A journey
through time
the history of matcha
where it all began
Let’s rewind a few centuries and embark on a journey to ancient Japan, where matcha wasn’t just a beverage, but a legendary elixir. The story of matcha begins in the lush, rolling hills of Japan, where Buddhist monks discovered something extraordinary: a vibrant green tea unlike anything they’d seen before, a drink with a depth of flavour and ritual that instantly set it apart.
This wasn’t just any green tea; it was matcha, a gem in the world of teas.
ZEN & THE ART OF MATCHA
Fast-forward to the 12th century, where matcha found its home inside Japanese Zen Buddhist temples. Picture monks preparing matcha with intentional, deliberate movements, a practice that reflected clarity, focus, and presence.
Over time, this ritual became a cornerstone of temple life, evolving into a mindful art form that continues to inspire matcha lovers today.
A ROYAL AFFAIR
As matcha gained recognition, it soon captivated Japan’s elite. Samurai, nobles, and aristocrats embraced it not just as a drink, but as a sophisticated cultural practice.
Matcha preparation became an elegant ritual, a refined expression of precision, beauty, and respect. This evolution eventually shaped the Japanese tea ceremony, securing matcha as a defining piece of Japan’s cultural identity.
FROM CEREMONY TO EVERYDAY
Once reserved for temples and the upper classes, matcha slowly made its way beyond ceremonial halls and into daily life. Over generations, its popularity spread across Japan, from traditional tearooms to family homes, becoming a beloved part of everyday culture.
Today, matcha continues to evolve, inspiring new rituals, modern flavours, and creative expressions across the world.
what makes matcha unique
A tea full of character
A GREEN POWERHOUSE IN A CUP
So, what’s all this buzz about matcha? It’s not just green tea, it’s like green tea’s cooler, more sophisticated cousin. Imagine a tea with depth, character, and a flavour that instantly stands out.
Matcha isn’t just tasted, it’s experienced, rich, vibrant, and unmistakably bold.
That’s matcha for you, a powerhouse of flavour, all wrapped up in a mesmerising emerald hue.
THE MAKING OF MATCHA
Matcha is crafted from the finest shade-grown tea leaves, known as Tencha. Why shade-grown, you ask? This traditional technique boosts chlorophyll production, giving the leaves their deeper colour and that unmistakable vibrant green we all recognise.
Once harvested, the leaves are carefully steamed, air-dried, and then stone-ground into an ultra-fine powder, so fine it feels like silk.
This isn’t your average tea-making process. It’s a craft perfected over generations: precise, patient, and rooted in extraordinary tradition.
A flavour that packs a punch
One sip of matcha and you’ll know it’s something special. It has a unique, umami-rich flavour that’s both bold and delicate, earthy, with just the right touch of sweetness and a whisper of bitterness. It’s a whole symphony of taste in a single cup.
And when it comes to our flavoured matcha blends? That’s a whole new world of delicious discovery.
Not Just a Drink, But an Experience
Drinking matcha is an experience, a ritual. Unlike other teas, you’re not only steeping leaves, you’re whisking the powder into water, creating a frothy, creamy concoction. It's like being a part of an age-old tradition but in your own kitchen. And when you drink matcha, you're consuming the whole leaf, which means soaking up an all-in-one nutrient punch!
A Contemporary Twist on an Ancient Superfood
why ossu’s
matcha
Here at OSSU, we’re all about bringing you matcha that’s crafted with care and rooted in tradition. Our matcha comes straight from the heart of Japan, ensuring you get the real deal, authentic, flavourful, and packed with character. It’s a drink that invites you into a ritual, and we’re excited to be a part of your matcha adventure.
