The History of Matcha
The History of Matcha
By Emma Williams — October 17, 2025
Long before matcha was the trendy, Instagrammable drink it is today, it was the center of a rich tradition for Buddhist monks and Samurai warriors. The origins of matcha can be traced all the way back to the Tang Dynasty in China in the 7th to 10th centuries. Over time, matcha has evolved from a meditative ritual into a delicious drink and health benefactor.
In ancient China, the tradition consisted of stone-grinding tea leaves into a fine powder and whisking hot water into it to create a rich, frothy beverage resembling modern matcha. Buddhist monks and scholars took to this tradition for its calming and energizing properties.
It was through Japanese Buddhist monks on a pilgrimage to China that matcha spread to Japan. Once brought back, the tea seeds were planted near a temple in the Uji region of Japan to produce what is still known today as the highest quality matcha. Like green tea, matcha leaves are from Camellia Sinensis plants and are considered the ceremonial grade matcha. Tea farmers learned that shading the plant resulted in a sweeter, more vibrant tea. By shading the leaves, chlorophyll develops, giving matcha its bright green color and rich taste.
Matcha became a pillar in the Japanese tea ceremony and was elevated into an art form by tea masters. Drinking matcha emphasized simplicity, humility, and mindfulness in daily life. This became a staple in many tea houses in Japan, but it wasn’t until the 21st century that matcha spread worldwide.
Matcha gained a large social media presence as people discovered its health benefits and aesthetic look, boosting its popularity among common coffee shops. Healthline states that the tea advances brain function, protects the liver, promotes heart health, and holds a host of antioxidants. Today, there are matcha smoothies, lattes, and skin care products.
Evolving from Buddhist temples to the coffee shop down the street, the ritual of matcha now takes place all over the world. So the next time you order a matcha, remember the journey it took to get into your hands!
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