If you have been on the hunt for your favorite matcha tea, then you are not alone.
Many stores do not have enough stock, and those that do are charging higher prices.
There is an ongoing concern regarding the availability of matcha tea. This article will
discuss the reasons behind the occurrence and how it is impacting tea lovers
globally.
Matcha Tea: Its Origins and Rise in Popularity
Matcha tea has a fascinating past. It started in China back in the Tang Dynasty (7th-
10th century). People steamed tea leaves, pressed them into bricks, and ground
them into powder, which they mixed with hot water and salt.
Later, during the Song Dynasty (960-1279), monks and scholars began using the
powdered tea as a calm yet energizing drink.
A Japanese monk named Eisai brought this powdered tea custom to Japan in the
12th century. There, it became integral to Zen Buddhist rituals.
Over the years, Japan began using new techniques such as shading tea plants
before harvest to improve on the flavor and nutrients of the tea, leading to the
version of matcha we know today.
How Did Matcha Tea Become Popular?
Japan has used matcha tea for centuries, mainly in traditional tea ceremonies. In
those days, the tea was almost spiritual, meant for quiet and calming experiences. In
more recent years, however, matcha can be found everywhere from coffee shops to
health stores to social media.
So, what led to its newfound popularity? Let’s explore the key factors that led to the
increase in matcha tea’s popularity.
Health Benefits People Talk About
Several individuals began drinking matcha tea since it’s reputed to be health-friendly.
It has natural compounds like antioxidants that help protect your body.
In addition, it has L-theanine, which helps one be calm and focused at the same time.
Unlike regular tea or coffee, matcha provides a person with energy in a steady
manner without feeling shaky. Some people drink it to support their heart, while
others love it because it helps with concentration or even stress.
Matcha Tea and Social Media
One major factor of matcha’s popularity is social media. On Instagram and TikTok,
users began posting photos and videos of startling green matcha lattes, iced drinks,
and even matcha desserts.
One major factor of matcha’s popularity is social media. On Instagram and TikTok,
users began posting photos and videos of startling green matcha lattes, iced drinks,
and even matcha desserts.
The color is eye-catching, and people adore how it looks in photos. Eventually, it
evolved into a trend. More and more people started trying matcha just because they
saw others enjoying it online.
Matcha in the Hands of Celebrities
Everything seems to go viral after celebrities drink it, and the same thing happened
with matcha tea.
It gained popularity internationally after being sampled by various renowned actors,
models, and athletes who featured it in their teas and shared it during interviews,
which unfortunately didn’t go unnoticed by fans.
Subsequently, a number of brands started introducing matcha lattes into their
products, and within a brief period, matcha transitioned from its humble origins as a
Japanese beverage to becoming a beloved beverage worldwide.
Where Is Matcha Tea Grown?
Matcha tea is mainly grown in Japan, where the best quality matcha comes from.
The top regions for growing matcha in Japan are
Uji (Kyoto Prefecture)
Uji is one of the most famous places for matcha. People in Japan have been growing
tea here for more than 800 years. Uji matcha is known for its rich flavor and bright
green color.
Nishio (Aichi Prefecture)
Nishio is another big area for matcha farming. It gets a lot of sunlight, but farmers
cover the tea leaves with shade before harvesting. This helps the tea keep its
smooth taste.
Shizuoka and Kagoshima
These two regions are known for growing other types of Japanese green tea, but
they also produce some matcha. Their climate is good for tea farming.
Other Countries (Small Amounts)
Some matcha is now also grown in places like China, South Korea, and even in the
U.S. But real, traditional matcha still mostly comes from Japan, and that’s where the
highest-quality matcha is made.
Reasons for Matcha Tea Shortage
A Delicate and Slow Process
Matcha tea is made from special tea leaves called tencha. These leaves are grown in
the shade for a few weeks before harvest, which helps them develop a rich flavor and
bright green color.
After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and then ground into a fine powder
using stone mills.
This entire process is time-consuming and requires a lot of care. Because of this,
only a small amount of matcha can be produced each year.
Demand Is Growing Fast
In recent years, more people around the world have started drinking matcha. They
enjoy its unique taste and believe it has health benefits.
Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have also played a big role in
making matcha popular. As a result, the demand for matcha has increased rapidly.
However, the production of matcha hasn’t been able to keep up with this growing
demand.
Weather and Farming Challenges
Matcha farming is sensitive to weather conditions. Unpredictable weather, such as
heavy rains or extreme temperatures, can affect the quality and quantity of the tea
leaves.
Additionally, the number of tea farmers in Japan has been decreasing over the years.
With fewer farmers and challenging weather, producing enough high-quality matcha
has become more difficult.
Prices Are Going Up
Due to the limited supply and high demand, the price of matcha has been rising.
Some tea companies have started limiting the amount of matcha they sell to each
customer..
In some places, cafes and stores have even run out of matcha products. This means
that matcha might become more expensive and harder to find in the near future.
Efforts to Increase Supply
The Japanese government is aware of the matcha shortage and is taking steps to
help. They are offering support to tea farmers to encourage them to grow more
tencha leaves.
However, since it takes time to grow and process these leaves, it will be a while
before these efforts lead to an increase in matcha supply.
Effects of Shortage
Due to the ongoing matcha tea shortage, many Japanese tea producers and shops
have started limiting how much matcha each customer can buy.
Some stores in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo now allow only one tin per person, while
others have temporarily stopped selling certain matcha products altogether.
These steps aim to manage the limited supply and ensure that more people have a
chance to purchase matcha. Until the next harvest, expected around June 2025,
these restrictions are likely to continue.
Final Words
The matcha tea shortage is real, and it’s being felt around the world. With high
demand, slow production, and fewer farmers, it’s getting harder to find matcha in
stores. Some shops in Japan have even started limiting how much people can buy.
For now, matcha lovers may have to wait a little longer or pay a bit more for their
favorite green drink.
