The Rich History of Matcha: Origins, Traditions, Rituals

Oct 16, 2024

Matcha is more than just a trendy green drink; it carries centuries of tradition rooted in mindfulness and culture. This vibrant green tea has evolved from being a ceremonial beverage in ancient Japan to becoming a favorite for modern tea lovers worldwide. As matcha has grown increasingly popular across the world in recent years, it’s no surprise that you might want to learn more about it.

Origins: The Birth of Matcha in China 🇨🇳

Matcha green tea powder is created from the camellia sinensis plant, originally cultivated for tea production in China about 2700 BCE.

The story of matcha begins in Tang Dynasty China (618-907 AD), where tea leaves were first steamed and ground into powder for easier transport. This powdered tea became essential in Buddhist monasteries, where monks used it to stay awake and focused during meditation sessions. The practice continued into the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), when powdered tea grew in popularity and spread across regions.

In the 12th century, Eisai, a Japanese monk, traveled to China and brought the tea culture back to Japan, introducing it to monasteries. Monks found the powdered tea helpful for enhancing mindfulness and meditation practices. Over time, this preparation evolved into the Japanese tea ceremony, known as "chanoyu" or "The Way of Tea", a ritual that symbolizes harmony, respect, and tranquility.

Sen-no-Rikyu formed the four basic principles of the Japanese Tea Ceremony:

Harmony (wa)
Respect (kei)
Purity (sei)
Tranquility (jaku)

Eisai’s influence also marked the beginning of shade-growing tea plants to enhance their chlorophyll levels, leading to the vibrant green tea known as matcha. Initially, matcha tea was reserved for the ruling class and aristocrats, making it a status symbol for centuries.

Japan’s Tea Ceremonies: Matcha Becomes a Ritual 🇯🇵

By the 15th century, matcha had become an integral part of Japanese tea ceremonies, known as "chanoyu" or "The Way of Tea." These ceremonies, led by tea masters like Sen no Rikyū, transformed the act of drinking matcha into a mindful, spiritual experience. Every step—from preparing the matcha to sipping it—was a meditation in itself.

As matcha evolved in Japan, two main styles of preparation emerged:

Koicha (Thick Matcha): This is a rich, bold version of matcha made with more powder and less water. Typically reserved for ceremonies, it offers a deep umami flavor and is meant for slow, mindful consumption.
Usucha (Thin Matcha): A lighter, frothy version, Usucha is the everyday way to enjoy matcha. It is smooth and refreshing, making it the preferred style in modern cafés and homes

Matcha’s Global Evolution and Modern Popularity

While matcha remained a cultural staple in Japan for centuries, it started gaining traction globally in the 21st century. Its rise in popularity was driven by both wellness trends and its distinct earthy flavor and vibrant green color. Health-conscious consumers began to appreciate matcha’s high antioxidant content, natural energy boost, and calming properties from the amino acid L-theanine.

Today, matcha lattes, smoothies, and desserts have become common offerings in cafes, making the centuries-old drink an integral part of modern wellness routines. At YOOCHA MATCHA® we bring premium & ceremonial grade matcha from Japan to cafés, wellness spaces, and households, making the centuries-old tradition accessible to everyone.

Discover how to make the best cup of YOOCHA MATCHA®

From Ancient Rituals to Your Daily Routine

Today, matcha isn’t just a drink; it’s a way of life. Whether you prefer the light and frothy Usucha or the bold and intense Koicha, every sip of matcha connects you to centuries of mindfulness and tradition.

At YOOCHA MATCHA®, we honor these roots by sourcing ceremonial grade matcha directly from Japan, ensuring you experience the same richness and purity that monks and tea masters cherished.

Join the Matcha Journey

Take a moment to whisk, sip, and reflect—just like they did centuries ago. Discover how matcha's mindful ritual can enhance your everyday life, bringing focus and calm with every cup.

Order here and discover the pure essence of matcha!