With its striking vibrant green color, matcha is one of Japan’s representative beverages. While it has historically played an important role in the traditional culture of the tea ceremony, it has now become a more familiar presence in our daily lives. In Japan, you can easily enjoy matcha not only at cafes but even at conveyor belt sushi restaurants This time, let’s explore the charms of Japanese matcha.
The origin of matcha dates back to the Song Dynasty in China, with its prototype being tencha, which was used by Zen Buddhist monks to prevent drowsiness. It was introduced to Japan in the early Kamakura period along with Zen Buddhism, and its efficacy is also recorded in “Kissa Yojoki” written by Eisai.
The establishment of the tea ceremony in the Muromachi period played a significant role in matcha becoming deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Wabi-cha, perfected by Sen no Rikyū, values spirituality, and matcha was placed at its center. In the Edo period, the tea ceremony spread to the common people, and matcha became a more familiar presence.
Due to its unique manufacturing method, matcha allows for the efficient intake of nutrients contained in tea leaves, and various health benefits are expected. It is rich in EGCG, a type of catechin with a strong antioxidant effect, as well as caffeine and theanine, which promote concentration and relaxation. It is also expected to have effects such as aiding in weight loss, suppressing the rise in blood sugar levels, and improving immunity, making it a delicious way to support your health. We Japanese people often drink green tea in our daily lives, and that might be one of the reasons it helps prevent lifestyle-related diseases.
Koicha (thick tea) and Usucha (thin tea) Basic ways of serving in the tea ceremony, allowing you to fully enjoy the original flavor of matcha.
Matcha Latte A standard menu item at cafes. The bittersweetness of matcha and the gentle sweetness of milk are perfectly harmonized.
Matcha Soda The refreshingness of carbonation and the flavor of matcha create a surprisingly popular combination.
Matcha at Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurants Many conveyor belt sushi restaurants provide powdered matcha and hot water, allowing you to easily enjoy hot matcha. At sushi restaurants, the bitterness of hot matcha resets your palate, allowing you to savor the next dish even more deliciously.
Beautiful Japanese matcha tea with a shining green color
As Sweets
Matcha Ice Cream and Soft Serve Classic matcha sweets. You can enjoy the rich flavor of matcha.
Matcha Parfait A visually stunning dessert with layers of various ingredients, matcha ice cream, and cream. In sweets, the bittersweetness of matcha and the sweetness of cream are exquisitely intertwined, offering a blissful moment.
Matcha Cake and Cookies Adding matcha to baked goods creates a richly flavored treat.
Matcha Chocolate It has an excellent affinity with white chocolate, and many matcha chocolate products are available.
Matcha Anmitsu and Zenzai Matcha is an indispensable part of Japanese-style sweets.
A delicious-looking matcha cake made with matcha
As Food
Matcha Soba and Udon Kneading matcha into noodles enriches their flavor and color.
Matcha Salt Used as a seasoning for dishes like tempura, adding a flavorful accent.
Matcha Dressing Adds a Japanese flavor to salads.
Matcha soba made with matcha
The Growing Popularity of Matcha Around the World
In recent years, matcha has become widely known not only in Japan but also overseas as “Matcha.” Due to the increasing health consciousness, matcha lattes and matcha sweets are particularly popular in countries like the United States and Europe.
Japanese matcha has deeply permeated our lives through its culture nurtured over a long history, its contribution to health, and its diverse uses in modern times. From the traditional tea ceremony to familiar cafe menus and various sweets and foods, matcha is an irreplaceable part of Japanese food culture.
In Japan, you can taste matcha relatively easily at places like conveyor belt sushi restaurants and cafes, so please try it when you come to Japan. You’re sure to be captivated by its profound charm.
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