Questions about Sado, the Tea Ceremony: What Kind of Tea Do We Use?
In the tea ceremony, the host makes a bowl of matcha before the guests, and offers it for them to enjoy. But what kind of tea is used in Sado, the tea ceremony?
The answer is matcha — powdered green tea. But matcha is not just any powdered green tea.
These kinds of tea — green tea, oolong tea, and black tea — actually come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. I was surprised when I first knew this fact! The aroma and flavor are so different, aren’t they? Green, oolong, and black teas are all clear infusions, and their flavor and color differences come mainly from the degree of fermentation.
Green Tea vs. Matcha — What’s the Difference?
1. The Difference in Appearance
Although both are green, there is a clear visual contrast. Green tea is transparent, while matcha is opaque. Green tea is made by infusing the leaves, whereas matcha is made by whisking powdered tea leaves into hot water — that’s why the powder starts to settle if you leave it for a while.
2. The Difference in How They Are Grown
Green tea plants grow under full sunlight, while those for matcha are shaded for over 20 days before harvest. This shading process produces a sweeter, milder flavor. A similar method is used for Gyokuro, a high-grade shaded green tea.
If you’re interested, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ website has a useful positioning map for Japanese tea. And one of the regional organizations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Kyushu Regional Agricultural Administration Office) introduces 16 kinds of Japanese tea on its website (both in Japanese).
3. The Difference in the Making Process
After the leaves are picked, both are immediately steamed to stop fermentation. Then, the methods diverge — green tea leaves are rolled and dried into thin needle shapes, while matcha leaves are dried well and finally ground into fine powder with a stone mill.
4. The Difference in Taste — A Side-by-Side Comparison
At home, I compared powdered green tea and matcha to make the comparison easier. The powdered green tea looked paler, while matcha had a vivid green color and a sweet, mellow aroma known as kabuse-ka. When I put equal amounts in water, matcha was far more fragrant and flavorful. Even my 8-year-old son, who doesn’t usually drink matcha, said:
“The green tea is easy to drink and tasty. The matcha is stronger… but actually, this one’s better!”
Green Tea and Matcha — Each with Its Own Charm
As for me, I love both. I drink green tea every day while matcha is a little special treat.
In the tea ceremony, the serving of matcha is the highlight. Every bowl is prepared with great care. Savor the exquisite taste of matcha in this serene and special moment of the tea ceremony.
