The origins of matcha trace back to Tang Dynasty China (7th–10th centuries), where tea leaves were first steamed and ground into powder. But it was in Japan that the practice took root and evolved. In the 12th century, the monk Eisai brought tea seeds and powdered tea preparation techniques from China. He was the first to associate tea with meditation, describing it as a way to “purify the mind and strengthen the spirit.” Later, in the 16th century, tea master Sen no Rikyū formalized the matcha ritual, giving rise to the wabi-sabi aesthetic of quiet simplicity and inner balance.
What actually is matcha?
Matcha is a traditional Japanese powdered tea made from a specific kind of raw material — tencha. For three to four weeks before harvest, the tea bushes are shaded from sunlight. This slows photosynthesis and encourages the plant to produce more chlorophyll and amino acids, especially L-theanine. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and stripped of all stems and veins. The pure leaf material is then ground into a fine powder using stone mills as a method that preserves the tea's active compounds.
Matcha effect
Matcha produces a unique effect. Unlike coffee, its caffeine provides a smooth, sustained energy without a sudden spike. This is due to L-theanine, which promotes calm focus, reduces stress, and moderates stimulation. That’s why matcha is often used for meditation, deep work, or recovery after mental fatigue. It both awakens and grounds you.
How to distinguish good quality vs bad quality matcha?
High-quality matcha has a bright, vivid green color. The taste is rich, fresh, slightly sweet, with pleasant astringency. The aftertaste is long and layered. Premium matcha is made by hand in small batches. At Moychay.nl, we source directly from small farms in Japan where authentic methods and high standards are still practiced.
What do you need to prepare matcha at home?
To prepare matcha properly, specific utensils are used. A matcha set typically includes:
Chashaku – a thin bamboo scoop that measures the right amount of powder
Chawan – a wide bowl, ideal for whisking and drinking
Chasen – a bamboo whisk with fine prongs, used to create a smooth, foamy texture
Whisk holder – helps maintain the chasen’s shape and prolong its life
Sifter – essential for removing clumps and ensuring a silky, lump-free consistency
Matcha is not a drink for rushing. It invites attention. It’s meant to be enjoyed quietly, mindfully. In Japanese tradition, the act of preparing and serving matcha is a way to express respect, regulate breath, and calm the mind. In the West, matcha has found a new place as part of a morning ritual, a coffee alternative, a mindful pause in the day, or a gentle form of self-care.
At Moychay.nl, we aim to offer more than just tea. We share knowledge, experience, and respect for the culture that created this drink. We offer only the highest quality matcha and all the tools you need to prepare it at home. Matcha reveals itself not only in taste, but in the process: from sifting to whisking, every step brings you back to yourself.
*Thank you, Moychay for providing us with this blog!