10 Fun Facts you may not know about Matcha

1. Matcha has more caffeine than you think

One serving of matcha has about 70mg of caffeine. That’s roughly the same as an expresso! But, thanks to L-Theanine, it gives you a more calm and focused energy instead of a jittery buzz.

2. Matcha was a samurai secret

Samurai warriors adopted matcha as part of their discipline and code of conduct, incorporating it into their tea ceremonies before battles to sharpen their focus and maintain composure.

3. Matcha originated in China first

Matcha originated in China during the Tang Dynasty and was later introduced to Japan by the Buddhist monk Eisai in the 12th century.

4. One bowl of matcha is a whole antioxidant bomb

Matcha contains 137x more antioxidants than regular green tea. Its superstar antioxidant, EGCG, has been linked to heart health, metabolism, and even skin health.

5. Matcha can be aged (like wine or cheese)

High-end Japanese tea producers sometimes age matcha in cold, dark rooms for 6 months to a year. This mellowed version is richer, smoother, and even more umami-packed.

6. Matcha can be used for cooking

In Japan, some people add a pinch of matcha while cooking white rice—it gives the rice a beautiful green hue and a subtle earthy flavor. It's sometimes served with fish or tofu.

7. Matcha was the first tea ever to be consumed in powdered form

Before steeped tea became popular, the Tang Dynasty monks used to grind tea leaves into bricks or powder. This powdered form evolved into what became matcha in Japan.

8. Matcha tea masters train for over 10 years

In Japan, becoming a certified tea ceremony master (Chajin) can take over a decade of training, learning not just how to prepare tea, but how to move, breathe, bow, and set intention. It's a spiritual art form.

9. National tea tasting competition in Japan

Yes, there’s a real competition where trained tasters blind test multiple types of matcha and teas, rating aroma, foam, texture, bitterness, and aftertaste.

10. Tea ceremony just for the first matcha of the year

It’s called “Hatsugama” or “first kettle.” This ceremonial tea gathering celebrates the first matcha made from the new year’s harvest—kind of like the tea’s version of popping Champagne on New Year’s Day.