Article: Matcha - The green gold of Japan

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Matcha - The green gold of Japan

Matcha is much more than just a trendy drink - it is a fascinating part of Japanese culture and offers a variety of uses. The Japanese green tea powder has experienced a real hype in recent years. The tea is known for its exceptional taste, but also its high caffeine content. A cup of matcha tea can have the same effect as an espresso. This is not surprising, as a cup can contain up to 140mg of caffeine. The caffeine content in matcha varies depending on the amount and quality of powder used, but on average it is about 30 to 70 mg per 1 gram of matcha powder. A typical serving of matcha tea is made with 1 to 2 grams of powder, meaning that one serving can contain about 30 to 140 mg of caffeine. For comparison:

Matcha: One cup of matcha contains 30 - 140 mg of caffeine.
Green tea: One cup of green tea contains about 20 to 50 mg of caffeine.
Black tea: One cup of black tea contains about 40 to 70 mg of caffeine.
Coffee: A cup of coffee (240 ml) contains about 95 mg of caffeine, but can vary between 70 and 140 mg depending on the type and method of preparation.
Espresso: One cup of espresso (30 ml) contains about 63 mg of caffeine.

But back to the actual question:

What is Matcha?

Matcha, literally "powdered tea," is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Its roots go deep into Japanese history and tea culture. Matcha was originally introduced to Japan from China in the 8th century, where it was used as a meditation aid as part of Zen Buddhist practices. In the 12th century, the Buddhist monk Eisai brought matcha back to Japan, marking the beginning of the tea ceremony (茶道, Sadō).

Growing matcha is a meticulous process. The tea plants are shaded for several weeks before harvest to increase chlorophyll production and boost amino acid content. This shading gives matcha its bright green color and distinctive, sweet flavor. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and stripped of stems and veins before being ground into a fine powder in traditional stone mills.

What are the benefits of matcha?

The trendy Japanese drink can do much more than just pick you up - you could even say that matcha is a true superfood. From promoting mental clarity to supporting metabolism to boosting the immune system, matcha offers a wide range of positive effects for the body and mind. Incorporating matcha into your daily diet can help improve your health and increase your well-being:

Matcha is an excellent source of antioxidants, particularly catechins, which play an important role in protecting the body from free radicals. The most well-known catechin in matcha is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that matcha contains significantly higher concentrations of antioxidants than other green teas.

Matcha can also boost performance. Thanks to its caffeine content and the amino acid L-theanine, matcha can improve mental clarity and concentration. L-theanine promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain, which lead to a state of relaxed alertness. This makes matcha an ideal drink for times when you need to stay focused and alert.

How is matcha prepared?

Traditional preparation as tea:

Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a tea bowl ( chawan ) to avoid lumps.
Add about 70 ml of hot water (approx. 80°C). It is important that the water does not boil to preserve the taste of the tea.
Use a bamboo whisk ( chasen ) to quickly beat the matcha into a W shape until it forms an even, foamy surface.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a bamboo whisk on hand, you can use an electric milk frother.
Enjoy the tea directly, either pure or as a matcha latte with a little milk foam.

Modern preparation as tiramisu: Matcha tiramisu is a wonderful fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine.

Prepare a classic mascarpone cream and replace the coffee with strong brewed matcha.
Dip the ladyfingers ( Savoiardi ) into the matcha and layer the ladyfingers alternately with the mascarpone cream in a mold.
Dust the top layer generously with matcha powder.
Let the tiramisu rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving.
If you are looking for a detailed recipe, please take a look at our recipe blog. You can find the exact recipe here .

Matcha tiramisu with strawberry

What quality does the matcha have to have?

Not all matcha is the same. There are different grades of quality, but it also depends on the specific application. The quality of the matcha can vary considerably and is influenced by several factors:

Color and texture: High-quality matcha has a vibrant, jade-green color and a fine, silky texture. A dull or yellowish color and a grainy texture are signs of a low-quality matcha.

Taste: Good matcha has a sweet, umami-rich taste without bitterness. An unpleasantly bitter or tart taste indicates a lower quality.

Origin: The best matcha qualities come from the traditional growing areas in Japan, such as Uji in Kyoto and Nishio in Aichi. These regions are known for their strict cultivation methods and the excellent quality of their matcha. Always look for quality seals, such as the organic seal.

Freshness: Fresh matcha should be stored in an airtight, light-protected container and consumed within a few weeks after opening to preserve its full flavor and nutrients.

There is a misconception that you always have to buy the most expensive and therefore "best" matcha to achieve the perfect result. However, matcha is a symbiosis of the preparation method, the desired result and the quality of the powder. Particularly high-quality powders are not suitable for milk drinks such as the classic matcha latte or iced matcha latte , as the flavor profile cannot develop properly. Especially for beginners, it is worth finding a solid organic matcha powder first and trying out different ones over time. A good indicator of quality remains the special color of the tea powder.

Matcha is not just a drink, but a deep insight into Japanese tea culture. Whether traditionally as a tea or creatively in modern recipes such as tiramisu - the versatility and rich taste of matcha make it a valuable ingredient in your kitchen too. Choose your matcha carefully and enjoy the many facets of this fascinating green powder.

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