Matcha is the latest food and lifestyle trend in the Western world, but the green tea powder and its traditions have been a fundamental part of Japanese culture for hundreds of years.
Matcha’s rich and long history began when Japanese Zen monks visited China in the 12th century to discover a beverage made from pieces of dried, compressed green tea bricks, ground to a fine powder, and whisked in hot water.
Although the green tea leaf and the basic method of preparation originated in China, it was only once Japanese Zen monks brought it back to their homeland that the Matcha we know and love today was developed. In fact, the word itself is Japanese with ‘ma’ meaning powder and ‘cha’ the word for tea, literally powder tea.
Eisai, one of the most influential Zen monks of his time, was the catalyst for Matcha’s popularity after bringing the seeds to Japan and later writing a book celebrating the health benefits of tea. Eisai is also credited for introducing the tencha tea ceremony to Japan, the authentic preparation and presentation of Matcha that is infused with spirituality.
“Matcha is “the ultimate mental and medical remedy and has the ability to make one’s life more full and complete”
-Myoan Eisai 1200 AD
Initially, Matcha was used in Buddhist rituals, where Zen monks quickly discovered the therapeutic benefits of drinking the tea. It brought them a greater sense of clarity and focus whilst meditating along with an overall boost in their wellbeing and energy levels. By the 13th century, tea-tasting contests, with prizes for those who could identify the best quality tea, were commonplace in Japanese teahouses.
Check here the top health benefits of Matcha Green Tea
Tea-growers in Japan have continually strived for the highest quality Matcha, finding that the leaves grown in the shade produced a finer texture and more refined flavour as does slowly grinding the dried leaves with granite stones. It is this long history of seeking perfection that makes authentic Japanese Matcha the most superb quality.
Nowadays, the best Matcha is still produced in Japan. All of EvZin Bio’s organic Matcha has been grown, hand picked, and ground in Japan using traditional methods, making it 100% natural.
Shop Online our 100% organic, authentic Japanese Matcha.
