Curiosity about matcha continues to brew, with Japanese green matcha tea prepped and sipped in kitchens and cafés across the UK.

You can pick up an iced matcha latte on your way to work, munch green tea pancakes for lunch and even snack on green tea matcha Kit Kat bars – but did you know matcha is just one of several varieties that have been a staple of Japanese green tea culture for centuries?

Social media has stirred the popularity pot. There are 1.3 million posts under the hashtag #matcha, full of praise for the tea made from the powdered whole leaves of Camellia sinensis plants. 

A meticulous production process achieves the distinctive, vibrant green colour and rich, umami flavour, with savoury and bitter notes balanced by natural sweetness.

But beyond its taste, there’s another big reason for the march of matcha in the UK: its holistic health benefits.

Oh so good

Commonly referred to as a ‘nutritional powerhouse’, matcha is rich in antioxidants and contains an amino acid called L-theanine that promotes alertness and relaxation.

The science backs it up. Last year, researchers at Harvard University revealed evidence to suggest matcha improves cognitive health in older women and healthy changes to the gut microbiome. It can also help lower stress.

These natural properties have earned it a reputation for promoting overall wellbeing. Holistic healing in a cup or mug, if you like.

Each sip is the chance to take a quiet, mindful moment during busy times at home or at work – or as a reward after a long day.

While it does contain caffeine – more than other teas but less than coffee in general – the L-theanine provides a more balanced and sustained energy boost without the usual jitters associated with your typical cup of ‘java’.

Famous five

Matcha isn’t the only type of Japanese green tea available. Different environmental factors and cultivation processes shape the distinct flavours of matcha, sencha, hojicha, gyokuro and genmaicha. They’re all steamed, rather than pan-fired like other teas, to preserve their fresh characteristics.

From brewing times to temperature, here’s how to get the most from your Japanese green tea of choice.

Matcha

The leaves are harvested from the top third of the plant where the highest concentration of nutrients is found. They’re steamed, dried, destemmed and deveined. Steaming the leaves stops the oxidation process, preserving the nutrients and famous green colour.

Preparation:

1. Sift 2 tsp of matcha powder into a bowl to prevent clumping.
2. Add 60ml of hot water at approximately 80–90°C.
3. Whisk vigorously using a bamboo whisk until a frothy layer forms on the surface.

Hojicha

Unlike traditional Japanese green tea, hojicha leaves are roasted in high temperatures. This removes any bitterness, giving it a sweet, smoky, nutty taste. It’s reddish-brown in colour and is made from the whole tea plant to reduce waste. The roasting process reduces caffeine content, making it a good choice for an evening brew.

Preparation:

1. Place 2 tsp of hojicha leaves into a teapot.
2. Add 240ml of boiling water.
3. Steep for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Serve immediately.

Sencha

This is Japan’s most-consumed tea, enjoyed for its fresh, grassy taste and smooth texture.

The plants are shaded by a cloth known as a Kanreisha. The first two young leaves of the bud are picked and undergo ‘aracha’ processing: they are fanned, briefly steamed to retain the colour, cooled, kneaded and dried.

Preparation:

1. Measure 2 tsp of sencha leaves into a teapot.
2. Pour 180ml of hot water at around 80°C over the leaves.
3. Steep for about 1 minute.
4. Pour into cups and enjoy.

And relax… Savour the grassy notes of sencha while paying attention to the warmth and aroma. Practice mindful breathing as you enjoy your sencha, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly.

Gyokuro

A premium, shade-grown tea known for its high theanine content and brewed at lower temperatures to preserve its delicate characteristics. Like matcha, the younger leaves are used – these contain more caffeine and are richer in nutrients.

Preparation:

1. Use 2 tsp of gyokuro leaves.
2. Pour 120ml of hot water at 60°C over the leaves.
3. Steep for 2 minutes.
4. Enjoy the delicate, sweet flavour.

And relax… Combine a gyokuro tea session with soothing music. Let the delicate notes of gyokuro harmonise with the auditory experience, creating a multi-sensory mindful escape. 

Genmaicha

Known as ‘brown rice tea’, it’s a blend of Japanese green tea – typically ‘bancha’ – and roasted white mochi rice, mixed in a 1:1 ratio. The result? A toasty, nutty flavour with a mild sweetness, featuring less caffeine.

Preparation:

1. Combine 2 tsp of genmaicha with 240ml of boiling water (100°C).
2. Steep for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
3. Pour and enjoy the toasty, slightly nutty flavour.

And relax… Practice mindful drinking by appreciating each sip and the textures of the tea.

Where can I buy Japanese green tea?

These companies all stock Japanese green tea – offering what’s described as ‘carefully crafted, wellness in every sip’. 

• Clearspring 
• Tencha 
• Matchado
• PerfectTed
• MoiCha
• Moya Matcha 
• Cuzen

Marisa Poster, co-founder of PerfectTed, started up her business after turning to matcha tea as an alternative to other caffeine go-tos. “When I started university, I needed something to help me focus and power through 12-hour study sessions,” she says.

“A friend suggested matcha and the switch was transformative – I felt energised but noticeably calmer and more focused. It made such a profound difference that I never looked back.

“We now source the best-quality matcha from Uji in Japan. With centuries of tradition, meticulous farming practices and ideal growing conditions, Uji has long been the gold standard for matcha, setting it apart from other regions.

“Japanese green tea belongs in everyone’s wellbeing routine. It’s not just a drink; it’s a superpower that unlocks your full potential, one sip at a time.”

Refresh your Japanese green tea knowledge – from the holistic health benefits of each blend to the benefits of mindful moments while enjoying your drink – by following on Instagram or visiting Japanese Green Tea.