The Differences Between Matcha Tea and Common Green Tea: Origin, Cultivation, Processing, and Properties

Green tea and matcha tea are two beverages that come from the same plant: Camellia sinensis. However, they have many differences in terms of their origin, cultivation, processing, and properties. Want to know what they are? We'll tell you below.

Origin

Green tea is one of the oldest and most consumed beverages in the world. It originated in China over 4,000 years ago and spread throughout Asia. Green tea is produced in various countries such as China, Japan, India, and Taiwan.

Matcha tea is a variety of green tea that originated in China in the 12th century. It was introduced to Japan by the monk Eisai, who integrated it into the Japanese tea ceremony. Today, matcha tea is mainly produced in Japan, especially in the Uji region.

Cultivation

Green tea is grown in the sun or partial shade. The leaves are harvested several times a year depending on the variety and quality of the tea. It can come from different varieties of the tea plant: Camellia sinensis var. sinensis or Camellia sinensis var. assamica.

Matcha tea is grown in the shade for about three weeks before harvest. This increases the chlorophyll and amino acid content of the leaves, which acquire an intense green color and a sweet flavor. Matcha tea always comes from the Camellia sinensis var. sinensis variety.

Processing

Green tea is processed using a method that stops the oxidation of the leaves. The leaves are steamed or pan-fired to deactivate the enzymes that cause browning. Then they are rolled and dried to shape them and preserve their properties.

Matcha tea is processed in a way that preserves the entire content of the leaves. The leaves are steamed to stop oxidation and then destemmed and deveined to remove stems and veins. This results in flakes called tencha, which are then stone-ground into a fine powder.

Properties

Green tea and matcha tea share some beneficial properties for health due to their high content of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Both can help prevent cancer, improve the immune system, regulate cholesterol, and control weight.

However, matcha tea has a higher concentration of nutrients than green tea because you consume the whole tea leaf and not just its infusion. Matcha tea contains more caffeine, L-theanine, catechins, and chlorophyll than green tea, giving it superior stimulating, relaxing, anti-cancer, and detoxifying properties.

As you can see, green tea and matcha tea are two very different beverages, even though they come from the same plant. We invite you to try both options and enjoy their unique flavors and health benefits.