Matcha, a rare green tea emblematic of Japan, is increasingly appreciated in Western cultures for its benefits and unique taste. Stemming from a thousand-year-old tradition, matcha is not just a drink, it's a symbol of tranquility and purity, deeply rooted in Japanese culture. In this article, we invite you to explore the fascinating history of this powdered green tea, from its origins in ancient China to its popularization in Japan and evolution to its place in the modern world.
The origins of tea in Japan
According to legend, tea first appeared in China around 2737 BC. It was from this time onwards that tea consumption began to spread throughout Asia. Matcha, in particular, has its roots in 6th-century China, before taking on a central role in Japanese culture. Introduced to Japan by Buddhist monks in the 12th century, it quickly became a ritualized beverage, symbolizing the spirituality and serenity of Zen monks.
The evolution of Matcha in Japan
In Japan, the preparation of matcha has evolved from simple medicinal practices to spiritual rituals. Buddhist monks used it for its medicinal properties and to support their concentration during long meditation sessions. It was during the Kamakura era (1185-1333) that matcha became popular with samurai and the Japanese elite. The monk Eisai played a key role in its spread, emphasizing matcha's benefits for health and meditation. In the 16th century, the tea ceremony, or Chanoyu, intensified, transforming matcha into a veritable art of living. This ritual, still practiced around the world today, is at the heart of traditional Japanese culture.
The popularization of matcha
During the Muromachi era (1336-1573), matcha became deeply rooted in Japanese culture, not only for its spiritual virtues, but also for its social role. Murata Jukō, an influential monk of the time, instituted the formal tea ceremony, where matcha is prepared with extreme precision and care. It represented much more than a drink, becoming a means of creating social bonds and engaging in deep discussion.
Matcha in modern times
Today, matcha is available in many forms, from ready-to-drink beverages to desserts and savory dishes. Its worldwide popularity has led to innovations in its production, with modern methods such as shading the leaves to maximize quality. Ceremonial matcha, like the one we offer, remains a symbol of tradition, while culinary matcha offers new possibilities for enriching your recipes. Matcha is also known for its powerful antioxidant properties, its ability to boost the immune system, and its beneficial effects on concentration. Rich in L-theanine, it helps calm the mind while improving cognitive performance.
TSUKI and the Matcha Tradition
Inspired by the history of matcha and Japanese culture, our range of products offers you top-quality matcha, carefully cultivated by passionate Japanese producers. We offer you not only ceremonial matchas, Original and Vanilla matcha, for an authentic experience, but also a culinary matcha ideal for your creative recipes. Our products are carefully selected for their purity and richness of flavor, while guaranteeing optimal benefits for your well-being. Each product is a tribute to harmony and balance, values that matcha has embodied for centuries.