What is Matcha? A Quick Guide for Cafes 🌟
Matcha is all over cafe menus and Instagram feeds, but matcha isn’t just a trend. Its history and health benefits run much deeper.
Whether you’re thinking about adding matcha to your cafe menu or already serving it and want to deepen your knowledge, this quick guide is for you. ✨
What Is Matcha Really? 🍵
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Unlike steeped teas where the leaves are removed, matcha is whisked into water or milk and fully consumed, and that gives your customers the full benefit of the leaf. ✅
How It’s Made 🌱
Matcha is made from Camellia sinensis, the same plant as other green teas. But it’s grown using a traditional Japanese shading technique weeks before harvest, which boosts chlorophyll and L-theanine content while producing a deeper green color and smoother flavor.
After harvest, the leaves are steamed, dried, and carefully stone ground into a fine powder. The result is a high quality tea with a smooth texture and distinct umami flavor.
Why It’s Different from Other Green Teas
🌿 Full leaf nutrition: Because matcha is made by consuming the entire leaf, it delivers higher levels of key nutrients like antioxidants, caffeine, and L-theanine compared to steeped green teas
💚 Antioxidants: Matcha is rich in a powerful antioxidant, which helps fight cell damage, supports metabolism, and reduce inflammation
🧘♀️L-theanine: It promotes a calm, focused feeling by increasing alpha brain waves.
🍂 Tannins: When combined with L-theanine, it can create a smooth, long lasting energy boost without crash often comes with coffee
😋 Flavor & texture: Matcha has a naturally rich, slightly grassy taste with a smooth, creamy texture when properly whisked
🌱 Versatility: Matcha can be served straight, blended into hot or iced lattes, or used in smoothies, baked goods, and desserts
From Tradition to Today 👀
Matcha has a cultural significance in Japan, traditionally served in tea ceremonies as a symbol of hospitality, calm, and care. Today, cafes worldwide serve matcha in:
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Hot tea - the classic, mindful preparation
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Matcha lattes - creamy and comforting, and depends on how you make it, it’s refreshing for hot days!
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Baked goods and desserts - matcha cookies, cakes, smoothies, and more
Serve matcha with meaning, and let it become part of the way your cafe connects with people.
Whether you’re just getting started or trying to develop your offerings, we’re here to support you 🌟