Matcha is a finely ground powder of which type of tea?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially processed green tea leaves. Unlike ordinary brewed tea, matcha is whisked into water and consumed as part of the drink.

Before harvest, matcha tea plants are shaded for several weeks. This reduces direct sunlight and encourages the leaves to retain more chlorophyll and develop higher levels of theanine, contributing to matcha’s vivid green color and savory flavor. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and processed into tencha before being ground into a very fine powder.

Powdered tea originated in China, but the method became especially associated with Japan through the Japanese tea ceremony. Matcha is not a separate tea plant species, and it is not simply powdered black, white, or oolong tea. Those categories depend on processing, while matcha specifically refers to powdered green tea prepared in this style.