Matcha

| j = mut3-caa4 | ci = | toi = | japanese_header = Japanese name | kanji = 抹茶 | kana = まっちゃ | revhep = matcha | korean_header = Korean name | hangul = 말차 | hanja = 抹茶 | rr = malcha | mr = malch'a | koreanname2 = Korean name 2 | hangul2 = 가루차 | rr2 = garucha | mr2 = karuch'a }}. In Kunrei-shiki romanization (ISO 3602) it is "mattya". "Maccha" is a nonstandard and uncommon spelling.}}|抹茶}} is a finely ground powder of green tea specially processed from shade-grown tea leaves. Shade growing gives matcha its characteristic bright green color and strong umami flavor. Matcha is typically consumed suspended in hot water.

Matcha originated in China but the production of compressed tea, the raw material for matcha, was banned in China in the 14th century. Shade growing was invented in Japan in the 16th century and most matcha is produced there today.

The traditional Japanese tea ceremony, typically known as or , centers on the preparation, serving and drinking of matcha as hot tea, and embodies a meditative and spiritual practice.

Matcha is also used to flavor and dye foods such as ''mochi'' and ''soba'' noodles, green tea ice cream, matcha lattes and a variety of Japanese ''wagashi'' confectionery. For this purpose, matcha made green by color additives instead of expensive shade grown matcha is often used. Provided by Wikipedia