Stuart Williams
Matcha tea is a lightly ground natural powder produced from green tea leaves. It’s widely known for having therapeutic benefits and also fighting a lot of ailments. Occasionally, matcha is suggested as one of the major reasons behind the low cancer rates as well as long lifespan in Japan.
Matcha virtually signifies powdered green tea leaves. Nevertheless, the product which is labelled and also sold as ‘matcha’ is talking about the tea leaves which are grown in the shade known as tencha. Some other tea leaves, like sencha, are ground to produce a powder however this creates a different product, for example konacha.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Green tea leaves are utilized to make matcha and also by itself , green tea popular for possessing a lot of health benefits . It is believed to fight cancer, increase the metabolism, improve bone density, decrease the danger of gum disease, fight aging as well as boost immunity.
All these qualities are magnified in matcha, simply because the ground tea is taken fully. This varies from regular green tea in which the leaves are steeped and the healing/curing ingredients leech into the water as they are then taken or consumed in a diluted form.
Matcha possesses a few of the highest antioxidant ratios in almost any food, surpassing perhaps even blueberries and also pomegranates.
Quality of Matcha Tea
Matcha is not an inexpensive type of green tea. Popular matcha sells for around $20 a tin however higher grades could be 10 times as much.
The highest possible grades of matcha originate from the first flush of leaves at harvesting time. The total top grade of matcha derives from the top of the Camellia sinensis plant initially harvest whereas the lower leaves possess a lower grade.
The lowest grade originates from the last harvest on the lower part of the plant. Possibly later harvests possess superior leaves on the top when compared with the lower leave. Matcha which has been sun-dried fetches a higher selling price compared to commercially prepared matcha leaves which are dried in a drying chambe.
When purchasing matcha, it is advisable to choose a grade that meets the purpose . High-end matcha is perfect left to tea ceremonies and also special occasions, whereas lower-grade matcha will work fine in cookie recipes or even ice cream.
Preparation of Matcha Tea
Prepare normal matcha by first of all sifting the green tea powder. Make use of a fine sieve or even special matcha sifter to do this job. Sift the matcha into a dry up, warm bowl. Bring very soft, mineral water to a boil and then permit it to cool to a temperature of around 70 to 80 degrees Celsius.
Blend the tea with a bamboo whisk referred to as a chasen until it is really frothy. The ratio of drinking water to matcha differs, based on if you would like thick or thin matcha. You could add ice cubes to the matcha drink when you find yourself finished whisking it, if you would like a cold drink.
Tea Ceremony
The Japanese tea ceremony makes use of matcha tea to enhance harmony, trust and also purity between the participants. The mixture of warmth, bitterness and also sweetness encourages these points. The host makes the tea for the visitors from scratch, beginning with cleaning the bowls and also boiling the water.
Visitors normally sit quietly in a circle with each other or even around a low, Japanese table. Whenever the bowl of match is received, it is really proper decorum to bow to give thanks to the host. The tea bowl is taken with the correct that is right hand and also transmitted to the palm of the left hand, where it is changed clockwise 3 times. After that you can drink the tea. When you finished, slurp the matcha to prove how much you really enjoyed it.
Recipe Ideas
Matcha is quite often used as a beverage however Japanese people likewise use it in other recipes. It is actually mixed with tempura to produce a flavored variation of the deep-fried dish. Castella, a sponge cake, could have a green tea taste by including matcha. 2 dishes made out of azuki beans, manjū and also Monaka will also be found with matcha. Manjū, a meal which is similar to snow cones however with dairy added, is oftentimes found with matcha powder.
Right now, you’re well prepared to begin a new matcha tea regimen. Go purchase your first matcha and then prepare your first cup. Take a sip and delight in its health-giving benefits which could last a lifetime.
Some Myths About Matcha Green Tea Powder
Hailed as Green Gold throughout the world, matcha is a premium green tea powder that is incomparable to any other drink or additive ingredient in its cultural status and health benefits.
Known in Asia since as far back as the 8th century when it was discovered by Chinese Zen Buddhist monks, it has transcended to Japan, where it is grown exclusively and used in traditional Japanese tea ceremony, merging closely with Japan’s profound spiritual and cultural milieu and holding an important place even in these modern times.
From there, the word of matcha’s uniqueness slowly spread through the world’s market route capillaries to become a cherished, if somewhat mysterious delight around the globe. This somewhat late introduction to the Western World has also triggered many misconceptions about matcha’s production and usage, as well as the healing and other beneficial powers of its consumption.
As expert in matcha, I would like to dispel those myths in order to introduce this magnificent superfood in all its deserved glory.
Okay, but why is it considered healthier than regular loose leaf green tea?
Matcha’s creamy texture is derived from stoneground green tea leaves that contain high levels of healthy properties such as antioxidants, minerals and amino acids, making it a potent cancer fighter and fat burner.
Despite being nearly calorie free, matcha provides you with an energy boost that lasts throughout the day, unlike swiftly waning sugar or caffeine highs. The secret behind such a wonderful effect lies in the combination of its natural compounds that don’t induce higher blood pressure or heart rate, making it a perfect choice for those with pre-existent heart issues.
In fact, matcha is a safe and welcoming alternative to all pharmaceutical solutions ridden with dangerous or nuisance side effects.
Every time you drink matcha, you treat your body with a daily dose of detox, while regular consumption enhances your body’s immune system and helps to eliminate heavy metals and chemicals, providing the long-term basis of a healthy organism.
Matcha is rich in L-Theanine, a rare amino acid that actually promotes a state of relaxation and well-being by acting upon the functioning of the brain. Contrary to stress which usually generates beta waves (an excited, more agitated state), L-Theanine creates alpha waves, which lead to a state of relaxed alertness and increase the ability to sharply concentrate on the demanding tasks of everyday life.
While L-Theanine is common in all tea, matcha may contain up to five times more of this amino acid than common black and green teas. Recent comparative scientific studies even show that matcha contains 137 times the amount of EGCG, which is the strongest antioxidant found in green tea and believed to have therapeutic applications in the treatment of many illnesses and disorders, including cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Matcha Is Just A Japanese Name For Green Tea, Right?
Not quite. While “matcha” literally translates to “ground tea”, the health benefits of matcha tea greatly exceed those of regular green tea. When we drink matcha we ingest the whole leaf, not just its remnants or water-soluble fibres in brewed water, providing our body with hefty amounts of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins usually found in common green tea in substantially lower amounts. In terms of nutritional value and antioxidant levels, one cup of matcha would therefore equal more than 8 cups of green tea.
This potency comes from special cultivation which starts long before the tea buds are hand-picked for further treatment. A few weeks before the harvesting of tea leaves, the tea bushes are covered with bamboo shading or black vinyl tarpaulins that protect them from exposure to direct sunlight.
This slows down their growth process and allows the leaves to preserve large quantities of chlorophyll, which results in a typical tea colour of intensely bright green, as well as stimulates the production of amino acids like L-Theanine. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed and air dried. Next, the leaves are sorted for grade depending on the location on the tea bush where they were picked from, and then manually destemmed and deveined.
At this stage, only about 10% of the harvest remains and is known as tencha, the precursor to matcha. The tencha is then shipped to specially designed mills and ground with granite stone into a fine powder with particles the size of no more than 5 to 10 microns, and it is only at this final stage of the process that we can call it matcha.
The production of matcha is an extremely strenuous process, practiced to perfection by traditional Japanese farmers who are well known for their obsessive dedication and hard-working qualities.
I’ve been told it tastes…too healthy.
Matcha is much more robust than regular green tea and the difference in the mouthfeel is clearly noticeable. Contrary to popular belief, there should be no bitterness at all, as premium-quality matcha flavour is dictated by smoothness and umami, the signature fifth taste of Japanese cuisine.
But once the initial savoury flavour caused by chlorophyll and amino acids sets in, it is followed by a lingering sweetness, which is both blissful and mind-alerting. Depending on the how to prepare matcha, matcha can be a powerful and outworldly experience, compared to one’s first bite of dark chocolate, but it can also show its subtle side when used as a condiment.
The choice of different variations and methods is up to each consumer. You can take your time and follow the four basic principles of the Japanese tea ceremony or just pour a small amount of hot water over a gram or two of the powder, and matcha whisk with a bamboo brush or even the electric one – matcha won’t lose any of its charm.
Besides spoiling us with an unforgettable tea-drinking experience, matcha offers a vast array of other uses, so be sure to check out our matcha recipes for further gourmet exploration.
Sounds like a truly magical powder! Anything else?
Yes, drinking matcha green tea has been shown to speed up your metabolism and help your body burn fat a lot faster without adverse effects, making it a great companion to all kinds of workout regimes, fitness programs and weight-loss plans.
So what are you waiting for? Discover the wonderful taste of matcha today.
5 Things You Should Know About Matcha Tea
1. Matcha Green Tea: Exceeding All Health Expectations
Cultivated in only the most exclusive districts of Japan, Matcha is a type of green tea in powdered form which means it provides all the health benefits already associated with normal green tea, but only in a higher concentration because the entire leaf is ingested and not only tea-brewed water.
2. The difference between Matcha and general green tea
Before being harvested, the leaves from which Matcha is manufactured are shaded for a period of three weeks. This process decreases light intensity and increases the natural chlorophyll levels, effectively enhancing its nutritional value.
When harvested, fermentation of the leaves is prevented by means of steaming, and once the leaves are sufficiently dried out, skilled tea-makers ground it into its intense green powder form. It holds more antioxidants than that compared to green tea in general, but this may be attributed to the fact that the tea in its ordinary form is only a water-based brew.
It is not caffeine free, although only a very small percentage of approximately 30mg per portion present.
3. General health benefits of Matcha
The presence of the amino acid l-theanine bears health benefits in its own. This amino acid has been studied over the years, and researchers have concluded that l-theanine is beneficial to both psychological and physiological stress related elements.
It has been proven that the biochemical structure of l-theanine is similar to that of glutamic acid, an energy-aiding amino acid. When it is consumed, it has a relaxing effect on the bodies’ nervous system.
It is believed that Matcha assists in the enhancement of the human cognitive function, and while some may say it is because of the presence of caffeine, the presence of l-theanine appears to enhance this function more significantly.
Alpha waves present in the brain are mostly associated with our ability to stay alert, but as the day draws by our levels are greatly reduced. The presence of l-theanine in Matcha is believed to fight fatigue directly; therefore assisting you to stay alert when it is necessary.
4. Matcha as a calorie burner
Anyone who is following an existing weight loss program can add this tea to their regime as it is close to free of calories. It will effectively boost your metabolism, thus assisting you in burning more fats. When consumed, it does not place any added stress on your body. It will not raise your heart rate or blood pressure. It is therefore a drink that is free of any harmful side-effects.
5. Detox with Matcha green tea
This remarkable tea will cleanse your body of any harmful elements safely and effectively. Chlorophyll is a great element for detoxification of the body and will aid in the elimination of heavy metals and harmful chemicals from your system.
10 Reasons Why You Should Drink Tea Instead Of Coffee
Are you planning to make the change from coffee to tea however wondering whether that could be a feasible choice or not?
Here are ten reasons that will convince that you take that step confidently along with assurance:
1. Economical
Tea is a more economical choice than coffee. The reason is very simple. There are a number of teas which you can resteep numerous times, using the same leaves. This obviously produces a single cup of tea much cheaper than coffee.
2. Better breath
There really is no comparison here. Tea can be better on your teeth: it thwarts the bacteria that induce plaque, which makes it a powerful partner for everyday oral cleanliness. Coffee breath as well as enamel staining? This is a real no brainer.
3. Tea has good caffeine high
By “good” I mean that coffee’s caffeine high wreaks more damage to the body. It begins with a blast, and ends in an accident. Coffee result to spikes in adrenaline and also insulin levels, which often create nervousness, jitteriness, and at the very least for me, often crazy hunger pangs.
4. Better skin
Ever see the skin of hardcore coffee drinkers? Matcha helps solve acne, and contains been used for centuries by Japanese women being a facial mask. Matcha’s antibacterial properties help give skin a natural glow.
5. More antioxidants
Matcha tea is credibly filled with flavonoids, catechins, as well as polyphenols, especially the could epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has been linked to a lot of health benefits and contains therapeutic applications towards the treatment of countless disorders, including cancer.
6. Simple to prepare
Should you need to derive the tastiest flavor from coffee, you will need to grind the beans personally in your house prior to brewing that you need a grinder. Again, a espresso maker has to be used, especially one that has single-use filters. In opposite, no such preparation is needed for tea leaves. You also not one of them any expensive gizmo or even wasteful filter.
7. Environmental
You can use coffee filters just once after which you need to throw them away. However the same rule is not applicable for the other beverage. In fact, there’s much more involvement on the part of tea companies with fair-trade, as well as eco-friendly processes and projects.
Also, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds and lots of gaseous pollutants are emitted in to the atmosphere once the process of coffee-roasting comes about. Though some greenhouse gases can also be emitted within the tea baking process useful for completing the cycle of drying, it can be way below than that of coffee since the former takes considerably lesser serious amounts of temperature to process.
8. Cosmetic
Majority of teas do not cause any stain for a teeth. For example, if you have the best herbal tea, you’ll not need to be disturbed about your teeth getting stained or perhaps discolored. Certain varieties also contain natural fluorides and antioxidants that provide your teeth protection against cavities. Some other beverage could not claim that they can render this type of advantage.
9. Variety
Tea might be prepared and oxidized diversely because of which you’ll want to have a wide range of tastes. Such variety can’t be found in coffee through it too can be prepared from various kinds of beans.
10. Dietetic
You usually cannot have coffee in its raw form. You have to add cream, milk and sugar for which makes it palatable. However, one other drink is not that bitter or harsh to be able to enjoy it with no support of the additives.
All these reasons should prompt you to definitely opt for your healthier beverage of the two.
