National Matcha Day – May 2nd

Once reserved for sacred Japanese ceremonies, matcha — the finely milled green tea powder made from shade-grown leaves — has found a fervent global following. In the U.S., its popularity has surged well beyond the zen-like corners of tea rooms and into mainstream cafés and TikTok reels. Now, every May 2, National Matcha Day invites Americans to pause and consider the history, preparation, and cultural significance of this antioxidant-rich drink.
From powdered origins to powdered donuts, matcha has become a staple of both wellness rituals and culinary creativity. As we celebrate this vibrant tea, it’s worth exploring the roots of its flavor, its ritualistic preparation, and how it continues to shape tea culture across generations.

Why We Celebrate National Matcha Day on May 2

National Matcha Day in the U.S. is a relatively new celebration, officially established in 2021. Inspired by Japan’s Hachiju Hachiya — the 88th day of spring, which marks the ideal time for harvesting green tea — the American version takes place on May 2. It’s a nod to the beginning of the spring tea season and the enduring global appeal of matcha. Meanwhile, in Japan, February 6 is also recognized as National Matcha Day, commemorating the 120th anniversary of Nishio Tea, one of the country’s leading producers.

How to Celebrate National Matcha Day

Whether you’re already a devoted matcha drinker or just curious about the vibrant green powder taking over menus and grocery shelves, there are plenty of meaningful and creative ways to mark the day.

1. Visit a Local Tea Shop or Café
Support small businesses and tea artisans by visiting a local tea house or café known for high-quality matcha. Many establishments host special tastings or offer discounts and exclusive menu items in honor of the holiday.

2. Make Matcha at Home
Get hands-on with a traditional preparation at home. All you need is a bowl, a bamboo whisk (chasen), and ceremonial-grade matcha powder. Sift the tea, add hot water, and whisk in a zigzag motion to create a frothy, velvety cup. It’s a meditative ritual that connects you to centuries of Japanese tea culture.

3. Bake or Cook with Matcha
Matcha is far more than a beverage. Try using it in sweet or savory recipes—matcha pancakes, matcha tiramisu, matcha cookies, green tea noodles, or even matcha butter for your toast. Its earthy, umami-rich flavor adds a unique twist to everyday dishes.

4. Host a Matcha Gathering
Invite friends over for a casual matcha-themed get-together. Serve different styles of matcha, pair it with wagashi (Japanese sweets), or offer matcha-infused snacks. Sharing the experience deepens appreciation for the tea and makes the day memorable.

5. Look for Special Offers and Events
Many cafés and matcha brands run limited-time promotions, free drink giveaways, or product launches on May 2. For example, Jade Leaf Matcha—one of the top-selling matcha brands in the U.S.—has previously collaborated with New York’s Dough doughnuts to celebrate the occasion. Keep an eye on social media and local listings for pop-up events and collaborations.

6. Share Your Matcha Moments Online
Join the community of matcha lovers by posting your drinks, recipes, or favorite matcha finds using hashtags like #NationalMatchaDay or #MatchaLove. Whether you’re brewing koicha in a handcrafted chawan or sipping a matcha latte on your lunch break, your post can inspire others to join the celebration.

The Origins and Evolution of Matcha

Matcha has a long and storied past, with roots in China’s Tang Dynasty before taking hold in Japan in the 12th century. While powdered tea was eventually banned in China, Japan embraced and refined the practice. By the 16th century, tea cultivation under shade — a hallmark of matcha production — had become widespread, leading to the development of tencha, the raw material for matcha.

The ritualized Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu, was born from this tradition, emphasizing introspection, precision, and calm. Today’s vibrant green matcha owes its distinctive color and rich umami flavor to centuries of refinement and spiritual significance.

10 Matcha Fun Facts

1. Matcha is made from shade-grown tea leaves.
To boost chlorophyll and amino acid content, matcha tea plants are shaded for about 3–4 weeks before harvest. This gives matcha its vibrant green color and smooth, umami-rich flavor.

2. You’re drinking the whole leaf.
Unlike steeped teas, matcha is made from finely ground whole leaves—meaning you consume all the nutrients, antioxidants, and caffeine the leaf has to offer.

3. One serving of matcha contains more antioxidants than 10 cups of green tea.
Matcha is packed with catechins, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is believed to support metabolism, heart health, and overall wellness.

4. It was originally used by Zen monks.
Matcha was brought to Japan from China in the 12th century and became an essential part of Zen Buddhist meditation rituals, valued for its ability to promote alert calmness.

5. Matcha contains L-theanine, a natural relaxant.
This rare amino acid promotes relaxation without drowsiness and works synergistically with caffeine for a calm, focused energy—often described as a “zen buzz.”

6. Ceremonial vs. culinary matcha.
Ceremonial-grade matcha is made from the youngest tea leaves and is best enjoyed with just hot water. Culinary-grade matcha is slightly more robust and ideal for cooking and baking.

7. Matcha doesn’t expire immediately, but it does lose freshness.
Once opened, matcha is best stored in the fridge in an airtight container and used within 1–2 months for peak flavor and nutrition.

8. The foam matters.
In traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, the foam on top of a well-whisked bowl of matcha is a sign of a skilled preparation—and adds a creamy mouthfeel.

9. Matcha can be savory too.
While matcha lattes and desserts are trendy, matcha also stars in savory dishes like matcha soba noodles, salad dressings, and tempura salt.

10. The name “matcha” means “powdered tea.”
In Japanese, “ma” means “ground” or “rubbed,” and “cha” means “tea.” Simple and descriptive!

National Matcha Day Dates

Year	Date	Day of the Week
2025	May 2, 2025	Friday
2026	May 2, 2026	Saturday
2027	May 2, 2027	Sunday
2028	May 2, 2028	Tuesday
2029	May 2, 2029	Wednesday

Tasty and Trendy: Easy Matcha Ideas You’ll Love

1. Classic Matcha Latte

Whisk matcha powder with hot water, then add steamed milk (dairy or plant-based) and a touch of sweetener for a creamy, energizing drink.

2. Matcha Ice Cream

A refreshing dessert where earthy matcha blends beautifully with sweet cream—perfect for warm days or a Japanese-inspired treat.

3. Matcha Cupcakes

Light and fluffy green cupcakes topped with matcha buttercream or cream cheese frosting—great for parties or tea-time indulgence.

4. Matcha Cookies

Soft or crispy cookies made with a matcha twist. Pair with white chocolate chips for an irresistible combo.

5. Matcha Cheesecake

A velvety cheesecake with a vibrant green hue and rich matcha flavor—bake it or try a no-bake version with an Oreo crust.

6. Iced Matcha Bubble Tea

A fun take on bubble tea with matcha, milk, and chewy tapioca pearls—perfectly Instagrammable and refreshing.

7. Matcha Pancakes

Fluffy green pancakes with subtle bitterness, often topped with syrup, whipped cream, or red bean paste.

8. Matcha Chocolate Bark

Melt white or dark chocolate and swirl in matcha powder. Add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit before setting for a quick and easy treat.

9. Matcha Bread (Shokupan or Swirl Bread)

Aesthetic and delicious green tea bread, either as soft milk bread or layered in a swirl pattern for visual appeal.

10. Matcha Chia Pudding

A healthy, make-ahead breakfast or dessert using chia seeds, matcha, and your favorite milk—topped with fruit or granola.

Matcha is more than just a drink — it’s a symbol of harmony, focus, and transformation. On National Matcha Day, we’re invited to reflect not just on its bold flavor and vibrant color, but on its journey from Zen temples to American doughnut shops.
For those curious to explore deeper, upcoming food holidays like National Iced Tea Day and International Tea Day offer more chances to steep in the stories behind our favorite brews.