matcha

/ˈmɑtʃə/

Other forms: matchas

Matcha is green tea that's been ground to a very fine powder. Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies involve making, serving, and drinking matcha.

The Japanese roots of matcha are matsu, "to rub," and cha, "tea." The drink's history in Japan goes back to a 12th century Zen Buddhist monk who brought green tea seeds home from China and started "the way of tea," the ceremony that involves whisking powdered matcha into hot water. Today matcha's distinctive grassy flavor can also be found in frothy milk drinks, baked goods, and ice cream.

Definitions of matcha

1. noun

   finely ground green tea powder used in tea or as a flavoring, originating in Japan
2. noun

   tea made from finely ground green tea leaves, originating in Japan