Matcha may look simple—a green powder whisked with hot water—but its production is anything but simple. High-quality matcha is the result of a carefully controlled process that begins in the tea field and ends only when the powder is prepared in a bowl.
In this guide, we walk through the complete matcha-making process, step by step, from cultivation to milling, in a clear and beginner-friendly way.
If you’re new to this topic, you may want to start with What Is Matcha? and What Is Tencha?.
Step 1: Shaded cultivation
Matcha production begins with shaded cultivation. Several weeks before harvest, tea plants are covered to limit sunlight exposure.
This shading slows photosynthesis and alters the balance of compounds in the leaves, contributing to matcha’s characteristic color and flavor profile.
Step 2: Harvesting the tea leaves
The timing of harvest is critical. Leaves harvested earlier in the season generally have different characteristics from those harvested later.
Once picked, the leaves are quickly transported for processing to prevent oxidation.
Step 3: Processing into tencha
After harvesting, the leaves are steamed to halt oxidation. Unlike sencha, the leaves are not rolled.
This produces flat, dried leaves known as tencha, which are specifically designed to be ground into matcha.
Step 4: Drying and sorting
The dried tencha is carefully sorted. Stems and veins are removed, leaving only the tender leaf tissue.
This step is essential for achieving the smooth texture expected of high-quality matcha.
Step 5: Stone milling into matcha
The refined tencha is then ground into matcha, traditionally using stone mills. This slow process minimizes heat and produces an exceptionally fine powder.
We explain this in more detail in Why Stone Milling Matters for Matcha Quality .
Step 6: Preparing matcha in a bowl
The final step happens at the moment of consumption. Matcha is whisked with hot water to suspend the powder evenly.
Unlike brewed teas, the leaf itself is consumed—making preparation an integral part of the matcha experience.