Club + Resort Chef

  • Home
  • Clubs
  • Resorts
  • Recipes
  • 40 Under 40
    • Class of 2025
    • Class of 2024
    • Order: Commemorative Plaque
  • Master Class
  • Documentaries
    • Watch: Inside Ocean Reef
    • Watch: All Ships Rise
  • Certification
  • Resources
    • PlateCraft
    • Chef to Chef
    • C+R Talks
    • Salary Survey Data
    • C+RC Association
    • Digital Issues
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

What Is Matcha?

Preparation and consumption of matcha was formed into a ritual by Zen Buddhists, who cultivated the green tea plant.

By Lauren Newman, Contributing Writer | August 15, 2023

While it may seem like matcha has recently taken over the world, matcha actually goes back thousands of years. Matcha is a Japanese staple and the only region where it is produced; however, the green tea powder has its roots in China. The Chinese methods of preparing powdered tea were brought to Japan in 1191 by the monk Eisai. Powdered tea was slowly forgotten in China, but in Japan, it continued to be an important item at Zen monasteries. The very word matcha is Japanese; ‘ma’ means rubbed or ground, and ‘cha’ translates to tea. Therefore, matcha stands for grounded tea.

Matcha is a type of green tea that is made from powdered leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is rich in antioxidants and offers many potential health benefits. With traditional green tea, the leaves are steeped in hot water and then discarded. But with matcha, the dried leaves are actually ground into a powder, mixed into the drink, and consumed. Matcha is also grown differently than green tea and has strict rules regarding how matcha is grown and made. When growing matcha, the tea plants are shade-grown for about three to four weeks before harvest. This process causes the plants to produce more caffeine and theanine, which results in matcha’s unique nutrient composition.

When the tea leaves are ready for harvesting, they are hand-picked, steamed and then air dried. After the leaves are ready, they are sorted in grades: kitchen-grade being the poor-quality matcha and the ceremonial-grade being premium-quality. Later, the leaves are destemmed and deveined and are then ready to be grounded. Traditionally, matcha is ground using a stone mill or a mortar and pestle. However, for larger amounts, powdering machines are used. Matcha is stronger and more concentrated than steeped green tea because you ingest the whole, powdered leaves.

Vibrantly green in color, matcha has an earthy, bitter flavor that is grassy with an undertone of tea and a hit of sweetness. It also has a unique umami flavor with notes of fresh greens, roasted flavor, and vegetables. Complex and quite powerful as a flavor, matcha suits sweet recipes especially well, particularly baking. You can use matcha in teas, lattes, smoothies, crepes, ice cream and baked goods. On the savory front, a mix of sea salt and matcha powder can be sprinkled on poached, boiled or fried eggs, or even added to a martini. Along with having a unique taste, matcha is also regarded as the most aromatic form of green tea—just a little goes a long way in any recipe.

Related Articles Read More >

The Future of Food? What Chefs Should Know About Vertical Farming
What Are Kolaches?
What Is Sawtooth Coriander?
How Do You Make Cold Foam?

PlateCraft

https://youtu.be/9kF2hijL4ek

Chef to Chef Conference

https://youtu.be/aOZc9QDWWWk

C+RC Newsletter

Club + Resort Chef Association

Elevate Your Club and Career: Join CRCA

C+RC Association Join the Club + Resort Chef Association to connect with a network of elite club culinary professionals and access exclusive resources and certifications designed to elevate your skills and career. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your talent, learn from industry leaders, and stay at the forefront of club culinary.

C+RC Digital Issues

Club & Resort Business Browse the latest and archived issues of the premier magazine for club and resort culinary teams, available in a user-friendly and high-quality format. Enjoy the convenience of bookmarking, sharing, and engaging with the top culinary content tailored for club and resort chefs.

Club + Resort Chef
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Subscribe
  • Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
  • Submit a Recipe
  • Club & Resort Chef Association
  • Club & Resort Business

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Club + Resort Chef

  • Home
  • Clubs
  • Resorts
  • Recipes
  • 40 Under 40
    • Class of 2025
    • Class of 2024
    • Order: Commemorative Plaque
  • Master Class
  • Documentaries
    • Watch: Inside Ocean Reef
    • Watch: All Ships Rise
  • Certification
  • Resources
    • PlateCraft
    • Chef to Chef
    • C+R Talks
    • Salary Survey Data
    • C+RC Association
    • Digital Issues
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe