Matcha has taken the world by storm — not just for its vibrant green color and creamy taste, but also for its rich history and health benefits. But what exactly “is matcha made of”? And “how is matcha made” from tea leaves to powder? In this detailed guide, we’ll break down the entire process — from shaded tea fields in Japan to the slow stone grinding that creates premium matcha. Whether you’re curious about “what matcha is made out of”, or want to know “how matcha powder is made”, this article covers it all.
What Is Matcha Made Of?
Matcha is made from 100% green tea leaves — specifically a shade-grown variety called tencha. But its story begins in ancient China.
The word “matcha” comes from the Chinese characters “末茶” (mò chá), where “末” means “powder” and “茶” means “tea”. It was first developed during the Tang and Song Dynasties, where scholars and monks enjoyed “dou cha” (tea competitions during the Song Dynasty) — judging the quality of powdered tea by its color, aroma, and foam.
In the 9th century, Japanese monks brought this tradition back from China. Over centuries, Japan refined the cultivation and grinding techniques, eventually creating the vibrant, umami-rich matcha we know today.
While China shifted to loose-leaf brewing in the Ming Dynasty, matcha never disappeared. Thanks to growing interest in wellness and cultural exchange, matcha has made a powerful comeback — now enjoyed worldwide not just for its taste, but for its deep roots and health benefits.
- Grown in the shade for 20–30 days before harvest
- Steamed immediately after picking to prevent oxidation
- Dried without rolling (unlike sencha)
- De-stemmed and de-veined to create tencha
- Stone-ground into ultra-fine powder (5–10 microns)
This process ensures matcha is richer in chlorophyll, L-theanine, and antioxidants than any other tea.
How Is Matcha Made? Step-by-Step Process
1. Shading the Tea Plants (20–30 Days Before Harvest)
2. Harvesting & Steaming
Only the youngest, tender leaves are hand-picked. On the same day, they are:
– Steamed for ~30 seconds (“kill-green” process)
– Cooled and dried flat (not rolled)
3. Removing Stems and Veins
Tencha is processed to remove stems and veins, leaving only the nutrient-rich leaf blades. This step ensures:
– Smoother texture
– Brighter green color
– Higher purity
4. Cold Storage (Aging for Sweetness)
5. Stone Grinding into Powder
💡 Fun fact: One stone mill produces only 30–40 grams per hour — which explains matcha’s premium price.
Ceremonial vs. Culinary Grade Matcha
| Feature | Ceremonial Grade | Culinary Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Source | First harvest, youngest leaves | Later harvest |
| Color | Bright emerald green | Duller green |
| Flavor | Smooth, sweet, umami | Bitter, strong |
| Use | Whisked with water | Baking, lattes |
| Price | $$$ | $ |
Tip: Use ceremonial grade for drinking, culinary for desserts.
How to Prepare Matcha Tea (Traditional Method)
- Warm the bowl – pour hot water into the chawan (matcha bowl) with the chasen (bamboo whisk)
- Add matcha – sift 1–2 tsp (2g) ceremonial-grade matcha to avoid clumps
- Add water – pour 60–80ml water at 70–80°C (not boiling!)
- Whisk vigorously – use a “W” or “M” motion until frothy
- Enjoy immediately – matcha tastes best fresh
> 🍵 Koicha vs. Usucha:
> – Koicha (thick tea): 4g matcha + 60ml water – used in tea ceremonies
> – Usucha (thin tea): 2g matcha + 60ml water – everyday drinking
Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is one of the most nutrient-dense teas in the world. Because you consume the whole leaf, you get up to 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea (study).
Key benefits include:
- ✅ Rich in EGCG: Powerful antioxidant that fights free radicals
- ✅ Boosts metabolism: May increase fat burning by 4%
- ✅ Enhances focus & calmness: L-theanine + caffeine synergy
- ✅ Detoxifies: Chlorophyll helps remove heavy metals
- ✅ Supports immunity: High in vitamins A, C, E, and K
Research shows that L-theanine promotes calm focus, helping you stay relaxed yet alert — a key reason why matcha is loved by meditators and productivity seekers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is matcha made of?
Q: Is matcha just green tea powder?
A: Not exactly. While both come from Camellia sinensis, matcha is made from specially grown and processed tencha leaves, giving it a unique flavor and nutritional profile.
