If you’ve visited our Truckee coffee shop, you might have already tried our delicious ceremonial grade matcha latte — and if you haven’t, you definitely should.

But what is matcha exactly? Where does it come from, how is it made, and why has it earned a reputation as a nutritional powerhouse?

At Pacific Crest Coffee, we’re passionate about sharing quality specialty drinks with our community, whether you’re visiting us in Truckee or ordering from our online store. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about matcha: its origin story, production process, health benefits, caffeine content, and why it’s one of our favorite non-coffee specialties.

What Is Matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially cultivated green tea leaves. It’s celebrated for its vibrant green color, distinct umami flavor, and impressive health-boosting properties. More than just a drink, matcha carries deep cultural significance, especially in Japan, where it plays a central role in the traditional tea ceremony.

Unlike steeped green tea, where you brew and discard the leaves, matcha is consumed whole, giving it a stronger nutritional profile and richer flavor.

The Origins of Matcha

While matcha is most closely associated with Japan, its history actually began in 12th-century China. Buddhist monks ground tea leaves into fine powder and whisked them into hot water to create a meditative drink known as “beaten tea.”

Japanese monk Myoan Eisai introduced this practice to Japan after studying in China. He recognized matcha’s calming yet invigorating properties, ideal for meditation. Over time, matcha became a cherished part of Zen Buddhist rituals and was later embraced by the samurai class for its mental clarity and physical endurance benefits.

Eventually, matcha evolved into the centerpiece of the Japanese tea ceremony — a beautiful tradition that honors harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

 

How Matcha Is Grown and Made

Producing high-quality matcha involves an intensive and meticulous process:

1. Shade-Grown Tea Leaves

Matcha begins with tea plants (Camellia sinensis) grown under shade for 3–4 weeks before harvest. Shading boosts chlorophyll levels, deepens the green color, and increases L-theanine and caffeine content.

2. Hand-Harvested Leaves

Only the youngest, most tender leaves are hand-picked during the spring harvest, ensuring premium quality.

3. Steaming and Drying

The leaves are quickly steamed to stop oxidation and then dried flat to create tencha — the raw material for matcha.

4. Stone-Ground into Powder

Tencha leaves are de-stemmed and ground slowly on traditional stone mills to prevent heat damage and preserve flavor and nutrients.

 

How Matcha Is Consumed

Instead of steeping, matcha powder is whisked directly into hot water, creating a frothy, rich drink. This method ensures you consume the entire tea leaf, unlocking a higher concentration of antioxidants, amino acids, and caffeine compared to traditional tea.

Matcha isn’t just for sipping:

• Enjoy it as a matcha latte (our personal favorite!)
  
  
• Blend it into smoothies
  
  
• Bake it into desserts
  
  
• Shake it into cocktails
  
  

Ceremonial vs Culinary Grade Matcha

Ceremonial Grade Matcha: 

• Made from the youngest leaves
  
  
• Smooth, naturally sweet, delicate flavor
  
  
• Vivid green color and silky texture
  
  
• Traditionally enjoyed whisked with water — no added milk or sweeteners
  
  

Culinary Grade Matcha:

• More robust and slightly bitter
  
  
• Ideal for mixing into lattes, smoothies, and baked goods
  
  
• More affordable for everyday use
  
  

At Pacific Crest Coffee, we serve ceremonial grade matcha to ensure the best flavor and highest quality experience.

What Does Matcha Taste Like?

Matcha has a unique taste: a blend of natural sweetness, umami richness, and fresh vegetal notes.

• Ceremonial matcha: Smooth, subtle, and naturally sweet
  
  
• Culinary matcha: Stronger, more assertive flavors, perfect for mixing
  
  

How Much Caffeine Is in Matcha?

Matcha’s caffeine content falls between green tea and coffee:

• Green tea: 23–49 mg per 8 oz
  
  
• Matcha: 38–89 mg per 8 oz
  
  
• Coffee: 100–120 mg per 8 oz
  
  

Thanks to its high L-theanine content, matcha delivers a smooth, sustained energy boost — no jitters, no crash.

 

Potential Health Benefits of Matcha

Matcha is packed with beneficial plant compounds, including catechins, polyphenols, and L-theanine. Potential benefits include:

1. Heart Health Support

Matcha’s catechins may help lower LDL cholesterol and blood pressure.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Rich in antioxidants like EGCG and quercetin, matcha may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.

3. Enhanced Focus and Calm

The unique blend of caffeine and L-theanine supports mental clarity without the nervous energy spike.

4. Blood Sugar Balance

Polyphenols in matcha may help improve insulin sensitivity and support healthy blood sugar regulation.

(Note: While research is promising, more human studies are needed to confirm these benefits.)

 

Final Thoughts from Pacific Crest Coffee: Why Matcha is Worth the Hype

Matcha is more than just a trend — it’s a centuries-old superfood with a rich cultural heritage and powerful health benefits. Whether you enjoy it traditionally or blend it into your favorite latte, matcha offers a one-of-a-kind flavor experience that fits seamlessly into a healthy, adventurous lifestyle.

Next time you’re in Truckee, stop by our coffee shop and try one of our handcrafted matcha lattes — or browse our online store for fresh-roasted coffee beans, brewing equipment, and subscription options designed to fuel all your adventures.