Where did matcha tea originate from?
China
The origins of matcha can be traced all the way back to the Tang Dynasty in China. The Tang Dynasty spanned the 7th – 10th centuries. During this time, the Tang Dynasty steamed tea leaves to form into bricks, making their tea harvests easier to transport and subsequently trade.
Why is matcha used in tea ceremony?
Matcha, a high-quality, finely ground powdered form of green tea, was first brought from China to Japan in the 9th century. Today, many people study and practice the tea ceremony, performing it to honor the meeting between host and guests and to celebrate harmony, respect, and tranquility.
When was matcha discovered?
The history of green tea in China goes back to 8th century and the method of making powdered tea from steam-prepared dried tea leaves, became popular in 12th century. That is when matcha was discovered by a Buddhist monk, Myoan Eisai, and brought to Japan.
What ceremony is matcha used in?
Japanese tea ceremony (known as sadō/chadō (茶道, “The Way of Tea”) or cha-no-yu (茶の湯)) is a Japanese cultural activity involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha (抹茶), powdered green tea, the art of which is called (o)temae ([お]手前/[お]点前).
How do the Japanese drink matcha?
With matcha you actually dissolve the powder in water (or milk) and thus drink the actual leaves. Because it’s in powder form it can easily be added when cooking or baking. It’s often used in chocolate, ice cream, cake or even in smoothies. Traditionally, matcha is being used in the Japanese tea ceremony.
What do Japanese eat with matcha?
Matcha doesn’t only exist as tea, however. In Japan, it is an integral part of many a recipe, especially concerning sweets: pudding, cakes, cookies, sweet rolls, mochi, chocolate, biscuits, ice cream – there is no end to all the delicacies that can be enhanced with green tea powder.
What is the origin of the Matcha tea ceremony?
The matcha tea ceremony is one of Japan’s most reminiscent symbols and traditions, with a long history that predates modern society. Originally a favorite pastime for ancient Japanese warriors, it was later transformed as an emblem for modern Japanese culture.
Why was matcha important to the Zen Buddhists?
What began as a “sencha” plant, evolved into what is known as “tencha”, the basis for this highly revered and carefully cultivated shade grown green tea plant. The Zen Buddhists were very aware of the meditational benefits of this “Matcha” green tea, which brought to them a greater sense of clarity and well-being.
How long does it take to make matcha from tencha?
About an hour is needed to grind 40 to 70 g of tencha leaves into matcha, and matcha does not retain its freshness as long as tencha in powder form because powder begins to oxidize. Drinking and brewing tencha is traditionally prohibited by the Japanese tea ceremony.
When did Sohen Nagatani invent matcha green tea?
Eisai is famously quoted as saying that Matcha green tea was the “elixir of the immortals’. However, in 1738, Sohen Nagatani came on the scene and invented the “uji” green tea processing method. This method is still in practice and use today, and it enabled a much more efficient process to create this revered “Matcha”.
