Matcha, the vibrant green tea powder with a rich history, has taken the world by storm. From trendy cafes to health-conscious households, matcha powder wholesale is now a global sensation. But while matcha may seem like a modern-day superfood, its origins date back over a thousand years. The journey of matcha began in ancient China before finding its true home in Japan, where it was refined and perfected. Today, Japan remains the heart of bulk matcha powder production, known for its superior quality and unique cultivation methods.
In this article, we’ll explore The history of matcha, how it made its way from China to Japan, and why it has become an essential part of Japanese culture. We’ll also answer key questions such as:
Where is matcha from?
Is matcha good for health?
What are the health benefits of matcha?
The Origins of Matcha
Though matcha is now closely associated with Japan, its story began in China during the Tang Dynasty (7th–10th century). At that time, tea leaves were steamed, compressed into bricks, and ground into a powder to be mixed with hot water. This method of preparation laid the foundation for matcha green tea powder as we know it today.
During the Song Dynasty (960–1279), Chinese scholars and monks refined this process. Tea leaves were stone-ground into a fine powder and whisked with hot water, creating a frothy, nutrient-rich drink. This powdered tea, known as "mo cha", became popular among Buddhist monks, who found that drinking it helped them maintain focus and mental clarity during long meditation sessions.
However, despite its popularity, this method of preparing tea began to fade in China over time. As cultural preferences shifted and new tea styles emerged, powdered tea gradually disappeared—except in one place: Japan.
The Journey of Matcha to Japan: Brought by Zen Buddhism
Matcha’s journey to Japan can be traced back to the 12th century when a Japanese Zen monk named Eisai traveled to China to study Buddhism. Upon returning to Japan, he brought back tea seeds and knowledge of the Chinese tea preparation method. Eisai planted the seeds in Japan, introducing the art of powdered tea to Japanese culture.
Eisai not only cultivated tea but also promoted its health benefits. He wrote a famous book called Kissa Yojoki (Drinking Tea for Health), where he highlighted how drinking matcha improved mental clarity, boosted focus, and enhanced overall well-being. Eisai’s teachings resonated with the samurai class, who adopted matcha green tea powder for its ability to promote alertness and calmness before battles.
One of the regions where these seeds were planted was Uji, Japan. This area, blessed with a perfect climate and rich soil, quickly became known for producing the high quality matcha powder in Japan. To this day, Uji matcha remains a symbol of excellence, thanks to centuries of refinement and tradition.
The Evolution of Matcha in Japan: From Elite to Mainstream
Initially, Japanese matcha tea powder was considered a luxury product, reserved for the elite and practiced by Zen monks and samurai. However, as cultivation techniques advanced, matcha became more accessible and found its way into Japanese households.
The Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu, emerged during the 15th and 16th centuries under the influence of tea masters like Murata Juko and Sen no Rikyu. This highly ritualized practice emphasized simplicity, mindfulness, and the appreciation of matcha’s deep flavors. Through the tea ceremony, matcha evolved beyond just a drink—it became a symbol of Japanese culture and spirituality.
Perfecting Matcha Cultivation: Shading and Grinding Techniques
As matcha became an integral part of Japanese life, tea farmers in the Uji region began refining their cultivation techniques. They discovered that shading tea plants for 3–4 weeks before harvest enhanced the leaves' chlorophyll and amino acid content, resulting in a sweeter, smoother flavor with a vibrant green color.
The harvested leaves, known as tencha, are then steamed to prevent oxidation, dried, and stone-ground into the fine, delicate powder known as Matcha. This meticulous process preserves the tea’s nutritional profile and ensures that high quality matcha green tea powder retains its characteristic umami flavor.
Matcha’s Global Expansion
Although matcha was deeply rooted in Japanese culture, it wasn’t until the 21st century that it gained international fame. Thanks to the rise of social media, growing awareness of Matcha health benefits, and a global shift toward healthier lifestyles, matcha powder wholesale demand skyrocketed.
Matcha’s versatility also contributed to its popularity. From matcha lattes to smoothies, desserts, and even skincare products, matcha became a staple ingredient in various industries. Today, Aki Matcha continues to supply organic Japanese matcha powder wholesale to consumers worldwide, ensuring that the highest-quality matcha reaches health-conscious individuals everywhere.
The Science Behind Matcha’s Health Benefits
One of the reasons matcha has captured global attention is due to its impressive health benefits. But is matcha good for health? Science says yes.
Rich in Antioxidants: Matcha is packed with catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which helps protect the body from free radical damage and reduces inflammation.
Enhances Brain Function: Studies show that L-theanine, an amino acid found in matcha, promotes relaxation and focus, enhancing cognitive performance and reducing stress.
Learn more about: Matcha: A Simple Way to Boost Your Brain and Live Longer
Supports Heart Health: Regular consumption of matcha may lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Boosts Metabolism: Matcha is known to enhance fat oxidation and increase energy expenditure, making it an excellent addition to a weight management routine.
Detoxifies the Body: The high chlorophyll content in matcha acts as a natural detoxifier, helping to eliminate toxins from the body.
Does Matcha Have Caffeine? Comparing Matcha and Coffee
Read full here: Why the Caffeine Content in Matcha is a Better Choice Than Coffee
A common question is: Does matcha have caffeine? Yes, but unlike coffee, matcha provides a gentler, more sustained energy boost. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine ensures that matcha delivers alertness without the jitters or crashes associated with coffee.
A standard serving of matcha contains about 30–40 mg of caffeine, depending on the grade and preparation. This moderate caffeine content, coupled with L-theanine, promotes calm focus, making matcha an ideal beverage for sustained energy.
How to Choose the Best Japanese Matcha Supplier for Your Business
If you’re wondering where to buy matcha wholesale or want to buy matcha in bulk for your business, Aki Matcha is your trusted partner. We supply organic Japanese matcha powder wholesale worldwide, ensuring that you receive the finest quality matcha directly from Japan.
The Future of Matcha: A Growing Global Demand
With growing interest in healthy lifestyles and natural superfoods, the future of matcha looks promising. As more people discover the incredible benefits of Japanese matcha tea powder, demand for matcha powder wholesale continues to rise.
Matcha’s journey—from ancient Buddhist monasteries to modern-day cafes and households—is a testament to its lasting appeal. Whether consumed traditionally or incorporated into innovative recipes, matcha remains a symbol of health, mindfulness, and vitality.
Bring the Power of Matcha to Your Life
Where is matcha from? While its origins lie in China, matcha found its true home in Japan, where it was perfected and cherished for centuries. Today, Aki Matcha carries on this legacy, supplying premium matcha powder wholesale to health-conscious individuals and businesses around the world.
👉 Order now at akimatcha.com and enjoy the finest matcha from Japan!
***References:
Benn, J. A. (2015). Tea in China: A Religious and Cultural History. University of Hawaii Press.
Urasenke Foundation. (2020). History of the Japanese Tea Ceremony.
Antioxidant Properties and EGCG Content:
Sung, H., Nah, J. Y., & Chun, S. (2017). Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) and Its Antioxidant Properties. Nutrition Research and Practice, 11(2), 90-95.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32957663/
Dietz, C., & Dekker, M. (2017). L-Theanine, a Natural Constituent in Tea, and Its Effect on Mental Focus and Stress Reduction. Journal of Functional Foods, 39, 70-80.