Usucha matcha is the perfect upgrade for matcha latte lovers. If you want to experience matcha in its purest form and unlock its full flavor and health potential, it may be time to drink it the traditional way.
In this guide, we’ll explore what is usucha, building on our complete overview of usucha matcha, where it comes from, how to make usucha at home, and why many tea purists prefer it over sweetened lattes.
By the end, you’ll have a simple usucha recipe and a deeper understanding of this traditional Japanese preparation.
Let’s get whisking.
What is usucha matcha?
So, what is usucha matcha exactly?
Usucha comes from the Japanese tea ceremony and literally translates to “thin tea,” and you can explore the differences in our koicha vs usucha comparison guide. Long before milk or syrups were added, matcha was traditionally whisked with hot water and served to guests according to precise ritual and etiquette.
If you’re curious about the thicker ceremonial preparation, read our expert guide to koicha and how it differs from usucha.
In modern tea ceremony practice, usucha tea is the more commonly served style. It is lighter, frothier, and more approachable than its thicker counterpart, koicha.
Meaning
Usucha means “thin tea”, which contrasts with the koicha or “thick tea” that is drunk during special tea ceremonies.
Usucha matcha is typically prepared with 2 grams of powder and 70ml of water, while thick tea is made with double the amount of powder and half the amount of water.
Pronunciation
How do you pronounce usucha? When pronouncing Japanese words, you want to take the emphasis off the second syllable, so you barely pronounce the second “u”.
Then you can follow the usucha pronunciation guide: oo-SOO-chah.
To measure the proper 2 grams for your usucha recipe, consider using a traditional bamboo chashaku.
Benefits of Usucha Matcha
There are many benefits to the usucha style of matcha drinking. But the main one is massively decreasing your blood sugar spikes.
Matcha lattes are made by mixing matcha with milk and sugar, but usucha is simply made by mixing matcha with water.
Usucha Matcha vs Matcha Lattes
First, the health benefits of the matcha are really able to shine without the additional milk and sugar. The dairy in many matcha lattes can even bind to the antioxidants in matcha and make them less potent.
Also, it allows you to appreciate the nuanced flavor profile of a good-quality matcha. When you prepare a high-quality matcha in the usucha style, you are able to appreciate the subtle sweetness, umami and creaminess of the leaves themselves as they are not adulterated by the milk or sugar.
If you still enjoy experimenting with lattes, you can browse our favorite matcha latte recipes for creative variations.
Usucha’s Benefits at a Glance
When you drink usucha tea, you consume the entire tea leaf in powdered form. This means you receive a balanced combination of caffeine and L-theanine.
Usucha matcha green tea is rich in chlorophyll, antioxidants, and essential vitamins such as A, C, E, and K. Many people find that switching to usucha provides steady focus without the sharp peaks associated with coffee.
To create the signature micro-foam that defines proper usucha matcha, use a handcrafted bamboo matcha whisk designed specifically for traditional preparation.
Top 4 Best Matcha for Usucha
If you’re looking for the best matcha for usucha, quality is everything. Since usucha grade matcha is prepared only with water, there is nothing to mask bitterness or poor processing.
If you want a full step-by-step visual tutorial beyond this usucha recipe, read our complete guide on how to make matcha properly.
The best matcha for usucha should be vibrant green, finely ground, and naturally smooth. Usucha grade matcha is designed specifically for thinner preparation, offering balance without overwhelming intensity.
After years of tasting matcha across Japan, we’ve found that good matcha usucha should feel light, expressive, and clean. It should deliver sweetness, gentle umami, and a smooth finish that works beautifully in a traditional matcha usucha recipe.
When choosing matcha for usucha tea, avoid culinary grade powders and instead select ceremonial or usucha grade matcha for the best results.
For the most authentic experience, choose from our ceremonial matcha collection, ideal for preparing usucha.
