From A Plant To Your Tea Cup: The Fascinating Matcha Production Process

The organic Japanese matcha begins its journey from camellia Sinensis. The same plant from which all other green teas are derived.

But there is a unique matcha production process. Specialized techniques are used to cultivate, harvest, and process matcha. This innovative production technique gives matcha its wonderful taste, special powdered form, and high nutrient content.

Want to know the earthy green matcha production process? Scroll down!

Step-By-Step Guide For Producing Matcha

Step 1 – Shade Grown

The tea leaves are segregated from the plant and sent into an intense shading process. There, the tea harvesters cove the leaves with bamboo mats or rice straws.

The tea harvesters must start this shading process roughly two to six weeks before the harvest time. This time frame will increase the chlorophyll content in the tea leaves. It also forces antioxidants to the top outermost part of the leaves.

Step 3 –Hand Picking

“Hachijuhachiya” (the beginning of the year in Japanese society) is when the matcha’s tea leaves are picked. It typically occurs during spring or April to May. The tea harvesters pick only the youngest and greenest tea leaves. 

Step 3 – Steaming And Air Drying

The leaves immediately undergo a steaming process after the harvesting. This is done for roughly 15-20 seconds. This prevents the tea leaves from oxidizing. The tea leaves then pass through an air blower that eliminates its moisture condensation.

The raw material produced after this step is referred to as tencha.

Step 4 – De-Stemming And Grading

The next step in the matcha production process is to de-vein and de-stem the leaves. This is to ensure only the finest tea leaves are grounded into matcha.

The tea processors then sort them into containers according to their color, texture, and aroma. They then add hot water to it to grade the quality of the tencha.

Step 5 – Grinding Into Matcha

The last step in matcha production is the grinding stage. Tea processors grind the tencha on a stone mill to achieve a fine, ground powder texture.

Matcha -The Crowned Jewel Of Green Teas

It is this overall exhaustive production process that gives matcha its incomparable health benefits. To know more about the benefits of matcha, click here!

Shop in the best quality matcha from trusted brands like Aki Matcha. Their organically grown and produced matcha lets you sip all its health benefits in the purest form. Get your healthy matcha pack today!