US EditionMatcha Madness Leaves Japan's Tea Ceremony Pros Skeptical
Japanese agricultural ministry supports farmers with new technology and aid as matcha production triples since 2008, yet fine-grade matcha supply still falls short of rising global demand.
- The global matcha surge has been underway for several years, with harvests, especially of fine-grade matcha, failing to meet demand as Keiko Kaneko demonstrated the tea ceremony in Tokyo on Aug. 8, 2025.
- The Japanese agricultural ministry has encouraged growers to switch to matcha, offering machines, special soil, financial aid and counseling amid rising tencha production and aging farmers.
- Starbucks and international cafes have mainstreamed matcha, with drinks at cafes in Melbourne and Los Angeles, while cookbooks and foreign tourists buying tins have spread demand, prompting some shops to limit purchases.
- Tea ceremony practitioners say they are perplexed by matcha's popularity in lattes and sweets, arguing the best matcha belongs to sado while hoping this interest revives the tradition.
- Officials warn the crunch may worsen in coming years as aging farmers quit, while the Japanese agricultural ministry promotes matcha to compete with China and Southeast Asian countries and boost domestic output.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Green and Black Tea Come From the Same Plant—So Why Do They Taste So Different?
Both types of tea share a common origin—yet they couldn't be more different in flavor, color, and usage. How can one plant yield such dramatically distinct brews? Serious Eats / Flora BaiIn a NutshellGreen and black tea are simply different expressions of the same plant—Camellia sinensis—but they couldn't be more distinct, thanks to the way they're processed after harvest. Green tea is quickly heated to preserve its grassy, umami-rich character,…
Drinking Matcha May Have an Unexpected Side Effect, Health Experts Say
NEED TO KNOW Experts say that matcha could contribute to low iron absorption, and are now sharing tips on how to drink the popular Japanese tea safely Matcha contains tannins, which can interfere with iron absorption in the body People such as pregnant women, vegans and vegetarians and young people may be more likely to experience iron deficiency when drinking matcha on a daily basis with meals One beloved coffee shop staple beverage may be cau…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
