You’ve seen it on menus, in smoothies, and all over your Instagram feed — that velvety green pour that looks almost too good to drink. That’s matcha. And no, it’s not just green tea in a fancy outfit. It’s a centuries-old super-drink with a whole lot of goodness packed into every sip.

This month, we celebrated National Matcha Day on 2^nd May, and for good reason.

So let’s spill the tea — or rather, whisk it.

What is matcha anyway?

Matcha is a traditional Japanese delicacy, which has gained popularity across the world. While it comes from the same plant as regular tea, the real magic lies in how it’s grown and harvested.

In the weeks before harvest, farmers give the plants some serious R&R by shading them from sunlight. This sends the plants into chlorophyll overdrive, giving matcha its vibrant green colour and distinctive rich flavour. Only the youngest, most pampered leaves are picked, then steamed, dried, and stone-ground into a fine powder. Voilà — matcha!

Why May deserves a matcha moment

Ever wondered why National Matcha Day falls in May? It’s not just a feel-good spring marketing play. That’s when Japan’s most prestigious tea-growing regions, like Uji and Aichi, begin their first harvests.

These early crops are the crème de la crème of matcha — delicate in flavour, rich in nutrients, and lovingly hand-harvested. In other words, May is when matcha is at its freshest, greenest, and most glorious. Kind of like matcha’s birthday month — and we’re here for the party.

Not just a pretty powder

Yes, it looks good in a glass. But matcha also brings plenty of substance to back up the style.

Antioxidant powerhouse: It’s rich in catechins — natural compounds that help fight free radicals and oxidative stress.

Brain and body booster: Research suggests matcha supports brain function, heart health, and liver function.

Sustained energy: With caffeine released more slowly than coffee, it keeps you going without the sudden crash.

And yes, it tastes amazing: Earthy, slightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying when done right.

Choosing the right matcha

Not all matcha is created equal. The highest quality matcha can come at a price — and that’s because it’s crafted through time-honoured methods: hand-harvesting, precise grading, and careful stone-grinding.

You’ll know you’ve got your hands on high quality matcha when you see that bright, electric green. It means better flavour, better colour, and that signature matcha smoothness.

Our favourite way to sip?

Traditionally, matcha is whisked with hot water in a chawan (a wide tea bowl) and savoured slowly — simple, focused, and steeped in centuries of Japanese tea culture.

While we love a tradition, we’re not ones to shy away from a remix.

Why not try an Iced Coconut Matcha? Or level up with an Iced Coconut Bubble Matcha? Made with our oh-so-creamy Barista Coconut, it pairs beautifully with matcha’s natural depth. A true matcha made in heaven.

Matcha isn’t just a drink — it’s a ritual, a superfood, and a moment of calm in your day. And whether you’re a whisk-it-yourself purist or a matcha latte devotee, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this emerald elixir.