What is the difference between matcha and green tea?
Hello to all tea lovers! Today, we're going to highlight two types of tea: traditional green tea and matcha . Although both come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis, their cultivation, preparation and tasting are worlds apart. Let’s dive into the subtleties that set these two green treasures apart.
Origins – An ancient tradition with varied practices
Green tea , with its deep roots in Chinese and Japanese cultures, has a history dating back thousands of years. It is valued for its role in meditation and its health benefits.
For its part, matcha is also a type of green tea, but it is unique in its kind. Prepared from ground whole leaves, it is at the heart of the Japanese tea ceremony, where it symbolizes purity, tranquility and harmony.
Growing and Manufacturing – Methods that Shape Flavors
Matcha cultivation is specific: the tea plants are shaded for around three weeks before harvest. This practice increases chlorophyll and reduces bitterness, giving matcha that vibrant green color and distinctive rich, creamy taste. After harvesting, the leaves are carefully dried and ground into a fine powder.
Traditional green tea, on the other hand, is usually grown in full sun and the leaves are harvested, lightly withered, rolled and then dried. This process helps stop oxidation and maintain the green color of the leaves, leading to a variety of flavors ranging from mild to intensely astringent.
Preparation – Techniques and rituals
Preparing a classic green tea is relatively simple: simply steep the dried leaves in hot water for a few minutes, which releases a range of flavors that can vary depending on water temperature and steeping time .
Matcha requires a more ceremonial approach. The powder is sifted then whisked with hot water until a fine, light foam is obtained, often in a ceremonial bowl . This method extracts not only the full aroma of the leaves but also their complete nutritional value, since the whole leaf is consumed.
Taste – A spectrum of sensations
Green tea offers a taste profile that can include herbal, nutty, or even slightly floral notes, with a clean, refreshing finish.
Matcha, on the other hand, is known for its full body and velvety texture, with marked umami notes and sometimes a hint of natural sweetness, all without the bitterness typical of some green teas.
At Keia Tea, we celebrate the diversity of green tea in all its forms. Whether you prefer green tea for its simplicity and freshness or are seduced by the richness and complexity of matcha, we invite you to explore our careful selection. Visit our Swiss online store to discover these two intoxicating worlds and choose the one that will speak to you the most, to accompany every moment of your day with a cup of well-being.
