The word "maccha" is a term used for both its powdered state and its product. Maccha is a strong, aromatic
green tea which is dried, ground and powdered from "tencha". "Tencha" is grown away from direct sunlight, exactly in the same manner as "
gyokuro", the most expensive
green tea, except that macha is neither steamed nor rolled.
Not only is it served at Japanese tea ceremonies, maccha is used as flavoring and coloring for various processed foods. Among others, maccha ice cream is extremely popular among the Japanese. You can also find lots of maccha snacks in Japanese grocery stores.