Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, has a rich history in Japan. Originally consumed by Buddhist monks to aid meditation, it was adopted in the 13th century by samurai warriors to improve focus and mental clarity. Today, Matcha is a mainstay of the Japanese tea ceremony, Cha No Yu, symbolizing the harmony and perfectionism inherent in Japanese culture.
The Secrets of Matcha Production
The Importance of Shading Tea Plants
Ceremonial grade Matcha is grown with the utmost care. A few weeks before harvest, the tea plants are covered with black nets, blocking 95% of sunlight. This shading technique is essential because it stimulates the production of chlorophyll, increasing the detoxifying properties of the tea. It also enriches the leaves with L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and concentration, and catechins, including EGCG, a powerful antioxidant.
From Tencha to Matcha
After shading, the leaves are carefully harvested, steamed to prevent oxidation, and dried. They are then stripped of their veins to obtain tencha. This tencha is then slowly ground using stone millstones to produce a fine powder: Matcha. This traditional process preserves the benefits of the tea and guarantees a smooth texture and a subtle umami taste, without bitterness.
An Exceptional Green Tea Powder
TEA TRIBES MATCHA CEREMONY is produced exclusively from high-quality, organically certified tencha. Unlike other powdered green teas, only the purest and best-grown leaves are used. When other types of tea are used, it is konacha, a lower-quality green tea powder.
The Origins and Ceremony of Matcha
History and Tradition
The origins of powdered tea date back to the Song Dynasty in China (960–1279), where it was consumed by Buddhist monks. Imported to Japan, this tradition evolved into the Matcha we know today, integrated into the Japanese tea ceremony. While China abandoned this method of consumption in favor of brewed tea, Japan perfected the art of Matcha.
Renowned Production Regions
Japan is home to several regions renowned for their high-quality Matcha, such as Uji near Kyoto, Kagoshima on the island of Kyushu, and Nishio. Each of these regions brings unique characteristics to their Matcha, offering a diversity of flavors and textures.
How to access excellent organic Matcha?
To fully enjoy the benefits and authentic taste of a real Matcha, it is crucial to choose a product from Japan. At Tea Tribes, it is also a certified organic Matcha, of the "Ceremony" grade (the highest), of course imported from Japan. The production methods respect Japanese traditions and guarantee a tea of the highest quality.
Matcha is more than just a drink; it is a centuries-old tradition, an art, and a symbol of Japanese culture. By choosing a high-quality Matcha, one can enjoy both its many health benefits and a subtle taste. Perhaps it is also a way to savor a piece of Japanese history with every sip?