Bala Sarda
21-May-2025
Matcha reminds us that wellness doesn’t always need to be complicated.
By Bala Sarda, Founder and CEO, VAHDAM India
Tea has never just been a drink; it has always been a bridge between cultures, generations, and ways of life. From the elegant oolongs of China to the robust black teas of Assam, every cup holds a story. Among these timeless brews, matcha, Japan’s finely stone-ground green tea, stands apart. Not just for its taste, but for the tradition, purpose, and presence it brings with every sip.
What makes matcha unique is its careful cultivation. Matcha green tea sourced directly from Shizuoka, Japan, begins its journey when tea bushes are shaded from direct sunlight for about three weeks before harvest—encouraging the growth of chlorophyll and boosting the leaf’s nutrient profile. The finest leaves are then hand-picked, steamed, dried, and slowly stone-ground into a vibrant green powder.
Beyond its meticulous cultivation, what truly sets matcha apart is the experience it offers. This vibrant green powder doesn’t just nourish the body, it gently engages the mind. With its steady, calm energy and ability to enhance focus, matcha brings a sense of balance and intention to our daily routines, something deeply valued in today’s fast-moving world.
On International Tea Day, it's worth pausing to reflect on how this green elixir has journeyed from the serene tea rooms of Kyoto to the breakfast counters and café tables of Indian homes. Its rising popularity speaks not only to changing palates but to a deeper desire for practices that ground us—rituals that do more than just fill our cups.
A Japanese Tradition with Purpose
Matcha was first embraced by Zen monks in 12th-century Japan—not merely as a beverage, but as a path to presence and clarity. Stone-ground from shade-grown tencha leaves, matcha is unique in that the entire leaf is consumed. This makes it one of the most nourishing forms of tea, packed with antioxidants and a naturally calming amino acid called L-theanine.
But beyond the science, there’s something powerful in the ceremony itself. From the precise whisking to the focused sipping, the act of preparing matcha is a meditative practice. It isn’t rushed. It reminds us that refreshment can be an act of mindfulness.
A Cultural Conversation in India
In recent years, matcha has slowly made its way into Indian homes—not as a trend, but as a conversation. What was once reserved for the niche corners of health food stores or wellness blogs is now becoming a daily ritual for many. Its journey mirrors a larger shift: the move toward simplicity, authenticity, and conscious living.
From matcha lattes in neighborhood cafés to homegrown blends infused with vanilla or mint, we’re witnessing a reimagination of tradition. Yet what stands out most is the intent. It’s not about replacing chai or coffee—it’s about creating space for something mindful.
A Daily Practice, Not a Fad
Those who drink matcha regularly often speak less about the taste and more about the way it makes them feel—grounded, steady, and clear. And while health claims should always be approached with care, its long-standing association with clarity and calm is hard to ignore.
Whether it’s a morning ritual, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a moment of pause in a busy day, matcha invites us to return to ourselves. It doesn’t demand time; it offers it.
Crafted with Care
Bringing authentic matcha to life requires deep respect for tradition. From the meticulous shading of tea leaves before harvest to the centuries-old stone-grinding process, every step is a reflection of craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Working with legacy tea growers has offered a personal glimpse into the labor and love behind this green powder. It’s a reminder that real quality is never rushed—and that heritage matters.
A Cup Full of Meaning
Matcha reminds us that wellness doesn’t always need to be complicated. It can live in simple acts: a slow sip, a quiet moment, a daily pause. In an age of fast fixes and fleeting trends, perhaps that’s what makes it so enduring.
This International Tea Day, let’s raise our cups not just in celebration of tea—but in honor of the timeless traditions that connect us, and the new ones we create along the way.
