In the old days, Japanese green tea was made by people mixing hot water and matcha powder (green tea powder). But you will see these come in hot or cold in bottle in the convenience store or vending machine in Japan now.
It was first brought to Japan from China in the early 800s and it was extremely expensive so only the nobility enjoyed it for a banquet.
In around 1500s, the system of cultivating tea was finally secured and its price decreased gradually but it was still too much for ordinary people.
Matcha tea leaves are grown for a certain period of time (early April until May) with a black cover. The leaves that are shielded from sunlight grow straight up in search of sunlight. The nutrients that thicken the mesophyll are used to grow the branches, so the leaves are thin and soft, and have less astringent components and more umami components, resulting in high-quality tea leaves suitable for matcha.
After picking those, it takes 1 year in total to grind with a stone mill. After that, the leaves will turn into Matcha (Green tea).
Tea Ceremony experience in Tokyo
Tea Ceremony experience in Kyoto
Hope you learnt something from this!
Thank you,
K . F
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