Green tea is deeply entrenched in Japanese culture, history, and tradition. Tea ceremonies were a universal aspect of everyday life in Japan; from feudal lords settling political disputes or forging alliances to its ever-presence in boardrooms and business meetings. The prevailing importance of this caffeinated drink cannot be questioned. Trivia: Matcha is not to be confused with standard green tea powder – this is usually much lower quality tea that has not undergone the extensive process.

Let’s get the facts straight, Japanese green tea only accounts for 7% of global green tea production. In fact, 95% of all Japanese green tea is consumed domestically. ONLY 5% of Japanese green tea is exported! Talk about keeping it local. One of the many unique features of Matcha is that it’s the only tea where you can consume the whole tea leaf rather than just steep it. It is extremely high in antioxidants, loaded with catechins; which boosts memory, immune system, and concentration. Matcha can also help with weight loss and the burning of calories.

Tea is not just a drink in Japan, tea is life. Green tea is offered free of charge as soon as customers are seated, and refills are normally par for the course. It’s not out of the ordinary, in Japan, to consume tea when you are under the weather (then again this seems like a given!) Flavour: The grade and location of Matcha heavily affect its taste. Low-grade matcha tastes quite bitter and vegetal, high-quality ceremonial grades of matcha is very smooth and even buttery. All Japanese matcha has a strong umami flavour.