Five Interesting Facts About Japan’s Matcha Tea

Origins in Japanese Tea Ceremony Matcha has its roots in the centuries-old Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu.

During formal rituals, powdered green tea (matcha) is ceremoniously whisked with hot water and consumed.

Matcha is packed with antioxidants that boost metabolism and brain function.

Matcha tea leaves are grown in the shade for several weeks before harvesting, which increases their chlorophyll content.

There are two main grades of matcha - ceremonial and culinary. Ceremonial matcha is of the highest quality, meant for traditional preparation.

Matcha contains about 70 mg of caffeine per teaspoon, comparable to a cup of coffee.