antioxidant Power: Matcha contains 137x more antioxidants than regular green tea.
• Calm & Long-lasting Energy: Thanks to L-theanine, matcha provides sustained energy without jitters.
• Boosts Metabolism for fat burning: Studies suggest matcha can aid in fat burning and weight management.
• Supports Mental (brain function)Clarity: L-theanine promotes focus and relaxation, making matcha a favorite for meditation and work productivity.

While matcha may be more expensive than other teas, its unmatched flavor, and incredible health benefits make it a worthwhile investment in your wellness routine. Just add one or two tea spoons of matcha in your smoothie or making into matcha latte. Your body will thank you after 3 months.