Matcha vs. Green Tea: What’s the Real Difference?
Introduction
Did you know that all matcha is green tea, but not all green tea is matcha?
It’s true — and understanding the difference might change the way you enjoy both.
If you love the rich, earthy taste of a matcha latte or enjoy the ritual of whisking matcha powder, you might be surprised to learn that there’s a whole world of green tea beyond the bright green powder.
What Exactly Is Green Tea?
Green tea comes from the same plant as matcha — Camellia sinensis — but the way it’s grown and processed leads to very different results.
Tea plant - Scientific name: Camellia Sinensis
In general, green tea leaves are quickly steamed (in Japan) or pan-fired (in China) after harvest to prevent oxidation. This helps preserve their green color and fresh, grassy flavor.
Japanese Green Tea: Sencha
In Japan, steamed green teas like sencha are the most common. After steaming, the leaves are rolled to shape them and bring out their flavor before being dried.
Most green tea is prepared by steeping the whole leaves in hot water, producing a clear, pale green brew with a delicate, refreshing taste.
What Makes Matcha Different?
Unlike most green teas, matcha comes from specially cultivated tea leaves grown under shade. About two to three weeks before harvest, the tea plants are covered to block sunlight. This process — called shading — boosts chlorophyll production and preserves amino acids like L-theanine, giving matcha its vivid green color and rich, savory (umami) taste.
After harvesting, the leaves (known as tencha) are steamed, then dried without being rolled — and ultimately ground with a stone mill into an ultra-fine powder.
Matcha
Thanks to this meticulous process, the whole tea leaf is turned into a fine powder — resulting in a rich yet smooth beverage that you consume in its entirety.
Why Try Both?
Matcha and green tea don’t just taste different — they fit into different parts of your day.
Matcha is rich, intense, and energizing. It’s best enjoyed once or twice a day, ideally in the morning or early afternoon when you need focus or clarity. Because you're consuming the whole leaf, matcha contains higher levels of caffeine and antioxidants.
Green tea, on the other hand, offers a lighter, more refreshing experience. Its clean taste and lower caffeine content make it perfect when you're feeling thirsty or after a meal — smooth and satisfying without being overpowering. Because of its lower caffeine levels, it's generally considered safe to enjoy up to five or six cups a day.
Each brings something unique to your routine — and together, they give you the best of both worlds.
Explore Our Green Teas
From the bold richness of ceremonial-grade matcha to the refreshing clarity of our carefully selected green tea from Shizuoka — Japan’s most renowned green tea-growing region — we believe in the beauty of simplicity.
To complete the experience, we also offer handcrafted Arita-yaki teapots, a timeless piece of Japanese ceramic artistry. Perfect for preparing loose-leaf tea the traditional way, and bringing a touch of elegance to your daily tea ritual.
One tea, one teapot, one beautiful moment.
➡️ Explore our Shizuoka green tea, ceremonial matcha, and Arita-yaki teapots — everything you need for an authentic Japanese tea moment. [Shop the Collection]
