Matcha tea: history, preparation and benefits

Japan's iconic tea, matcha, captivates with its vibrant color, powdery texture, and health benefits. Used in both traditional ceremonies and modern drinks or wellness recipes, matcha has become a true star. But where does it really come from? How do you prepare it properly? And what are its real benefits?

At Shoukâ, we select a ceremonial-grade organic matcha tea, worthy of this rich cultural heritage, to offer you an authentic and meaningful experience.

1. A Millennial History: From Buddhist Monks to the Modern World

Matcha finds its origins in China, where ground tea was already consumed during the Tang Dynasty (7th–9th century). But it was in Japan, thanks to Zen Buddhist monks, that this green powder took on its full spiritual and ritual dimension.

In the 12th century, the monk Eisai brought tea plant seeds from China and promoted a new way of consuming tea: grinding it finely and whisking it in hot water. This process gave birth to the Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu), where matcha becomes a stand-alone art form, linked to concentration, discipline, and purity.

Even today, quality matcha mainly comes from renowned Japanese regions such as Uji (near Kyoto), where producers perpetuate a rigorous and demanding expertise.

2. Unique Expertise: The Cultivation and Processing of Matcha

Unlike classic teas, matcha follows a precise and artisanal manufacturing process, guaranteeing its fineness and benefits.

Cultivation and Harvesting

• Shading before harvest: three to four weeks before picking, the tea plants are covered to slow down photosynthesis. This promotes the production of chlorophyll (the source of the intense green color) and amino acids such as L-theanine, which gives matcha its distinctive umami taste.

• Hand harvesting: only the young, tender leaves are selected.

Processing

• Steaming and drying: the leaves are briefly steamed to stop oxidation, then dried.

• Stone-mill grinding: the dried leaves (called tencha) are then ground slowly in traditional stone mills to obtain an extremely fine powder without overheating.

At Shoukâ, we favor this expertise and offer a non-bitter, velvety organic matcha rich in umami, ideal both as a traditional drink and in recipes.

3. How to Prepare Traditional Matcha at Home?

Matcha is not steeped like loose-leaf tea. It is prepared in suspension, by whisking it in hot water. Here are the steps to follow.

Ingredients and utensils

• 1 to 2 grams of sifted matcha

• 60 to 80 ml of hot water at 70–75°C

• A chawan (matcha bowl)

• A chasen (bamboo whisk)

Preparation

1. Sift the matcha into the bowl to avoid lumps.

2. Add the hot water.

3. Whisk vigorously in a “M” or “W” motion until you obtain a fine and homogeneous foam.

4. Enjoy immediately, preferably on an empty stomach or in the mid-morning.

Modern alternative

For a matcha latte, replace the water with hot plant-based or dairy milk, optionally lightly sweetened. The taste is milder, but the benefits remain.

4. The recognized benefits of matcha tea

Matcha is one of the teas richest in nutrients and antioxidants, because you consume the whole leaf.

4.1. Rich in antioxidants

Matcha contains a large amount of catechins, notably EGCG, recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties, and its protection against cardiovascular diseases.

4.2. Gentle and lasting stimulation

Thanks to its natural caffeine, combined with L-theanine, matcha provides stable energy, without jitters or a crash. A healthy alternative to coffee.

4.3. Helps with concentration and relaxation

L-theanine stimulates alpha brain activity, associated with relaxation without drowsiness. This is why matcha has been used for centuries by Zen monks during meditation.

4.4. Natural detox effect

Matcha stimulates digestion and supports the body thanks to its chlorophyll content, its soluble fibers, and its minerals. It also promotes better management of oxidative stress.

Good to know: these benefits depend heavily on the quality of the matcha. An oxidized, too old, or low-quality powder quickly loses its nutritional richness and becomes bitter.

5. Why choose Shoukâ matcha?

At Shoukâ, we believe in artisanal rigor and transparency in the selection of our products. Our matcha:

• is from organic farming,

• presents a fine and stable foam, a sweetness without bitterness,

• and is suitable both for traditional preparation and in a latte or culinary version.

Our goal is to offer an matcha that is authentic, balanced, and accessible, without compromising on quality, so that everyone can incorporate this exceptional drink into their daily life.

You can find it in store or online in our selection of organic teas.

In summary

Matcha is much more than just a green tea. It embodies a millennial tradition, a Japanese art of living, and offers unique benefits for the body and mind. The only thing is to choose impeccable quality and know how to prepare it properly.

With Shoukâ, rediscover matcha as it should always be: fresh, balanced, soothing, and vibrant with vitality.

Reliable source

Institut Paul Bocuse – Matcha, a green tea unlike any other (via L’Observatoire des Aliments)