What is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder made from specially grown and processed tea leaves. Originating in Japan, matcha has been used for centuries in traditional tea ceremonies and is prized for its vibrant colour, smooth taste, and calm, sustained energy. Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are infused and discarded, matcha is whisked into water or milk—so you consume the entire leaf.
How Is Matcha Made?
Matcha comes from shade-grown tea plants. In the weeks before harvest, the plants are covered to reduce sunlight, which increases chlorophyll levels and encourages the production of L-theanine. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and de-stemmed to create tencha, which is then stone-ground into a fine powder.
How Is Matcha Different from Green Tea?
The key difference is how it is consumed. With green tea, you brew and discard the leaves. With matcha, you drink the whole leaf. This means matcha delivers higher concentrations of antioxidants, caffeine, and L-theanine, along with a richer, creamier texture and a more pronounced flavour.
What Does Matcha Taste Like?
High-quality matcha tastes smooth, softly sweet, and gently umami, with subtle grassy and nutty notes. It should never be harsh or overly bitter. The flavour varies depending on cultivar, terroir, and grade, with ceremonial matcha being the most refined and culinary matcha more robust.
Why Do People Drink Matcha?
Matcha is naturally rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, and contains both caffeine and L-theanine. This unique combination promotes calm alertness, steady energy, and improved focus, without the sharp spikes or crashes associated with coffee. Many people choose matcha as a gentler, more balanced alternative to coffee.
How Do You Prepare Matcha?
To make matcha, sift about half a teaspoon into a bowl or cup. Add hot (not boiling) water and whisk until frothy. For a matcha latte, top with warm milk of your choice. For best results, use water at around 70–80°C and high-quality matcha powder.
Idyll's Organic Ceremonial-Grade matcha
At Idyll, we source organic ceremonial-grade matcha for purity, flavour, and balance. Our matcha is selected for smoothness, low bitterness, and a naturally sweet finish -designed to be enjoyed daily, whether whisked traditionally or blended into a latte.
