On May 2nd, National Matcha Day will celebrate the vibrant world of matcha, blending a traditional Japanese harvest custom with contemporary flair through a collaboration between Jade Leaf Matcha and Milk Bar.
This year marks the fifth annual celebration since Jade Leaf Matcha founded the holiday in 2021. The date aligns with Hachiju Hachiya, or the ’88th Night’, which is regarded as the optimal time to commence the spring tea harvest.
In a delightful twist, Milk Bar will offer two limited-edition menu items: a Strawberry Matcha Cookie and a Cereal Milk Matcha Latte. The cookie combines sweet strawberry flavors with earthy matcha and will be available for just eight weeks.
The Cereal Milk Matcha Latte features Jade Leaf’s premium matcha blended with Milk Bar’s iconic cereal milk. This innovative pairing showcases how matcha can be both traditional and modern.
Daniel Woldar from Milk Bar noted, “Matcha can feel intimidating to people who are new to it. Our goal has always been to make matcha more approachable and accessible.” His words reflect a growing trend as matcha’s popularity surges.
Indeed, matcha sales in the U.S. have skyrocketed by 86 percent over the past three years. This growth highlights not just an increase in consumption but also a shift in how people view caffeine alternatives.
The health benefits of matcha are well-documented, ranging from enhanced focus to antioxidant properties. As more consumers seek healthier lifestyle choices, these benefits resonate deeply.
Historically, matcha has been cherished since the 12th century, evolving from its roots in Japanese tea ceremonies to becoming a staple in cafes across America. Real matcha can only be produced in specific regions of Japan: Uji, Nishio, and Kyushu.
The partnership between Jade Leaf Matcha and Milk Bar not only celebrates this rich heritage but also invites new audiences to experience the joy of matcha through creative recipes.
