Throughout history, tea has been a favoured beverage. It has gained a following among individuals all around the world. The numerous health advantages and calming qualities of green tea make it stand out among the many variations. Green tea, on the other hand, comes in a variety of forms. Because of its superiority, flavour, and health advantages, matcha, one of the greatest subcategories of green tea, has gained popularity. Although Camelia sinensis is the source of all tea, including matcha green tea, it differs from other loose green tea leaves in several ways. Here we will discuss the top 5 noteworthy distinctions between matcha green tea and normal green tea. 

The cultivation and harvesting Process.

Both green tea and matcha come from the Camellia sinensis plant, although they are grown in quite different ways. The tea leaves are picked, withered, rolled, and dried to produce traditional green tea. Matcha green tea, in contrast, goes through a careful process that includes shading the tea trees prior to harvest. Chlorophyll production is boosted by this shade, giving leaves their brilliant green colour. Matcha differs from loose green tea because the leaves are stone-ground into a fine powder after being steamed, de-stemmed, and gathered.

Flavour.

Green teas make for a bright cup with delicate flavours with grassy and earthy undertones. The manner of processing has an impact on the flavour as well, and it can frequently become somewhat bitter. As a fine, brilliant green powder, matcha green teas, however, provide a denser cup with a frothy texture and a richer, sweeter flavour. Both varieties of tea have quite distinctive flavours. Each is distinctive in its own way. Both loose leaf tea and matcha have distinct fan bases among tea drinkers. 

The brewing processes. 

Preparing matcha green tea is an art form in itself. Unlike loose green tea, which involves steeping the leaves and discarding them, matcha is consumed whole. Traditionally, a bamboo whisk called a "chasen" is used to mix matcha powder with hot water until a frothy concoction is achieved. On the other hand, loose green tea can be steeped using various methods like a teapot, infuser, or even tea bags.

Ideally, the loose green tea should be infused in warm water (the temperature should be 60–85 degrees Celsius) for 2–3 minutes. Then the tea leaves should be removed. That’s it; your tea will be ready. 

Whereas matcha should ideally be brewed with cold water, or the water should be at room temperature. But the important part of brewing is how you whisk it. It should be whisked either in an "M" or "W" shape for a frothy texture.

Purpose of drinking- Health benefits.

Both matcha and green tea are sources of various health properties, like antioxidants and an amino acid called L-Theanine. Thus, consuming any of these teas for a longer period of time can give sustainable results such as reducing body fat, improving metabolism, detoxifying the body, boosting energy, etc.

Any form of green tea is largely marketed by tea brands around the globe because of its weight-loss properties. But this is not the only reason one should drink tea. Tea lovers can prefer any of these teas as per the exact health benefits they want.

If the priority is to lose weight and stay fit, then green tea leaves are great. But if someone wants a beverage that will give them an early morning energy boost along with other typical green tea health benefits, then matcha is undoubtedly a great option.

Ideally, 1 gm matcha contains up to 19–44 mg of caffeine, whereas 230 ml of green tea contains approximately 35 mg of caffeine. So, if you are looking for a caffeine-enriched energy tea alternative, matcha is a great option.

Varieties and options.

Normal green tea and matcha both are available in different varieties on the market. Loose green tea is available in authentic flavours like Winter Forest Green Tea and Virgin Green Tea. Whereas it comes with various herbal flavours. We, The Tea Shelf, offer a wide range of natural tea leaves. The aroma of green tea leaves is lighter and earthier compared to matcha. Thus, loose green tea leaves are naturally flavoured with other herbs like chamomile, spearmint, peppermint, lemongrass, etc. 

On the other hand, matcha is a strong beverage option. Unlike other green teas, matcha is a powdered form of green tea. Ceremonial matcha is the finest of all matcha teas. It is made with the youngest tea leaves. While culinary matcha is made with older tea leaves. Thus, it has a less strong flavour. This is the reason culinary-grade matcha is used to curate various matcha flavours like berry matcha, mango matcha, lemongrass matcha, etc. 

This wide variety of matcha and green tea leaves allows tea connoisseurs to choose the finest caffeine-enriched beverage option. 

In conclusion, matcha and regular green tea, though derived from the same plant, exhibit distinct characteristics that set them apart in terms of flavour, nutrition, and cultural significance. Whether you prefer the vibrant, frothy matcha latte or the comforting simplicity of a cup of green tea, both varieties have something special to offer. So, the next time you savour a cup of tea, take a moment to appreciate the hidden secrets and intriguing differences that lie within these two extraordinary beverages.