Matcha Basics

If you are new to the world of matcha, the following information will help you to understand the key things about matcha. What it is, how it is different from green tea, what matcha tastes like, and what the health benefits are.

What is Matcha?

Matcha comes from green tea – Matcha which literally means “powdered tea” in Japanese, is made of tea leaves grown under shade for a few weeks before being harvested. It is considered “matcha” when it is ground into powder after being processed at
a tea factory.

The origin story of matcha

Matcha today is seen as a Japanese product from young green tea leaves, but the long history of green tea actually began in China thousands of years ago. In short, Buddhist monks in China were the ones who first tried grinding green tea into powder form. They found that drinking matcha tea calmed the mind while increasing alertness. Traditional Matcha preparation is therefore ritualistic and meditative by nature, requiring customary tools and following a careful step-by-step process. In Twelfth Century, Japanese Buddhist monks visiting China learnt the practice and brought it home to Japan.

Eventually, the preparation of powdered green tea matcha was no longer practiced in China, but the Japanese Buddhist monks continued with the practice and this slowly flourished into the unique Japanese tea culture we see today. Even when powdered tea fell out of popularity in other parts of Eastern Asia, it has consistently maintained its prominence in Japanese culture. In fact, the word Matcha comes from Japanese: “ma” translates to rubbed or ground, while “cha” means tea.

Matcha taste like

If you have tried matcha before and loved it, then you probably have found it hard to describe how it tastes to friends and family. This is not uncommon, as good matcha usually tastes complex.

Matcha’s taste is often compared to the first taste of dark chocolate or red wine – something completely new yet alluring at the same time. If you’re using a high quality matcha like Yumini – Matcha, you will first taste a dash of mild bitterness/earthiness on your tongue. As you gulp down the matcha, you will start to feel it’s full texture, followed by an aftertaste.

The reason for this variety in aftertaste boils down to the farmer’s technique in cultivating the shaded growth phase before harvest. A tea master’s blending technique of different leaves (from different tea plants) also contributes to the creation of unique matcha tastes and blends. The shading process leads to the accumulation of amino acids and chlorophyll in the tea leaves in the final weeks before harvest, and the blending process by the tea master moderates the flavours, creating a highly enjoyable
matcha taste.

Matcha vs green tea

While matcha has a similar taste to green tea, there are several key differences. The biggest difference is that matcha powder is made by grinding the entire tea leaf. As a result, there are significant differences in matcha tea benefits compared to regular green tea. Matcha will also have a much more concentrated taste compared to regular green tea. If the matcha powder is of lower quality, this sometimes manifests in a strong, bitter flavour. Otherwise, matcha allows for complex, nuanced flavours.

The complex tasting notes of matcha

Vegetal

Matcha is often compared to fresh vegetables. As matcha is made from shaded green tea leaves that are steamed, and then stone ground into fine powder, it is only natural that it has a grassy flavour that almost reminds you of spinach. Compared to regular green teas, matcha has a lovely vegetal fragrance due to the shaded growth process.

Sweet

Good quality matcha usually have a sweet lingering aftertaste. Matcha may have a slightly bitter taste at first, followed by a smooth umami, and it gradually transitions into a sweet aftertaste that lingers in the mouth. This lingering sweetness helps to balance out the other stronger flavours and bitterness you taste in matcha. This is why sometimes people describe matcha as “bittersweet”.

Umami

You might have heard people using the term “umami” when describing the taste of matcha. Umami is a Japanese expression that describes food that are rich and savoury – think beef broth or juicy meat. As mentioned earlier, matcha goes through the shading process for about 3-4 weeks which results in the increased production of amino acids. The umami taste in matcha is due to the increased content of L-theanine and other amino acids in the tea leaves.

Matcha has complex flavours which can be sometimes be difficult to fully appreciate. Above all, if you have never tried matcha, the taste of matcha could seem unfamiliar. If you were to immediately start trying out a high grade matcha chock full of savoury umami note, there is a good chance you may not find it very enjoyable at first. Be patient, and expect to drink matcha a few times before being able to fully appreciate the complexity of its taste.

Depending on the blend of matcha (and how you prepare it), your experience will vary widely. The aftertaste could resemble a sweet nuttiness, an intense savoury flavour, grass like, earthy, floral or bittersweet notes, perhaps even all of the above! This will linger for a while and then slowly fade away. The matcha aftertaste is what gets people so obsessed, although it may take some time for most people to get used to the complex flavours of matcha.

Good matcha will have a pleasant aroma and different taste profiles ranging from sweet, nutty, vegetal to savoury and umami. Much like wine, the environmental conditions in which the tea plants are grown and how it is later processed play a huge role in determining how the matcha will eventually taste. Factors like the soil, climate, humidity, rainfall, and altitude all make a difference. In historical matcha producing regions like Uji, many growers take these factors to their extremes and compete on producing matcha of a certain flavour.

matcha and green tea difference

Matcha is a type of green tea. Both come from the same plant, “camilla sinesis”, but matcha is a specific type of green tea. Because of how it is produced, it has quite different characteristics from other types of green tea such as “sencha” or “genmaicha”. Here are some of those differences.

Is matcha and green tea the same?

Although matcha and green tea come from the same plant, they both have a distinctive appearance. Green tea is loose tea leaves that are usually steeped in hot water while matcha comes in a powdered form that is often prepared using the bamboo whisk in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.

Another key difference of green tea compared to matcha powder is that green tea leaves grow under sunlight throughout while the tea plants that are meant to be made into matcha are grown under shade for about 3-4 weeks before harvest. In summary, matcha and green tea undergo different cultivation process which results in the distinctive flavour profiles, nutritional profiles, preparation methods, and price points.

What is the difference in the manufacturing process of green tea and matcha?

One key difference between matcha and green tea is that for matcha production, tea plants are grown in the shade for 3-4 weeks prior to harvest. There is no shading process for regular green tea. Shading completely alters the chemical composition of matcha as each tea plant has to produce more chlorophyll in order to generate enough nutrients to survive while deprived of sunlight. As a result, shaded tea leaves are full of antioxidants and amino acids.

After the tea plants are harvested, the tea leaves that will be made into matcha are cut into tiny pieces after processing. The tiny pieces are then ground into powder. In contrast, most Japanese green tea leaves are rolled into thin needle-like shapes.

What is the taste difference between Matcha and green tea?

Both matcha and green tea have a grassy, earthy taste. Many people enjoy drinking green tea for its light, floral and delicate taste. But for matcha, it can get more intense and complex. Depending on how matcha is prepared, the taste and texture can vary greatly.

The complex flavour of matcha can range anywhere from bittersweet, sweet nuttiness, savoury and floral. It's powdered form gives its versatility to mix with milk and sweeteners that make great matcha lattes.

What are the health benefits of Matcha compared to green tea?

We mentioned above that a key difference between green tea and matcha is the shading process in the final weeks before the harvest. But this has an even bigger impact on the nutritional composition and taste.

The shading process of matcha gives it a much higher antioxidant content than regular green tea. It also increases the presence of L-theanine. L-theanine is an amino acid that “accelerates” the healthy properties of matcha. It works with caffeine naturally present in tea to enhance focus, cognitive function and energy levels.

Even though a cup of tea and matcha may have similar levels of caffeine, L-theanine acts slowly in releasing the caffeine over a period of time. This gives you a longer lasting energy boost. Because L- theanine also has its own calming properties, what you get is a measured, gentle lift without a corresponding crash. This is much unlike regular tea and even coffee. It goes without saying that this also makes matcha a lot better than drinking sugary energy drinks (like Red Bull or Dr. Pepper, for example).

Now, all of these compounds are also present in regular green tea. However, unlike regular green tea, the antioxidants and energy boost you get from matcha is magnified because matcha is made from grinding the entire tea leaf. When you drink matcha, you ingest the whole leaf instead of just drinking a beverage steeped in tea leaves. Matcha has easily 3-5 times the concentration of antioxidants than regular green tea.

Why is matcha more expensive than green tea?

Perhaps the easiest way to tell the difference between matcha and green tea is price. Gram for gram, matcha is significantly more expensive than regular green tea. This is because the shading process takes much more time and effort to perform, resulting in higher costs. Some plots of land are also grown specifically for matcha, with only one harvest conducted per year. Consumers in Japan accepted these higher costs because Japanese matcha is usually only reserved for special occasions. For these reasons Yumini Matcha is produced in Japan for exceptional high quality matcha.

What grade is your matcha?

There are broadly three grades of matcha:

Ceremonial - very expensive, for use in Japanese ceremonies
Premium Grade - affordable and very high quality
Culinary Grade - cooking, low quality

Our Yumini Matcha is Premium Grade. It has a light fresh taste and a vibrant green colour and contains the full health benefits of the green tea leaf. Perfect for everyday drinking.

How much matcha should I consume daily?

There's no strict guidelines, however if you are sensitive to caffeine then you may need to limit your intake to 2 servings per day. As matcha raises energy levels for quite a long period (4-6 hours), keep that in mind if you have to sleep soon.

Matcha Vs Coffee caffeine

Yes, matcha and standard tea contain caffeine. However a typical cup of matcha contains 1/5 the caffeine of a coffee. Matcha also delivers this caffeine very differently to coffee. With matcha the caffeine is absorbed and released slowly by the body over a period of 6-8 hour. This means that, unlike coffee, matcha provides a sustainable energy boost with no more rapid 30 minute spikes or slumps. The L-theanine amino acid in matcha is known for its ability to increase alpha waves in the brain and promote calmness and concentration giving matcha users a great calming affect.

How do I store matcha?

Matcha can start to degrade over time and is very sensitive and fragile to the elements. For best results, we recommend keeping your Yumini – matcha dry, cool, out of direct sunlight and away from any strong odors.

We recommend storing in the fridge or a cool dry cupboard, in airtight packaging. All our products come in resealable bags that are airtight. If transferring your matcha make sure you use an airtight container such as a tea caddie with a sealable lid.

Matcha stores best in the fridge (particularly if you live in a warm humid area) in its original packaging which is airtight and not exposed to light. It can also help to place the entire packet in an airtight container to keep it protected from moisture.

Can matcha expire?

Matcha does have a best-before date because, like all plant foods, it contains enzymes so it degrades over time. It is important to buy your matcha from a business which sources in small batches directly from Japan to ensure that your matcha will be fresher. Fresh matcha contains more antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.

Our Yumini Matcha is imported in small batches of matcha to ensure that our matcha is very fresh when it reaches our customers. You can help preserve your matcha for a long period by storing it in its original opaque packaging in an airtight container and putting this in your fridge or freezer. The cold temperature stops the enzymes from ageing so you can keep your matcha for years.

Matcha also degrades with exposure to air and light. If you do not choose to store matcha in the cold away from light and air then the best before is up to 18 months. You will notice the colour of the matcha fading over this period of time and the taste becoming a little more bitter.

Matcha with a bamboo whisk (Chasen)?

Using a bamboo whisk (chasen) is the traditional way to mix Matcha to give it the beautiful frothy texture. A matcha whisk enhances the matcha experience as the prongs work to properly suspend the matcha particles throughout the tea. We highly recommend the use of a bamboo whisk for the best tasting matcha!

Matcha without whisk

If you do not wish to invest in a whisk straight away you can simply dissolve the matcha in a small amount of water and mix thoroughly before topping up with more water. You can also blend it or shake it up in a bottle. If you are adding milk to make a matcha latte, a milk frother is also fantastic.

How do I prevent matcha from clumping?

To keep you matcha from clumping, we recommend sifting your matcha. This is an extra step, but it creates a much better end result and aerates the powder to produce a lighter and creamier matcha once whisked.

Matcha without milk

Matcha tea can be made the traditional way without milk. Whisking the matcha with hot water until foamy. Enjoying the full creamy earthy flavours of the matcha.

Matcha with hot water

Matcha should be mixed with hot water not boiling, just like coffee you do not want to burn the matcha. As this will make it even more bitter.

Matcha and milk

Matcha can be combined with your preferred milk to make a Matcha Latte. Try various milks to see what you prefer or traditionally without milk. Sweeteners like sugar, maple syrup, honey can be used too.

Matcha with almond milk

Matcha can be combined with almond milk to make a Matcha Latte. This will give you a nice nutty flavour, see what you think.

Matcha with oat milk

Matcha can be combined with oat milk to make a Matcha Latte. This will give you a nice oaty flavour, see what you think.

Matcha with coconut milk

Matcha can be combined with coconut milk to make a Matcha Latte. Coconut and Matcha are a beautiful combination that you should try.

Matcha with coffee

Making the choice between Matcha and coffee can be an impossible feat sometimes. So you can try combining the best of both worlds.

Dirty Matcha (more widely known as Matcha Espresso Fusion). Even amounts of Matcha to coffee, say 2 teaspoons of each. Making an ice Dirty Matcha, your would layer first your Matcha tea at the bottom followed by your choice of Milk then your coffee on top.

Matcha without sugar

Matcha can have a bitter taste when you are new to it especially. A lot of people like to add a little sugar, however if you can get use to it without sugar it is much better for you and the taste is quite lovely.

Matcha and baking?

Matcha is an amazing flavour to add to your baking, see our blog for recipes such as Matcha White Chocolate Chunky Heaven. Matcha white chocolate cookies are so good, stay tuned on our blog for lots more recipes. Our yumini Matcha is of a premium grade that is suitable for tea and baking. Culinary Matcha is often the grade people recommend for baking as it is a lower price point.

Can I drink matcha while I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

It's generally recommended to limit caffeine consumption while pregnant and breastfeeding, so keep in mind matcha contains caffeine. If you can handle 1-2 glasses of coffee then you should be fine. To be sure, please speak with your doctor or your healthcare provider.

Matcha for weight loss

Although most studies focus on green tea extract, matcha comes from the same plant and should have the same effect. Some studies show that green tea extract helps increase metabolism and fat burning, both of which may aid weight loss.

Matcha helps relieve stress

Matcha contains a compound known as L-theanine which increases the alpha wave activity in the brain and induces a feeling of relaxation.

Is drinking matcha good for your skin?

Matcha contains methylxanthines which have been shown to help stimulate microcirculation in the skin which not only helps promote healthy, radiant skin, but it helps support an even and healthy complexion too.

Matcha near me

You can buy our Yumini Matcha Green Tea Powder here on our website under shop.

Matcha to go cup

You can enjoy your Yumini Matcha on the go. Brew it at home in your favourite way and take it in a portable cup like a Keep Cup or Stojo cup.

Shipping

Yumini Ships worldwide:

Australia Post – Untracked (Free Shipping within Australia).
Australia Post – Tracked Express (Australia) Flat rate of $5.00 AUD per order.
Australia Post – Untracked (International) Flat rate of $1.50 AUD per order.
Australia Post – Tracked Express (International) Flat rate of $10.00 per order.

Returns

We accept un-used items purchased from yumini.com.au within 30 days from the date of purchase on all domestic orders. Please email hello@yumini.com.au for a returns form. Please note that customers are required to cover the cost of the returns to our Australian address.

Refunds

It may take up to 1-2 weeks for us to receive your shipment. Once we receive your return, please allow up to 5 business days for us to process your return. Once your return has been processed, you will receive a notification email that your refund has been processed & issued. Any shipping charges applied to the order will not be refunded. Please note that orders placed to Canada may take an extra 2 weeks due to strict customs regulations.

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