What exactly is matcha? It turns out that matcha originated in China.

Many people assume matcha comes from Japan, but in fact, it originated in China. It emerged during the Sui Dynasty, get popular in the Tang Dynasty, and reached its peak in the Song Dynasty. What’s even less known is that matcha, which began in China, is now experiencing a revival in China! The world's largest single-unit matcha production facility is located in Tongren, Guizhou, earning it the title of the "World’s Matcha Super Factory." Guizhou matcha now accounts for a quarter of China’s total matcha production, ranking first in domestic sales and second globally.

Many people think matcha is just ground green tea powder, but that underestimates its complexity.

Unlike other teas, matcha tea plants require "shade covering" for 20 days before harvest. This process reduces bitterness, enhances freshness, and imparts a subtle seaweed-like aroma. In terms of production, matcha retains the "steam sterilization" method reminiscent of the Tang and Song Dynasties, preserving the tea leaves' vibrant green color while minimizing bitterness. While regular green tea powder is relatively coarse, matcha powder is finely ground to over 800 mesh (18 micrometers). Guizhou-produced European-standard matcha is even finer, reaching 1300 mesh (11 micrometers)—over ten times finer than flour!

When the legacy of the Tang and Song Dynasties meets a super factory, China’s matcha, which had declined for centuries, is now conquering the global market!