What Is Matcha Powder and How Is It Made? A Complete Guide

Matcha powder is the defining form of one of the world's most nutritionally rich teas. But what exactly is in it, how is it produced, and how can you tell genuine matcha powder from inferior alternatives? This guide covers everything. For a broader introduction, also see our What is Matcha guide.

 

What Is Matcha Powder — The Definition

Matcha powder is the finely stone-ground powder of shade-grown Japanese green tea leaves. According to Wikipedia, it is made specifically from a tea leaf preparation called tencha: de-stemmed, de-veined, dried green tea leaves from the Camellia sinensis plant, grown under shade for 3 to 4 weeks before harvest.

The key distinction from regular green tea powder is the production method. Genuine matcha is stone-ground at a slow rate using granite millstones. This slow grinding preserves the delicate nutrients and produces an exceptionally fine powder. Regular green tea powder is typically machine-ground at high speed, which generates heat that degrades the antioxidants and produces a coarser, less nutritious result.

 

What Is Matcha Powder Made Of

Authentic 100% matcha powder contains only one ingredient: ground Japanese green tea leaves. Nothing added. No fillers, no preservatives, no artificial colouring. The intense green colour comes entirely from the high chlorophyll content of the shade-grown leaves.

NOTE:  Always check the ingredient list when buying matcha powder. Any matcha product with additional ingredients beyond pure ground tea leaves is not authentic matcha.

The nutritional composition of matcha powder includes:

*      EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate): the primary antioxidant, present at levels up to 137 times higher than in regular green tea

*      L-Theanine: the amino acid responsible for calm, focused energy

*      Caffeine: approximately 25 to 70mg per gram depending on grade

*      Chlorophyll: the green pigment from shade-growing, which acts as a natural detoxifier

*      Vitamins: A, B complex, C, E, and K

*      Minerals: potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium

 

How Matcha Powder Is Made: Step by Step

1.    Shade-growing: tea plants are covered 3 to 4 weeks before harvest, boosting chlorophyll and L-Theanine

2.    First-flush harvest: only the youngest, most tender spring leaves are picked

3.    Steaming: leaves are briefly steamed immediately after harvest to halt oxidation and preserve colour

4.    Drying: steamed leaves are carefully dried at controlled temperatures

5.    De-stemming and de-veining: stems and veins are removed to produce tencha — the pure leaf material

6.    Stone grinding: tencha is slowly ground between granite millstones at approximately 30 to 40g per hour to produce the final powder

7.    Packaging: powder is sealed immediately in airtight, light-blocking containers to preserve freshness

 

How to Identify Real vs Fake Matcha Powder

The Bangladesh market has a growing number of green tea powders marketed as matcha. Here is how to identify genuine matcha:

Colour

Genuine high-quality matcha powder is a vivid, bright green. The colour should look almost fluorescent when you open the pack. Dull, yellowish, brownish, or khaki-coloured powder indicates old stock, poor quality tea, or a non-matcha green tea powder product.

Texture

Authentic stone-ground matcha feels silkier than flour when rubbed between fingers. You should feel no grittiness at all. A gritty or coarse texture indicates industrial grinding rather than stone grinding.

Aroma

Fresh matcha has a distinctive grassy, sweet, slightly marine aroma. If it smells flat, hay-like, or has no distinctive smell, it has likely been stored poorly or is very old.

Taste

Dissolved in water, genuine matcha should be smooth with natural sweetness and umami. Sharp, harsh bitterness in a good quality water temperature preparation is a quality warning sign.

 

How to Store Matcha Powder

Proper storage is essential to preserve the colour, aroma, and nutritional value of matcha powder. Our ceramic airtight matcha caddy (Tk 790) is designed specifically for this purpose.

*      Store in an airtight container away from light and heat

*      Refrigerate opened matcha for maximum freshness, but bring to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation

*      Consume within 30 to 60 days of opening for the best flavour and colour

*      Unopened matcha stores well for 12 to 18 months in a cool, dark location

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Is matcha powder the same as green tea powder?

No. Matcha powder is specifically shade-grown, stone-ground tencha from Japan. Regular green tea powder is typically machine-ground from sun-grown leaves and is inferior in quality, colour, and nutrition.

 

Can I use matcha powder in cooking?

Yes. Matcha powder is used in lattes, smoothies, baking, and cooking. For cooking and baking, use 3A Organic Culinary Grade which is specifically suited for these uses.

 

Does matcha powder expire?

Matcha powder does not expire in a food safety sense but it does lose freshness, colour, and nutritional potency over time. Use within 30 to 60 days of opening for the best experience.

 

 

Explore Matcha at Matcha.bd

Browse our authentic Japanese matcha powder range at Matcha.bd.

 

Browse our complete matcha range. All orders include Cash on Delivery across Bangladesh.

 

New to matcha? Our 4 in 1 Starter Combo with 5A Premium Matcha (Tk 1,750) includes powder, whisk, spoon, and storage jar in one box.