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The matcha guide

19 guides, sorted by topic. Every page answers its question in the first paragraph and lists its sources at the foot. New to matcha? Start with what matcha is.

A granite stone mill grinding tencha into matcha
A whisked bowl of usucha beside a bamboo chasen

Start here

What matcha is, how it tastes and how to make your first bowl.

What does matcha taste likeMatcha tasteWhat is matcha made ofQuick answerHow to make matchaQuick answerWhere does matcha come fromQuick answerWhy did my matcha turn brownQuick answer
Matcha powder being sifted through a fine sieve into a white bowl

Grades and buying

Ceremonial, culinary and organic, and how to tell real matcha from a blend.

START OF THIS TOPICCeremonial grade matchaCeremonial grade matchaCulinary grade matchaCulinary grade matchaOrganic matchaOrganic matchaThe real matcha checklistMatcha authenticityWhere to buy matcha in NZQuick answer
A granite stone mill grinding tencha into matcha

Production and origins

From shaded tea fields to the stone mill.

START OF THIS TOPICHow matcha is madeMatcha productionWhy matcha is shade grownMatcha shade growingTencha and how it becomes matchaTenchaMatcha growing regions and cultivarsMatcha growing regionsUji matchaUji matchaWhy there is a matcha shortageMatcha shortage
Handmade chawan tea bowls with celadon, ash and iron glazes

Culture

The tea ceremony, its history and the two ways to prepare a bowl.

START OF THIS TOPICJapanese tea ceremonyJapanese tea ceremonyHistory of matchaHistory of matchaUsucha vs koichaUsucha and koicha
Flakes of dried tencha leaf in a shallow clay dish

Health and caffeine

What the studies actually found, reported rather than advised.

What the research says about matchaMatcha research evidenceHow much caffeine is in matchaMatcha caffeine contentIs matcha good for youQuick answerWhy is matcha so popularQuick answerDoes matcha burn belly fatQuick answer
A muddy furrow between rows of tea bushes after rain in Kagoshima

Comparisons

Matcha next to the drinks people already know.

START OF THIS TOPICMatcha vs coffeeMatcha vs coffeeMatcha vs green teaMatcha vs green teaHojicha vs matchaHojicha vs matcha