The History of Matcha: While the origins of matcha powder can be traced back to 7th–10th century China, the process was refined and perfected in Japan, where most matcha is still produced today.

Eisai, a Japanese Buddhist Monk, spent the better part of his life studying Buddhism in China. When he returned to Japan in 1191, he brought back tea seeds along with the Zen Buddhist methods of preparing powdered green tea.

Tencha was developed by growing the green tea plant under shaded conditions – this method is largely credited for maximizing the health benefits of matcha.