The title of this article might sound a bit confusing and you might be thinking “isn’t matcha a green tea?” Yes, it is! But even though matcha may be classified as a green tea, there are some differences between the two. For starters, not all green teas can become matcha. Matcha and green tea both come from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis. However, they differ in their cultivation, processing, appearance and preparation. Let’s learn more about the differences between matcha and green tea.
What is Green Tea?
Green tea comes from the Camellia Sinensis plant, just like other types of tea such as black tea, white tea, and oolong tea. The main difference is in the processing.
In fact, green tea is the least oxidized type of tea. It is made by steaming or pan-frying the leaves to stop oxidation and create a more fresh tasting tea.
Today, green tea is produced all over the world including China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Korea and more!
To prepare a cup of green tea, the leaves are steeped in under boiling water and then the liquid is consumed.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea that has been used for centuries in Japanese tea ceremonies. It is made from shade-grown tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder.
Instead of steeping matcha, this green tea powder is whisked into hot water. When drinking matcha, you are ingesting the entire leaves.
Matcha has a unique flavour that is both earthy and slightly sweet. The flavour will differ depending on a few things, such as quality.
Matcha vs. Green Tea – 5 Main Differences
Differences in Processing
One of the key differences between matcha and other types of green tea is the way it is grown and harvested.
Green Tea Processing
Green tea is typically grown in the sun, withered, and then immediately cooked to stop the oxidation process. The leaves are then rolled and dried. The exact process may differ depending on the green tea being made though.
Matcha Processing
Matcha is made with Tencha tea. The tea leaves are grown in the shade for several weeks before harvesting. This process increases the chlorophyll content of the leaves, giving them their vibrant green colour.
After harvesting, the leaves are steamed to stop the oxidation process, then dried and ground into a fine powder.
The fine powder can then be whisked into hot water to create a frothy and smooth green tea that is rich in flavour and nutrients.
The differences in processing between green tea and matcha result in different flavours, textures, caffeine and nutritional content.
Caffeine Content
Matcha has a higher caffeine content than green tea and is often marketed as a coffee replacement because of this.
Green tea contains about 11-25 mg of caffeine per gram of tea. Matcha contains about 19-44 mg of caffeine per gram of tea.
However, the actual amount of caffeine in a cup of tea can vary depending on factors such as the amount of tea used, the water temperature, and the steeping time.
While matcha has more caffeine than green tea, it also contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has a calming effect.
So, even though matcha has more caffeine, it may not have the same jittery effect as coffee or other caffeinated drinks.
Flavour and Appearance
Green tea is typically light, delicate, and fresh. The taste depends on how it has been processed and if any herbs or botanicals have been added to make a blend. Green tea may taste floral, fruity, or nutty.
Matcha tends to have a richer, more intense flavour. It has a stronger, grassy taste that can be slightly sweet and not bitter. But again, this varies greatly depending on the quality of the matcha.
In terms of appearance, matcha has a vibrant, bright green color if it is high quality. Lower quality matcha may not be as vibrant. Green tea is usually a dull green in comparison.
Matcha is a fine powder made from ground tea leaves, while green tea leaves are steeped in water and then removed.
Health Benefits
Both green tea and matcha are known to have numerous health benefits. Matcha may have more health benefits than other green teas simply because you are ingesting the entire leaves when drinking it.
Green Tea Benefits
- High antioxidant content
- Helps with heart health
- L-theanine to improve brain function and increase alertness
Matcha Benefits
- Rich in antioxidants (more than other green teas!)
- Energy boost without jitters
- L-theanine to improve mental clarity and focus
How to Prepare Green Tea vs. Matcha
Green tea and matcha are not prepared the same way. Green tea can be prepared with tea bags or loose leaves. Matcha is powder form only.
Green Tea Preparation
To prepare green tea, you’ll need loose leaf tea or tea bags, a teapot or mug, and hot water.
- Heat water to the ideal green tea temperature of 170-180°F.
- Add the loose leaf tea or tea bag to your teapot or mug.
- Pour the hot water over the tea and let it steep for 1-3 minutes, depending on the type of green tea you’re using.
- Remove the tea leaves or tea bag and enjoy!
Matcha Preparation
To prepare matcha, you’ll need matcha powder, a bowl, a sifter, a whisk, and hot water.
- Sift 1-2 teaspoons of matcha into a bowl to remove any clumps.
- Add hot water to the bowl, using about 2 ounces of water per teaspoon of matcha.
- Use a bamboo whisk to whisk the matcha and water together until it’s frothy and smooth.
- Enjoy your matcha straight from the bowl or pour it into a cup.
When I first tasted matcha, I thought it tasted like mud 🙁 And then the consultant at https://teajewel.com/ advised me to add orange juice to it to make what is known as Matcha Orange. And I want to say that it changed the taste for the better, and it also invigorates me. So, if you are convinced that matcha is not your thing, I advise you to try experimenting with this drink.