What is Matcha? The Complete Guide to Matcha Green Tea
Walk into almost any café in New Zealand today and you will find matcha on the menu. Matcha lattes. Iced matcha. Strawberry matcha. The vibrant green powder has become one of the most talked-about drinks of the past few years, and for good reason. But what actually is matcha, where does it come from, and does it live up to the hype? This guide covers everything you need to know.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves. Unlike a regular cup of green tea, where the leaves are steeped and then discarded, with matcha you consume the entire leaf in powdered form. That distinction matters, because it means you are taking in a much higher concentration of the plant's natural compounds than you would from a standard brew.
The tea plants used for matcha are shade-grown for several weeks before harvest. Depriving the plants of direct sunlight triggers a change in their chemistry: chlorophyll production increases, the leaves deepen to a rich, vivid green, and the amino acid content, particularly L-theanine, rises significantly. After harvest, the stems and veins are removed, and the remaining leaf material (known as tencha) is stone-ground into a fine, silky powder.
The result is matcha green tea in its purest form: intensely green, smooth, and carrying that signature balance of subtle bitterness, natural sweetness, and savoury depth that tea lovers find so distinctive.
What is the difference between Japan matcha and China matcha?
Matcha has its origins in Japan, where it has been central to tea culture for centuries. Japanese matcha is widely regarded as the gold standard for quality. The most celebrated growing regions, Uji in Kyoto Prefecture, Yame in Fukuoka, and Nishio in Aichi, produce matcha with refined umami flavour, a smooth texture, and a vivid colour that is difficult to replicate. This is what most people are referring to when they use the term "ceremonial grade matcha", a level of quality suited to drinking straight, whisked with water in the traditional way.
At t leaf T, our Japan matcha is sourced and processed to these traditional standards. It is excellent whisked with hot water in the classic style, and equally well-suited to quality lattes where the flavour really shows through.
China also produces matcha, most notably from Zhejiang Province, which has a long history of green tea cultivation. Chinese matcha tends to be bolder and more robust in character than its Japanese counterpart. While some nuance is traded for the price point, it is a genuinely versatile powder that performs well in milk-based drinks, flavoured beverages, and baking, applications where the subtler qualities of premium Japanese matcha would largely be lost anyway.
Which is right for you? If you want to experience matcha green tea at its most refined, the traditional whisked bowl, a pure matcha shot, or a high-quality latte, Japan matcha is worth it. If you are baking with matcha, making flavoured drinks, or simply want a daily cup without the premium price tag, China matcha is the smart choice.
What are the health benefits of matcha?
Matcha is genuinely one of the most nutrient-dense things you can drink. Because you consume the whole leaf, the concentration of beneficial compounds is considerably higher than in regular green tea.
Antioxidants are the headline. Matcha is exceptionally rich in catechins, plant compounds that act as antioxidants, helping to protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Research indicates that matcha produces up to three times more catechins when dissolved in water than many other green teas, making it one of the most concentrated dietary sources of antioxidants available.
Then there is the caffeine and L-theanine combination, arguably what makes matcha feel different to coffee. The L-theanine in matcha moderates how caffeine is absorbed by the body, producing calm, sustained alertness rather than the sharp spike and crash associated with coffee. Studies have shown this combination can improve attention, reaction time, and memory. Here is what the research points to:
- Antioxidant protection, Catechins and polyphenols help protect cells from oxidative stress, which is associated with ageing and chronic inflammation.
- Calm, sustained energy, L-theanine moderates caffeine absorption, smoothing out the peaks and troughs and producing a cleaner, longer-lasting alertness than coffee.
- Heart health, Regular green tea and matcha consumption has been linked to reduced cardiovascular disease risk in several studies.
- Metabolic support, A 2020 review found that regular green tea consumption may support reductions in BMI when combined with dietary changes and exercise.
A sensible note: most research on matcha's health benefits is still developing, and many studies use concentrated extracts rather than everyday drinking quantities. Matcha is not a supplement, it is a genuinely nourishing drink with real nutritional value, best enjoyed regularly and in moderation.
How do you make a matcha latte at home?
Making matcha properly is not complicated, but a little technique makes a real difference. You will need a matcha bowl (or a small deep cup), a bamboo whisk, a bamboo scoop or teaspoon, and optionally a small sieve.
- Sift half to one teaspoon of matcha powder into your bowl. This breaks up any clumps and helps achieve a smoother result.
- Add approximately 100ml of hot water, not boiling, but around 80°C. Boiling water can make matcha bitter and harsh.
- Whisk vigorously using an M or Z-shaped zigzag motion for 15–20 seconds until the matcha is fully dissolved and a light froth forms on the surface.
- For a matcha latte, steam or heat your milk of choice to around 60–70°C and pour it over the whisked matcha.
- Add a little sweetener if you prefer. Serve immediately.
The two key variables are water temperature and whisking technique. Get those right and even a first attempt will produce something genuinely good.
What other ways can you enjoy matcha?
Matcha is a more versatile ingredient than most people realise.
Iced matcha is one of the most popular variations. Make your matcha as a concentrate by using a little less water than usual, add a splash of cold water to bring the temperature down, then pour over ice and top with cold milk. It is refreshing, easy to customise, and visually striking.
Strawberry matcha has become a café favourite, and it is easy to recreate at home. Either add a tablespoon or two of strawberry syrup or purée to the bottom of your glass before adding the whisked matcha and milk, or blend the strawberry into your milk before frothing for a creamy pink layer.
Matcha also works well in baking: incorporated into cakes, cookies, muffins, and even savoury dishes. It adds a distinctive earthy flavour and a vivid green colour that makes baked goods stand out. For baking, China matcha is generally the better choice, the bold flavour holds up well in the oven, and the value makes it practical for larger quantities.
How should you store matcha to keep it fresh?
Store matcha in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and moisture. A cool dark cupboard is fine; the fridge works well for longer storage. Once a pack is opened, try to use matcha powder within two to three months. Exposure to air causes oxidation, the colour will shift from vivid green toward dull yellow-green, and the flavour will lose its depth. Buying in a size you will use within that window is the easiest way to ensure you are always drinking matcha at its best.
Matcha powder at t leaf T
Not all matcha is equal. Colour is the clearest indicator of quality, fresh, well-produced matcha powder should be a vivid, vibrant green. Dull or yellowy powder is a sign of age or lower-quality leaf. The texture should be extremely fine and silky, almost like talcum powder.
t leaf T is one of the best places to buy quality Matcha powder in New Zealand. We stocks both Japanese matcha and Chinese matcha in a range of sizes, from trial-sized 40g packs through to 250g pouches for everyday use. We also carry everything you need to prepare it properly: bamboo whisks, matcha bowls, bamboo scoops, and complete matcha sets. If you are looking for matcha near me in Wellington, you will find our full range in the CBD store, where you are welcome to see and smell it in person. New Zealand-wide online ordering is available at tleaft.co.nz, with same-day dispatch on orders placed before 3pm.
Browse our full matcha powder NZ range, or visit our Wellington CBD store to see it, and try it, for yourself. Explore our broader green tea range while you are there.