Matcha (抹茶, English:
/ˈmætʃə, ˈmɑːtʃə/; Japanese: [mattɕa]; Mandarin: [mwò.ʈʂʰǎ];
pinyin: mǒchá; Korean: 말차; RR: malcha) is finely ground powder of
specially grown and processed green tea leaves, traditionally consumed
in East Asia. The green tea plants used for matcha are shade-grown for
three to four weeks before harvest; the stems and veins are removed
during processing. During shaded growth, the plant Camellia sinensis
produces more theanine and caffeine. The powdered form of matcha is
consumed differently from tea leaves or tea bags, as it is suspended in
a liquid, typically water or milk.
The traditional Japanese tea ceremony centers on the preparation,
serving and drinking of matcha as hot tea, and embodies a meditative
spirituality. In modern times, matcha is also used to flavor and dye
foods, such as mochi and soba noodles, green tea ice cream, matcha
lattes and a variety of Japanese wagashi confectionery.
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