Why Matcha Tea? A Quiet Ritual in a Busy World

Matcha is a powdered green tea traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It’s made from shade-grown tea leaves that are steamed, dried, and then ground into a fine powder. Because you’re drinking the entire leaf (instead of just steeping and removing it), matcha tea has a much stronger nutritional profile than regular green tea.

It has a vibrant green color, a bold, slightly grassy flavor, and a unique smooth texture when properly whisked. High-quality matcha (called "ceremonial grade") is used for drinking on its own, while lower grades ("culinary") are used for lattes, baking, or cooking.

Unlike tea bags or loose leaf tea, matcha is fully suspended in water — so preparation involves whisking, not steeping. This is part of what makes it feel more like a ritual, and less like just another beverage.

Matcha tea isn’t just about taste or tradition — many people drink it for its mental and physical benefits, too. Here are a few of the most common reasons:

• Natural, steady energy: Matcha contains caffeine (about 30–70 mg per serving, depending on the amount), but because it also contains L-theanine — a calming amino acid — the effect is much smoother than coffee. People often describe the feeling as “calm alertness.”

• Antioxidant powerhouse: Matcha is especially high in a catechin called EGCG, which has been linked to metabolism support and cellular protection. It’s one of the most antioxidant-rich foods you can drink.

• Focus and calm: The L-theanine in matcha promotes brainwave activity associated with meditation and focus. That makes it great for studying, creative work, or calming morning routines.

• Versatile and easy to use: You can drink it straight, make lattes, blend it into smoothies, or even bake with it.

Whether you're replacing coffee, looking for something soothing, or just curious, matcha is a great addition to your routine — especially if you're trying to be more intentional with how you fuel your day.

You don’t need a traditional tea ceremony setup to start enjoying matcha tea. A few basic tools make a big difference:

• High-quality matcha powder: For drinking, ceremonial grade matcha tea is best. It should be vibrant green and fresh-smelling. Culinary matcha tea is better for recipes or lattes.

• Chasen (bamboo whisk): This classic tool is designed specifically to blend and froth matcha tea smoothly.

• Chawan (matcha bowl): A wide bowl gives you room to whisk matcha tea properly. I handcraft each of my matcha bowls to support this exact movement.

• Strainer (optional): Sifting the matcha tea powder helps remove clumps and ensures a smoother drink.

• Hot water: Around 80°C (not boiling) is ideal. Too-hot water can make matcha tea bitter.

One of the things that makes matcha tea special is the way it’s prepared — not steeped like regular tea, but whisked directly into water. It’s simple once you’ve done it a few times, and the process itself can be just as enjoyable as the tea.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for preparing a traditional bowl of matcha tea:

1. Sift 1 teaspoon (about 1 gram) of matcha tea powder into a matcha bowl. This removes any clumps and helps the powder dissolve smoothly.

2. Add around 70–80 ml of hot water — ideally at 80°C (just below boiling).

3. Whisk using a bamboo whisk (chasen) in a quick zigzag motion, like an “M” or “W,” until the tea is frothy with tiny bubbles on top.

4. Drink immediately , straight from the bowl, just as it’s traditionally done in Japan.

In Japanese tea culture, matcha is typically sipped directly from the bowl — no spoon, no straining. It’s about being present with the tea: holding the bowl in both hands, feeling its warmth, and enjoying the experience as a moment of quiet. That’s part of why the shape, texture, and feel of a matcha bowl are so important — it becomes part of the ritual.

While drinking matcha tea straight is the traditional method, many people enjoy it as a latte — especially when starting out. A matcha latte is creamier and more mellow in flavor, and it’s a great option if you prefer a little sweetness or want to mix it with your favorite milk.

Here’s how to make one:

1. Sift 1 teaspoon of matcha tea powder into a bowl or mug.

2. Add 30–50 ml of hot water (not boiling) and whisk until smooth and frothy.

3. Warm and froth your milk of choice (oat, almond, dairy, etc.).

4. Pour the milk into the matcha and stir gently.

5. Sweeten to taste with honey, maple syrup, or a drop of vanilla if you like.

Matcha lattes are a more modern twist, but they still allow you to enjoy the benefits of matcha tea — just in a softer, more familiar way. They’re especially comforting on cooler days or when you want something cozy.