{"id":5309,"date":"2025-10-27T21:39:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-27T12:39:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oh-mama.tokyo\/?p=5309"},"modified":"2025-10-27T21:39:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-27T12:39:25","slug":"questions-about-sado-the-tea-ceremony-what-kind-of-tea-do-we-use","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oh-mama.tokyo\/?p=5309","title":{"rendered":"Questions about Sado, the Tea Ceremony: What Kind of Tea Do We Use?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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<\/em>, the tea ceremony?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The answer is matcha \u2014 powdered green tea. But matcha is not just any powdered green tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These kinds of tea \u2014 green tea, oolong tea, and black tea \u2014 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\u2019t they? Green, oolong, and black teas are all clear infusions, and their flavor and color differences come mainly from the degree of fermentation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green Tea vs. Matcha \u2014 What\u2019s the Difference?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. The Difference in Appearance<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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 \u2014 that\u2019s why the powder starts to settle if you leave it for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. The Difference in How They Are Grown<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/em>, a high-grade shaded green tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re interested, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries<\/strong>\u2019 website has a useful positioning map for Japanese tea<\/a>. And one of the regional organizations of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (Kyushu Regional Agricultural Administration Office<\/strong>) introduces 16 kinds of Japanese tea<\/a> on its website (both in Japanese).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. The Difference in the Making Process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the leaves are picked, both are immediately steamed to stop fermentation. Then, the methods diverge \u2014 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. The Difference in Taste \u2014 A Side-by-Side Comparison<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/em>. When I put equal amounts in water, matcha was far more fragrant and flavorful. Even my 8-year-old son, who doesn\u2019t usually drink matcha, said:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe green tea is easy to drink and tasty. The matcha is stronger\u2026 but actually, this one\u2019s better!\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Green Tea and Matcha \u2014 Each with Its Own Charm<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As for me, I love both. I drink green tea every day while matcha is a little special treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n