What Is Matcha? A Journey Through History, Craft, and Calm

An introduction to the story and benefits of matcha – from ancient rituals to modern routines.

Matcha is more than just finely ground green tea. It is a centuries-old symbol of ritual, refinement, and quiet focus. From Zen monasteries in Japan to contemporary cafés around the world, matcha has endured not only for its flavor—but for the way it invites us to slow down and pay attention.

A Brief History of Matcha

Matcha originated in China during the Tang and Song dynasties, where tea leaves were steamed and pressed into bricks for easy transport. The practice of grinding tea into powder and whisking it into hot water was eventually brought to Japan in the 12th century by the monk Eisai, who had studied Chan (Zen) Buddhism in China.

In Japan, this preparation evolved into what we now recognize as matcha, becoming central to the Japanese tea ceremony (茶道, sadō)—a spiritual and aesthetic discipline that emphasizes mindfulness, simplicity, and respect.

By the 16th century, matcha had become an artform closely tied to wabi-sabi aesthetics, with beautifully handcrafted bowls and tools designed not just for function, but for contemplation.

How Matcha Is Made

Unlike regular green tea, matcha is made from tencha—shade-grown tea leaves that are harvested, steamed, and air-dried before being stone-milled into an ultra-fine powder. This slow, careful process preserves the bright green color and concentrates the tea’s natural flavor compounds.

• Matcha’s signature taste—a balance of umami, sweetness, and gentle bitterness—comes from the high content of L-theanine and chlorophyll, developed through the shading process.

At Gohobi, we offer matcha sourced from regions known for their craftsmanship:

• Nishio, Japan, a region responsible for nearly 20% of Japan’s matcha production
• Zhejiang, China, where mountain-grown tea brings bold, vibrant flavor

The Benefits of Matcha

Matcha is celebrated not only for its flavor and beauty, but also for its health-supporting properties. Because you consume the entire leaf, matcha offers a more concentrated dose of nutrients compared to steeped tea.

Thanks to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine, it offers sustained, calm energy without the jitters of coffee. Rich in antioxidants—especially catechins like EGCG—it supports overall wellness. Many enjoy matcha for its ability to enhance focus and mindfulness, making it a favorite for work or study routines. When consumed without milk or sugar, it can also support digestion, making it a thoughtful addition to daily rituals.

Whether you enjoy it whisked in hot water, blended into a latte, or folded into desserts, matcha is one of the most versatile ingredients in modern tea culture.

Matcha in Daily Life

At Gohobi, we believe matcha is more than a beverage—it’s a way to return to the present. Whether you're preparing a quick iced latte or using ceremonial-grade matcha for a mindful morning ritual, the moment of making becomes a moment of pause.

We invite you to explore our matcha powders and tea tools—each selected to help you create your own rhythm, at your own pace.