Is There a “Matcha Tree”? No—It’s the Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis) | Luna Matcha
Summary: There isn’t a “matcha tree.” Matcha comes from the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. Farmers shade the plants for about 3–4 weeks to boost chlorophyll and L-theanine, then steam, dry, de-stem the leaf (tencha), and stone-mill it into a fine powder.
The Plant Behind Matcha
Matcha does not come from a unique “matcha tree.” It’s made from the same tea plant—Camellia sinensis—grown and processed in a specific way. The difference is how the leaves are cultivated (shade-grown) and then milled into an ultra-fine powder.
Shade-Growing: Why It Matters
During the final 3–4 weeks before harvest, tea gardens are covered to reduce direct sunlight. This increases chlorophyll and amino acids like L-theanine, creating matcha’s vivid green color and signature umami sweetness.
Where Does Matcha Come From?
Japan is home to renowned matcha regions such as Kyoto (Uji), Aichi (Nishio), Shizuoka, and Kagoshima. Climate, soil, and long-standing craft traditions shape the flavor profile of each area’s tea.
From Leaf to Powder — The Process
- Harvest: Tender spring leaves are carefully picked.
- Steam: Quick steaming halts oxidation and preserves color.
- Dry & Sort: Leaves are dried; stems/veins removed to make tencha.
- Stone-mill: Tencha is milled into ultra-fine matcha.
- Pack: Airtight packing protects aroma and color.
Matcha vs. Regular Green Tea
With regular green tea, you steep the leaves and discard them. With matcha, you drink the whole powdered leaf—so antioxidants (e.g., catechins) and L-theanine are more concentrated. Shade-growing also drives the bright color and layered umami.
How to Choose & Prepare
- Color: Look for a vivid, jade-green hue.
- Texture: Ultra-fine, silky powder.
- Aroma: Fresh, sweet, and clean.
Basic prep: Sift ~2 g matcha into a bowl, add 60–70 ml hot water (70–80 °C), and whisk until frothy.
Shop Luna Matcha
- Umami Burst – Smooth, vivid, latte-friendly ceremonial.
- Premium Daily Matcha (雅) – Balanced daily ceremonial.
- Ultimate Symphony – Culinary-friendly for smoothies & bakes.
- Hojicha “Aroma Rich” – Low-caffeine roasted tea powder (great hot or iced).
FAQs
Is there a “matcha tree”?
No. Matcha is made from the tea plant Camellia sinensis. There is no special “matcha tree.”
What plant does matcha come from?
From shade-grown tea leaves (tencha) of Camellia sinensis that are stone-milled into a fine powder.
Why shade the plants?
Shading for a few weeks boosts chlorophyll and L-theanine, enhancing color and umami.
How do leaves become matcha?
Harvest → steam → dry & de-stem (tencha) → stone-mill → pack.