Hi matcha lovers, in today’s post, we will discover:
- When is National Matcha Day 2024, 2025, and further?
- Why do we celebrate National Matcha Day?
- Who invented National Matcha Day?
- Origin of matcha tea
- 10 fun ideas to celebrate National Matcha Day
- FAQs related to matcha
After reading this post, you’ll have a good understanding of National Matcha Day and plenty of creative ideas to celebrate it. Let’s jump right in!
When is National Matcha Day 2024 and further?
Matcha is a beloved tea with a unique blend of vibrant colors, rich flavor, and abundant health benefits. The way it is prepared and grown has been practiced for centuries, making it a revered symbol of Japanese tradition.
National Matcha Day is celebrated on May 2 every year. This year, National Matcha Day is on Thursday, May 2, 2024.
Check out the dates for National Matcha Day from 2024 to 2034 below.
Holiday | Date | Day of the week |
National Matcha Day 2024 | May 2, 2024 | Thursday |
National Matcha Day 2025 | May 2, 2025 | Friday |
National Matcha Day 2026 | May 2, 2026 | Saturday |
National Matcha Day 2027 | May 2, 2027 | Sunday |
National Matcha Day 2028 | May 2, 2028 | Tuesday |
National Matcha Day 2029 | May 2, 2029 | Wednesday |
National Matcha Day 2030 | May 2, 2030 | Thursday |
National Matcha Day 2031 | May 2, 2031 | Friday |
National Matcha Day 2032 | May 2, 2032 | Sunday |
National Matcha Day 2033 | May 2, 2033 | Monday |
National Matcha Day 2034 | May 2, 2034 | Tuesday |
Why do we celebrate National Matcha Day?
National Matcha Day is a special day for all the matcha fans out there to show some love for their favorite drink. It’s a day to appreciate the hard work, passion and culture of the Japanese tea farmers who make this amazing drink possible.
Who invented National Matcha Day?
Jade Leaf Matcha, a San Francisco-based company, initiated the first-ever National Matcha Day in the United States on May 2, 2021. This date is also known as Hachiju Hachiya, which translates to the “88th Night” in the traditional Japanese calendar. It is considered to be an auspicious date for tea farmers to begin their Spring tea harvest. It was a natural choice for matcha lovers to celebrate their dedication and efforts on this day.
Origin of matcha tea
Matcha is a powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. It started in China and then became popular in Japan, where it’s mostly produced nowadays.
The origins of matcha can be traced back to China’s Tang Dynasty (between the 7th and 10th centuries). During this time, tea leaves were steamed to make bricks, which made them easier to transport and trade. The bricks were then roasted, powdered, and mixed with water and salt to prepare the tea.
This type of tea preparation started to gain more popularity during the Song Dynasty ( ruled between the 10th and 13th centuries). In 1191, a Japanese Buddhist Monk named Eisai, who had studied Buddhism in China, brought tea seeds and Zen Buddhist methods of preparing powdered green tea back to Japan.
Eisai planted these seeds in Kyoto on the temple grounds, and matcha was only produced in limited quantities during the time of the Kamakura Shogun. It was considered a luxurious status symbol.
Matcha tea, as we know it today, wasn’t really popular until the 16th century when Japanese tea masters used it in the tea ceremony, also known as “chanoyu.” They came up with a special way to make and serve matcha tea, which became a beloved cultural tradition for many years.
10 fun ideas to celebrate National Matcha Day
1. Start with the classic hot tea
Just mix a teaspoon of matcha powder in hot water, and you’re good to go. The tea has a slight flavor that you’ll love.
2. Prepare a classic matcha latte
If you’re a latte lover, why not make a matcha latte at home? All you need is hot milk, matcha powder, and your favorite sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or sugar).
3. Make matcha ice cream
For all the ice cream fans out there, matcha ice cream is a great choice. You can buy it from the store or make your own using online recipes. Mix matcha powder, milk, cream, and your favorite sweetener, and you’ll have a refreshing treat to enjoy.
4. Get your bake on
Channel your inner baker and whip up some matcha-infused treats! Think cookies, brownies, or even a fancy layered cake. You can find tons of recipes online to get your creative juices flowing. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors.
5. Light up your life with a matcha scent
Create a soothing atmosphere at home by lighting a matcha-scented candle. The refreshing aroma will help you relax and unwind after a long day.
6. Visit a Japanese tea garden
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and visit a local Japanese tea garden. These tranquil spaces are perfect for sipping a cup of matcha and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Plus, you’ll get a taste of Japanese culture while you’re there.
7. DIY matcha face mask
Treat yourself with a homemade matcha face mask for a potentially glowing skin. Mix matcha powder with honey, yogurt, or avocado (depending on your skin type) to make a nourishing paste. Apply the mask on your face for a relaxing and potentially beautifying treatment (remember to patch test first!).
8. Find inner peace with matcha meditation
Matcha is a great companion for meditation. Whisking the matcha powder can be very calming and grounding. It will help you stay focused and relaxed.
9. Support local matcha businesses
Celebrate National Matcha Day by showing love to your local shops and cafes specializing in matcha. Enjoy a matcha beverage or treat, and explore the unique matcha products they offer.
10. Matcha educational workshop
How about setting up a cool workshop or seminar to educate people on why matcha is awesome? Let’s feature some guest speakers and interactive demonstrations to talk about its health benefits, cultural significance, and history.
FAQs
What color matcha is better?
When it comes to matcha, the color is important. Ceremonial-grade matcha is known for its vivid green color, while culinary matcha is pale green and reserved for cooking and baking.
You should look for matcha that is rich, deep green. The deeper the shade of green, the higher the quality of matcha. However, even high-quality matcha can turn yellow over time when exposed to light and air. To ensure you get the freshest matcha, drink it quickly.
What does a matcha taste like?
Matcha has a unique taste that can be described as bright, vegetal, and slightly bitter, with notes of sweetness and umami.
The taste of high-grade or ceremonial-grade matcha can vary depending on where it’s grown, how it’s grown, and the type of cultivar. These types have rich umami, complex flavor profiles, and deep, buttery vegetal notes.
On the other hand, the taste of culinary-grade matcha might be very bitter, dry, or even musky, lacking complexity in flavor.
How do you make matcha taste better?
If you want to make matcha taste better, there are 4 easy ways to do it. Firstly, make sure you are using high-quality matcha and follow the preparation instructions properly. If the flavor is too strong, try using less matcha. Alternatively, you can pair matcha with other ingredients. Lastly, you can add natural sweeteners if you prefer a sweeter taste.
What is the benefit of matcha?
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, caffeine, and amino acids. Studies suggest that it may help prevent cell damage, lower the risk of certain diseases, and aid in weight management. Moreover, it could promote heart health, improve brain function, and protect the liver. However, getting pure green teas and high-quality matcha instead of supplements is essential, as some studies show they may cause liver damage.
Is matcha healthier hot or cold?
Matcha is a type of powder that you mix with water and drink. When you drink it, you’re drinking water and small particles of matcha. This is because the powder doesn’t dissolve in the water; it only gets mixed with it. So it doesn’t matter if you drink it cold or hot because it has the same benefits either way.
Is matcha a tea or coffee?
Matcha is a tea.
Is matcha stronger than coffee?
If you’re curious about whether matcha is stronger than coffee, here’s the answer. Both matcha and coffee have caffeine, but matcha has less caffeine than coffee. Due to the plant nutrients in matcha, the caffeine in matcha is released more slowly. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that, when combined with caffeine, can help increase alertness, decrease fatigue, and provide a longer-lasting, more sustained feeling of energy.
Is matcha more healthy than coffee?
Matcha and coffee both have health benefits, but matcha is generally a healthier option with fewer potential side effects.
Do you put milk in matcha tea?
To make traditional matcha green tea, you only need green tea powder and water. However, you can also add steamed milk. Almond milk, coconut milk, or homemade oat milk will give your cup a unique flavor. To make it, simply whisk the ingredients together until they become foamy. Then, sweeten it to your liking and enjoy your delicious drink.
Why are matcha lattes so popular?
Matcha lattes are really popular, and there are two main reasons for this. Firstly, they look great in photos because of their bright green color. Secondly, they have a lot of benefits. Some people drink matcha because it’s good for their health, while others like the unique umami taste that the Japanese consider a separate category. Nowadays, you can find it on almost every café and coffee shop menu.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed today’s post.
We regularly update this post. So feel free to check it later for new insights.
