Where does matcha tea come from?
Tea powder matcha is appreciated for its intense taste and its stimulating effect, thanks to the caffeine that the leaves contain. Long before tea existed, its leaves were used as medicine.
Matcha comes from Japan
The first seeds ofmatcha green tea were allegedly introduced in 1191 in Japan by the Zen monk Eisai. He would then have planted them in the garden of the Buddhist temple in Kyoto. He was the first person to grind green tea leaves after their harvest and to consume them as a hot drink. The green powder obtained then gave birth to the Japanese tea ceremony. Today, matcha is one of the most consumed teas by the Japanese!
The tea ceremony
In the Zen philosophy of Japan, the tea ceremony aims to celebrate the beauty of the world and simple things. For these purist monks, the matcha, which is the green tea powder, is at the heart of this ceremony. It stimulates the mind by bringing calm through meditation. Today, the benefits of green tea are recognized throughout the world.
Harvesting the matcha plant
The tea leaves from the first flowerings are picked one by one by hand. They grow in the shade to increase the level of chlorophyll they contain. This gives the matcha his intense green color.
After this oxidation stage, the leaves are dried in the open air, before being crushed between two granite stone millstones. A colored powder jade green is thus obtained.
The health benefits of matcha green tea
Sometimes nicknamed the prince of green teas, matcha is a powerful antioxidant. Made up of catechins, it helps fight against the development of certain diseases and premature aging of cells. Thanks to its caffeine content, it is also known to help fight fatigue.
After the Buddhists, the samurai and the Asian emperors, it is the turn of Westerners to take advantage of this beneficial drink.
As is Japanese tradition, matcha tea must be mixed with hot water before consumption. Be careful though, the temperature of the water is very important so as not to degrade the powder and ensure that it retains all its benefits. We recommend that you do not exceed water temperature of 80°C.
The Japanese origin of matcha: a guarantee of quality
Good matcha tea comes from Japan! Indeed, the country ensures strict quality controls. Of course, there are matcha teas from elsewhere but their quality is less reliable.
To go further: Our buying guide for buying quality matcha
Kusmi Tea, an organic matcha made in France
The matcha is carefully selected by our Kusmi experts to offer you quality tea. All our ranges of teas are made in Normandy and labeled organic to meet our commitments to eco-responsible agriculture. Choose your flavored organic matcha according to your tastes and desires!
The tea plant originated in China, but matcha tea plant was imported to Japan by a Zen master. The tea plant grows at altitude, its leaves and buds are picked by hand. The matcha has the particularity of being a ground green tea, retaining all its nutrients and aromas. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation and enjoy a organic matcha Kusmi Tea.
At Kusmi, we cannot recommend enough that you try this drink with multiple health benefits. An alternative to more traditional coffee or tea, it will delight the most refined and delicate palates. To be sure to opt for quality matcha tea, we favor a Japanese source.