What is 'Oolong Matcha'? Is it real matcha?

What is Oolong Matcha?

Oolong Matcha is an innovative tea beverage or product that combines elements of oolong tea and matcha. Specifically:

Oolong Component: Oolong tea is a semi-oxidized tea (oxidation level between green and black tea), originating from China. It features floral/fruity notes and a mellow taste.
Matcha Component: Matcha is a traditional Japanese powdered green tea made from specific cultivars (e.g., tencha). It undergoes shade-grown cultivation, steam-fixing, drying, and stone-grinding into a fine powder rich in chlorophyll and amino acids.
Form of Oolong Matcha: Typically refers to powdered oolong tea or blended beverages (e.g., milk tea, lattes) mixing oolong tea with matcha powder. It retains oolong’s distinct flavor while incorporating matcha’s rich taste and vibrant green color, commonly found in modern tea shops or instant tea products.

Oolong Matcha is not authentic matcha, for the following reasons:

Definition of Authentic Matcha: Pure matcha must meet strict criteria:
- Ingredients: Only specific green tea cultivars (e.g., tencha) grown under shade to boost chlorophyll and umami.
- Process: Includes steam-fixing, de-stemming/de-veining, and stone-grinding into ultrafine powder (particle size usually <10 microns).
- Characteristics: Distinct umami, rich flavor, and bright green color, traditionally used in tea ceremonies.
Differences in Oolong Matcha:
- It incorporates oolong tea (oxidized tea), altering matcha’s original ingredients and flavor profile.
- Production-wise, oolong powder may lack matcha’s meticulous grinding or shade-growing processes.
- Thus, it is considered a blended tea or derivative product rather than pure matcha, better suited as a flavored innovation.