Matcha tea, the authentic Japanese tea!
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a powdered form of green tea. For centuries, matcha has been enjoyed in Japan. First by the nobles and later it became a drink that the whole population regularly consumed as an elixir for their health, but also as part of meditation! In more recent years, matcha has seen an explosion in popularity around the world, with many drinking it for its health benefits.
How is Matcha made?
Matcha is made from specially grown tea leaves. The plant used for matcha is grown in the shade, which helps boost the production of chlorophyll, which is what gives matcha its bright green color.
When ready, the leaves are collected before being steamed and dried. They will then be ground into a fine powder. The word comes from matsu 'to rub' + cha 'tea', from the Chinese (dialect) chá meaning tea.
Benefits of Matcha
Matcha tea is packed with nutrients, with vitamins C, A, B1-6, E and K present in the drink, along with over 30 trace elements including calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and sodium! This is in addition to the caffeine and polyphenols in tea. One cup of Matcha tea is more nutritious than over 30 cups of regular tea!
Matcha is believed to have many health benefits, including:
- Promoting weight loss.
- Lowering cholesterol.
- Reduction of signs of aging.
- Enhancement of metabolism.
- Provision of nutrients.
- Helps the digestive system.
- Full of antioxidants
Caffeine
Matcha is high in caffeine but doesn't have as many negative side effects as coffee, making it a great way to boost energy and productivity. Matcha offers about three times more caffeine than a regular cup of tea. This variation of tea is more natural, eliminating the risk of getting overexcited or having a headache like coffee sometimes does, instead presenting a more relaxed, but alert, state.
How to make it
First, sift it into a small bowl or mug. Then pour in a small amount of hot water (not boiling) and whisk vigorously from side to side with a wire or bamboo whisk – either straight back and forth or in a zigzag pattern – to disperse the powder evenly in the water and create a foamy layer on top. Finally, top with more hot water or milk for a matcha latte. You can also use almond milk, coconut milk or homemade oat milk. Beat again until frothy, sweeten with vanilla, caramel or honey and enjoy!