The History of Matcha

Let’s take a little journey back—way before matcha lattes took over our Instagram feeds. Matcha has a rich, centuries-old story that’s not only fascinating, but also deeply rooted in tradition, mindfulness, and community.

Let’s rewind and explore the roots of this ancient superdrink.

☁️ It All Began in China

Before matcha found its home in Japan, it started in Tang Dynasty China (7th–10th century). Back then, tea leaves were dried, compressed into bricks, and used by monks for long hours of meditation and focus.

During the Song Dynasty (960–1279), tea culture blossomed. The Chinese began steaming and grinding tea leaves into a fine powder—an early form of what we now call matcha.

💡 Did you know? As early as 1103, the monastic code Chanyuan Qinggui included rules for tea rituals—laying the foundation for modern tea ceremonies.

🌿 Matcha Comes to Japan

In 1191, Japanese monk Eisai brought tea seeds from China to Japan after studying Zen Buddhism. He wasn’t just impressed by the taste—he wrote a book called Kissa Yōjōki (“Drinking Tea for Health”), praising tea’s healing power for both body and mind.

This moment sparked what would become the heart of Japanese tea culture.

⚔️ Monks Meditated. Samurai Fueled Up.

In the Kamakura period (1185–1333), matcha wasn’t just tea—it was a symbol of status and strength.

Zen monks used it to stay alert during long hours of meditation. Meanwhile, Samurai warriors drank matcha for sustained energy and focus before battle.

🍵 Matcha’s unique combo of caffeine + L-Theanine gives calm, steady energy without the crash.

🫖 The Rise of the Tea Ceremony

Matcha became more than just a drink—it became a ritual. During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), matcha gained popularity among the upper class, especially the samurai. The Japanese tea ceremony, known as Chanoyu, became a way to cultivate harmony, mindfulness, and respect.

In the 16th century, Zen tea master Sen no Rikyu refined the ceremony into the form we still know today—simple, slow, intentional.

✨ “In every bowl of tea, peace and quiet await.” – Zen proverb

🌏 From Tradition to Trend

From temples and tearooms to cafés and kitchen counters—matcha is now enjoyed around the world. Especially in the 21st century, it’s gained global attention not just for its taste, but for its health benefits, calm energy, and its connection to mindful living.

💭 No matter where you are in the world, you’re at home when tea is served. – Earlene Grey

✅ Why It Matters

Behind every scoop of matcha is a story of balance, tradition, and purpose. Whether you whisk it for meditation, sip it before a workout, or enjoy it with oat milk and ice—it’s more than a trend.

It’s a tradition you’re now part of.

👉 [SHOP NOW] and start your own Matcha ritual. 🍵✨