Green tea ice cream

Green tea ice cream, also known as matcha ice cream, is a cherished dessert in Japan and other parts of East Asia. It made its way to the United States in the late 1970s, initially appearing in Japanese restaurants and markets. Today, it has become a more widely enjoyed treat.

The precise origins of green tea ice cream are unknown, but it has been a favorite in Japan for years. This delightful dessert is often made with fresh California milk and is naturally green due to the catechins in green tea, although sometimes it gets a boost from artificial coloring.

The popularity of green tea ice cream in Japan surged after the country relaxed import restrictions on ice cream in 1990, prompting several Japanese companies to begin production. Notably, Häagen-Dazs Japan launched its version in 1996, which quickly became one of their top flavors. According to the Japanese Ice Cream Association, green tea ice cream even ranked third in a survey of favorite ice cream flavors.

In the U.S., green tea ice cream has also been gaining a substantial following, particularly since Japanese cuisine and sushi began to flourish in the mid-1990s. Nowadays, it can be found in various locations, often paired with other Japanese sweets like Azuki (sweet red beans), Dango (rice dumplings), and Monaka (wafer cakes). Whether you are a long-time fan or new to the flavor, green tea ice cream offers a delectable way to enjoy a bit of Japanese culture.