Matcha, the green drink that conquered the West, now has a multi-billion dollar market in the United States. With countless people consuming it each day—whether as a source of caffeine, a means to health, or as a trendy drink—matcha has become a popular item, present on people’s minds. However, not many know about its fascinating history.
Made from young Tencha leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, the matcha preparation process is precise and intricate. The Tencha tea leaves are grown in the shade and have a heightened level of chlorophyll; once harvested, the leaves are steamed, de-veined, and ground into fine powder. The intricate process of making matcha is responsible for the creation of a key feature in Japanese culture—the tea ceremony.
Originating in China in the 8th century, the intricacies of matcha-making were viewed as an art form, and the tea was used as a medicinal drink. Once introduced to Japan, matcha enriched its culture dramatically. In the 1100s, a Zen Buddhist monk traveled from Japan to China and brought back Camellia Sinensis seeds as well as knowledge of how to harvest and process matcha. The traveling monk, Eisa, is known as the “father of Japanese tea culture.” Eisa popularized chadō, meaning “the way of Tea.” It is the Japanese tea-making ceremony centered around the harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku) involved in the process of making, serving, and drinking matcha tea.
Its popularity in the East was fueled by the observation that matcha increased overall well-being. Nowadays, we know that matcha provides benefits to memory and perception, contains high levels of antioxidants, is used as a dietary supplement, and aids in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol. Matcha is also thought to have cancer-fighting properties, as well as capabilities to alleviate stress and anxiety. Matcha was widely used by Japanese Zen monasteries; the tea provides long-lasting calm energy, allowing the monks to stay alert and present during meditation.
By the 16th century, the tea ceremony—central to Japanese life—synthesized a variety of art forms, including ceramics, painting, culinary arts, architecture, design, calligraphy, flower arrangement, and even gardening. Matcha tea was flourishing in the East long before it spread to the West and became a trend for Millennials and Gen Z to consume.
At Cresskill High School, we have a pair of avid matcha drinkers: seniors Omri Kovar and Amit Sharon. While Kovar and Sharon don’t necessarily keep in mind the history of matcha as they sip on a cool latte, they do have a special appreciation for it. Omri Kovar stated, “It makes me calm but energized.” The CHS senior in 2025 shares the same observations as Japanese monks from hundreds of years ago. Amit Sharon says about matcha drinking: “I like my entire experience of it. Going with friends to various places and comparing the matcha is super fun, and I enjoy it a lot.” This observation, too, was shared centuries ago in the East: matcha drinking is a ceremony that displays respect and appreciation for the people with whom we share the experience. The gifts of matcha span across geography and time.
