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'''Matcha''', also spelled ''maccha'', refers to finely milled [[green tea]]. The [[Japanese tea ceremony]] centers on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha. In modern times, matcha has also come to be used to flavour and dye foods such as mochi and soba noodles, green tea ice cream and a variety of ''wagashi'' (Japanese confectionery). Matcha is a fine ground, powdered, high quality green tea and not the same as tea powder or green tea powder.

'''Matcha''', also spelled ''maccha'', refers to finely milled or fine powder [[green tea]]. The [[Japanese tea ceremony]] centers on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha. In modern times, matcha has also come to be used to flavour and dye foods such as mochi and soba noodles, green tea ice cream and a variety of ''wagashi'' (Japanese confectionery). Matcha is a fine ground, powdered, high quality green tea and not the same as tea powder or green tea powder.

Blends of matcha are given poetic names called ''chamei'' ("tea names") either by the producing plantation, shop or creator of the blend, or by the grand master of a particular [[Schools of Japanese tea ceremony|tea tradition]]. When a blend is named by the grand master of some tea ceremony lineage, it becomes known as the master's ''konomi'', or favoured blend.

Blends of matcha are given poetic names called ''chamei'' ("tea names") either by the producing plantation, shop or creator of the blend, or by the grand master of a particular [[Schools of Japanese tea ceremony|tea tradition]]. When a blend is named by the grand master of some tea ceremony lineage, it becomes known as the master's ''konomi'', or favoured blend.

==History==

==History==

In Tang Dynasty, China (618–907), tea leaves were steamed and formed into tea bricks for storage and trade. The tea was prepared by roasting and pulverizing the tea, and decocting the resulting tea powder in hot water, adding salt. In the Song Dynasty (960–1279), the method of making powdered tea from steam-prepared dried tea leaves, and preparing the beverage by whipping the tea powder and hot water together in a bowl became popular. Preparation and consumption of powdered tea was formed into a ritual by Zen (Chan) Buddhists. The earliest Chan monastic code in existence, entitled ''Chanyuan qinggui'' (禪苑清規, Rules of Purity for the Chan Monastery, 1103), describes in detail the etiquette for tea ceremonies.

In Tang Dynasty, China (618–907), tea leaves were steamed and formed into tea bricks for storage and trade. The tea was prepared by roasting and pulverizing the tea, and decocting the resulting tea powder in hot water, adding salt. In the Song Dynasty (960–1279), the method of making powdered tea from steam-prepared dried tea leaves, and preparing the beverage by whipping the tea powder and hot water together in a bowl became popular. Preparation and consumption of powdered tea was formed into a ritual by Zen (Chan) Buddhists. The earliest Chan monastic code in existence, entitled ''Chanyuan qinggui'' (禪苑清規, Rules of Purity for the Chan Monastery, 1103), describes in detail the etiquette for tea ceremonies.

[[Image:Powderedgreentea.jpg|thumb|A bowl of matcha on a black lacquered tray with a traditional sweet]]

[[Image:Powderedgreentea.jpg|thumb|A chawan of matcha with traditional sweet]]

Zen Buddhism and the Chinese methods of preparing powdered tea were brought to Japan in 1191 by the monk Eisai. Powdered tea is no longer popular in [[China]], but in Japan it continued to be an important item at Zen monasteries, and became highly appreciated by others in the upper echelons of society during the 14th through 16th centuries.

Chan Buddhism and the Chinese methods of preparing powdered tea were brought to Japan in 1191 by the [[Eisai|monk Eisai]]. Powdered tea is no longer popular in China, but in Japan it continued to be an important item at Zen monasteries, and became highly appreciated by others in the upper echelons of society during the 14th through 16th centuries.

==Production==

==Production==

===Stone grinding===

===Stone grinding===

Without the right equipment and technique, matcha can become "burnt" and suffer degraded quality. Typically in Japan matcha is stone ground to a fine powder through the use of specially designed granite stone mills.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zengreentea.com.au/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=7|title=What is Matcha?|publisher=ZenGreenTea|accessdate=26 February 2013}}</ref>

Without the right equipment and technique, matcha can become "burnt" and suffer degraded quality. Typically in Japan matcha is stone ground to a fine powder through the use of specially designed granite stone mills.

===Oxidation===

===Oxidation===

There are two main ways of preparing matcha: koicha and usucha.

There are two main ways of preparing matcha: koicha and usucha.

Prior to use, the matcha is often forced through a sieve in order to break up clumps.  There are special sieves available for this purpose, which are usually stainless steel and combine a fine wire mesh sieve and a temporary storage container.  A special wooden [[spatula]] is used to force the tea through the sieve, or a small, smooth stone may be placed on top of the sieve and the device shaken gently.

Prior to use, the matcha is often forced through a sieve in order to break up clumps.  There are special sieves available for this purpose, which are usually stainless steel and combine a fine wire mesh sieve and a temporary storage container.  A special wooden spatula is used to force the tea through the sieve, or a small, smooth stone may be placed on top of the sieve and the device shaken gently.

If the sieved matcha is to be served at a [[Japanese tea ceremony]] it will then be placed into a small tea caddy known as a [[chaki]].  Otherwise, it can be scooped directly from the sieve into a [[Chawan]].

If the sieved matcha is to be served at a [[Japanese tea ceremony]] it will then be placed into a small tea caddy known as a [[chaki]].  Otherwise, it can be scooped directly from the sieve into a [[Chawan]].

== Gallery ==

== Gallery ==

<gallery>

<gallery>

Image:Matcha dumpling.jpg|Matcha [[dango]]

Image:Matcha dumpling.jpg|Matcha dango

Image:Green tea ice cream.JPG|Matcha ice cream

Image:Green tea ice cream.JPG|Matcha ice cream

Image:Usucha.jpg|Low grade matcha

Image:Usucha.jpg|Low grade matcha

Image:Soba_sushi_w_egg_crab_cucumber.JPG|Cha-Soba maki-sushi

Image:Soba_sushi_w_egg_crab_cucumber.JPG|Cha-[[Soba]] maki-[[sushi]]

</gallery>

</gallery>

[[de:Matcha]]

* [[Japanese tea|List of Japanese teas]]

* [[Green tea ice cream]]

[[Category:Japanese tea]]

[[Category:Japanese tea]]

[[Category:Japanese tea ceremony]]

[[Category:Japanese tea ceremony]]

[[Category:Green tea]]

[[Category:Green tea]]