From Farm to Cup: The Journey of Matcha

Have you ever wondered about the fascinating journey of matcha tea leaves from the farm to your cup?

You may have noticed how Matcha has a vibrant green color and maintains a finely meshed powder form that of green tea.

Matcha has held a special place in Japanese culture for centuries and has recently gained popularity worldwide for the bountiful health benefits it offers.

Let’s take a quick overview dive into the captivating process of cultivating and producing matcha to offer you a glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship behind this beloved tea.

Where Did Matcha Come From?

Matcha has been cultivated in Japan for centuries and is deeply intertwined with the country’s tea traditions, most notably the revered Japanese tea ceremony.

The production of matcha involves shade-growing tea plants to enhance flavor and nutritional qualities.

Matcha Cultivation and Harvesting

Matcha is made from a specific variety of tea plants, Camellia sinensis, which are carefully cultivated in shaded fields.

The shading process, usually lasting several weeks, stimulates the plants to produce increased levels of chlorophyll, amino acids, and other beneficial compounds.

Matcha Hand-Picking and Steaming

When the tea leaves are ready for harvest, skilled tea farmers meticulously hand-pick the tender young leaves, selecting only the highest quality ones.

The freshly harvested leaves are promptly steamed to halt oxidation, preserving their vibrant green color and vital nutrients.

Matcha Drying and Grinding

After steaming, the tea leaves undergo a drying process to remove moisture and achieve the desired texture.

Traditionally, the dried leaves are ground using a granite stone mill, slowly transforming them into the fine powder known as matcha. However, some modern processes have been adopted to optimize flow and safety.

Matcha Grades

One important thing to take note on is Matcha is available in different grades, with ceremonial grade being the highest quality and most suitable for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.

Of course with the highest quality, comes the highest price. Realistically speaking, this is not a quality most could afford to drink on a daily basis. This might be a grade only used monthly or at another custom interval.

Culinary grade matcha, while not as vibrant in color, is ideal for cooking and incorporating into various recipes. This grade populates a large portion of the market.

You get to reap all of the wonderful benefits of Matcha while not blowing a hole in your budget. Think of these similar to different kinds of whiskey. Some qualities are better than others, however you still achieve the same benefits. Maker’s Mark is known for being a high end whiskey but also costs a significant amount more than say Jack Daniels. Both are great options, one is just a slightly higher grade than the other.

Regardless of the grade that is used, Matcha remains the absolute best choice over regular green tea.

Matcha has been shown to have up to 137x more antioxidants than regular green tea! And almost 3x more than coffee!

That’s 137x more power fighting free radicals to prevent cell damage. Read more about the benefits of Matcha and why we recommend choosing Matcha over coffee here.

Overall, the journey of matcha tea leaves, from carefully cultivated fields to the finely powdered form, is a testament to the artistry and dedication of tea farmers and producers.

This is why at Freedom Tea, we only source Organic Matcha from sustainable farmers. Every batch of our Matcha goes through a rigorous testing process to screen for microbials, radioactivity, pesticides and heavy metals to deliver to you the highest quality Matcha.

Understanding this meticulous process behind Matcha can deepen your appreciation for this remarkable tea and the rich cultural heritage it represents.

So, the next time you savor a packet of Freedom Tea, take a moment to reflect on the labor of love that brought the Matcha to your beverage, and allow yourself to fully immerse in the unique world of Matcha.