#matcha

#matcha

For Americans, there's the added impact of tariffs. Imports from China are currently subject to a 37.5% tariff, while the U.S. has a 15% tariff on imports from Japan. It's not clear if tea will be exempted from tariffs because it's a natural product that's not grown in significant quantities in the U.S. - an accommodation that the Trump administration has made for cork from the European Union. The Commerce Department and the U.S. Trade Representative didn't respond to messages left by The Associated Press.

"If you don't have a stand, put the whisk with the handle side down after washing," the tea expert tells Tasting Table. Additionally, Choe advises us to avoid placing the whisk prong-side down because the prongs "are the most important part of a whisk." A matcha whisk holder allows the bamboo material to breathe as it dries, which prevents molding and warping.

About the dreaded clumping: They're actually a sign of a high-quality powder! Matcha is made from stone-milled green tea leaves, which makes it especially prone to static cling and humidity-related unevenness. And just as flour or powdered sugar benefits from sifting, matcha powders want to form little lumps. Shaking with enough force breaks those clusters apart, while adding the water first reduces the powder's chance to bind to itself.

In May 2025, it announced a slew of new drinks flavored with matcha, dulce de leche, and mochi berry. The former was met with particular excitement from some Dutch Bros fans, as matcha has become a very popular flavor in lattes and other coffee shop drinks. The chain is offering five matcha lattes: lavender, raspberry, peach, vanilla, and white chocolate. In addition, there are six matcha lemonades on the menu: Paradise (which features mango and strawberry flavors), lavender, passion fruit, peach, strawberry, and watermelon.

There's no denying the "matcha boom" in the last two years. Matcha-flavored desserts and drinks are just about everywhere you like. According to data from the Trade Statistics of Japan Ministry of Finance, 78% of all powdered green tea exported from Japan -- which includes matcha powder -- went to the U.S. in 2024. Like anything that comes with high demand, there's also going to be a higher price tag.

If you're aware that matcha is a type of green tea, you're probably wondering why it's so much more expensive than other varieties. Of the three types of matcha, top-tier ceremonial grade runs upwards of $45 per ounce, and even the most affordable matcha for cooking can cost around $6 per ounce. Compared with regular green tea, which costs around $2.50 per ounce, matcha is considerably pricier.

In July, Nguyen, Tran, and a Beaverton coffee shop that hosted a Whisk & Bloom event all received letters in the mail threatening legal action if they didn't stop selling Marukyu Koyamaen, a brand of high-end matcha often considered the gold standard of Japanese tea makers.

Excellent espresso drinks and solid matcha are on hand at this minimalist coffee shop in Laurel Heights.

Three Tea Bowls has established a minimalist cafe called Forest Tea in Berkeley, focusing on high-grade matcha served as straightforward tea drinks or enhanced with black sesame and house syrups.

My favorite thing about this matcha banana smoothie is that it's not too sweet! Rolled oats, toasted pecans, and plain vegan yogurt add to the heartiness and also enhance the naturally earthy matcha flavor.

The THC-infused iced matcha latte combines matcha's earthy, antioxidant benefits with THC's soothing effects, creating a unique beverage that blends wellness and relaxation.

When made well, macarons are perfectly smooth and crisp on the outside, with a pleasantly chewy texture on the inside.

Drinking matcha, which contains less caffeine than coffee and is rich in L-theanine, can be a calming ritual before bed that promotes relaxation.

I try to do two weekends on the road a month, but sometimes it ends up being three. Usually my Sundays are spent flying home.