Many people believe that matcha and green tea are the same things. However, the major difference between matcha and green tea is the flavor profile.
There is a lot of other differences (and similarities) between the two drinks too. And if you stick around that’s exactly what you’ll learn. Our team will run through the similarities and differences from matcha vs green tea while sipping on Vietnamese coffee.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is exactly what you think it is. A green powdered tea that is extremely delicious!
It is often made from the Camellia sinensis plant. Which is also used to process green tea, oolong tea, black tea, and more! This plant’s versatility enables its ability to create different tea varieties. Feel free to learn how this plant is processed for popular teas like black tea, oolong tea, and jasmine tea here.
For matcha, the Camellia Sinensis plant is stone ground into a very fine powder. Eventually, it becomes a vibrant or dark green powder. There can be different colors or hues of matcha powder depending on its grade (culinary or ceremonial grade).
The difference between these two grades is the quality of matcha and how it is consumed. Ceremonial matcha is often consumed with water only (no additives like milk or creamer). Culinary matcha is usually mixed in cafe type beverages. Drinks like matcha milk teas or matcha lattes.
Ceremonial grade matcha powders tend to taste sweeter. Mainly because it is processed with younger leaves. To contrast, culinary grade matcha powders are processed with adult tea leaves. Adult green tea leaves are usually bitter and earthy. Both taste extremely delicious, but they each have their own purpose.
What is Green Tea?
Green tea, like matcha, is made from the same Camellia sinensis plant. But it is not stone ground to make a fine powder. Instead, the specific leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant are picked. These leaves are then used for loose-leaf tea. Here are some of our favorite brands for loose leaf green tea: Vahdam and Numi. We have a tough time deciding which one is tastier, maybe you can let us know!
Green tea has a lighter taste than your very popular black teas. And even matcha tea. Green tea hardly has any bitterness to it that is noticeable. It’s earthy, elegant, and bright! It is definitely sweeter compared to your oolong teas or black teas.
The Real Similarities and Differences Between Matcha vs Green Tea
Now that you have some background info for matcha and green tea, we’re sure that you can come up with your own takeaways. But in case you want to see what we have to say, continue reading!
Similarities of Matcha and Green Tea
1) Both matcha and green tea are harvested and processed with the same plant. This plant is known as the Camellia sinensis plant. This plant is also used to make oolong tea, black tea, and even herbal teas. Let’s just say it’s very well known in the tea industry.
2) Both matcha and green tea tend to originate from the same locations. You will generally find the best matcha powders and green tea made from tea farms in Japan. Tea farms in Japan are beautiful. If you ever get a chance to visit rural regions of Japan, don’t pass up the opportunity!
Differences of Matcha and Green Tea
1) The physical appearance and the processing of matcha tea and green tea are different. The highest quality of matcha powders are stone ground while green tea is not grounded at all. It is left in its natural state, the picked leaves, and then processed accordingly.
2) The flavor profile of matcha and green tea are different. Though both teas are made from the same plant, they have a different taste. Generally, matcha powder tastes earthy whereas green tea tastes sweeter. Both teas will have a similar after taste, amongst other teas. Overall, they’re both pleasant to drink though.
3) When mixed in water, green tea and matcha have different hues or color appearances. Green tea mixed with water will appear almost transparent with a slight yellow/green tone to it. When you mix water with matcha powder, it has a very rich and full green color to it.
Do You Know More About the Differences Between Matcha and Green Tea Now?
We hope so! If not, please let us know what other questions you might have. We’ll answer them as quickly as possible.
Feel free to learn more if you’re interested in matcha or green tea. These two articles go further into each individual drink. Like why they’re so popular in the boba and bubble tea industry.
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