Matcha is the name given to green tea leaves which have been carefully grown and stone-ground in order to create a nutrient-rich, vibrant green powder. Unlike green tea, the whole leaves are used in the matcha preparation process, which means that you receive all of the many health compounds that the plant offers. This results in a high-quality superfood that contains over 130 times more antioxidants than green tea, along with some other pretty impressive benefits that are listed below.
A Brief History of Matcha
The first use of matcha dates way back to the Tang Dynasty in China where it was made into tea bricks and often used in tea ceremonies. There are ancient texts that show matcha was also used (and still is) by Japanese Zen monks in order to aid their meditation process. Science now reveals that its the L-theanine in matcha that helps to stimulate alpha brain waves, improve focus and concentration to produce a feeling of calm, clear alertness. Nowadays, matcha consumption is increasing dramatically as many people around the world discover its health benefits and delicious taste.
Matcha Nutritional Info
Matcha’s benefits are plentiful: this emerald powder gets its vibrant colour from its high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll plays an important role in helping to detoxify the body, build blood, and support skin and hair health. Plus it’s also rich in fibre, minerals and vitamins A, B-complex, C, E and K, all which help to nourish the body.
Matcha naturally contains caffeine too, but the L-theanine works with caffeine to give a pick-me-up buzz with without those typical caffeine jitters that can sometimes be experienced after drinking a cup of coffee. Matcha contains over 10 times the amount of L-theanine than green tea, as well as more tannins, micronutrients, and vitamins too.
Matcha Tea Vs Green Tea
Matcha is made from green tea leaves, yet it has a unique growing and preparation procedure that set it apart from green tea. Around three weeks prior to harvesting, green tea leaves for matcha are shaded from the sun to increase their chlorophyll and caffeine production. This helps to create a more nutritious and delicious powder. On top of this, the dried leaves are slowly stone-ground using granite stones to create a very fine powder that is ready to use. There are a number of additional benefits and differences between green tea and matcha, you can find out more in our Matcha Vs Green Tea article here.
Matcha Benefits
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Antioxidant-Rich: Contains over ten times more antioxidants than green tea
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Nutrient-Dense: Loaded with fibre, antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
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Delicious: A moorishly good taste which makes it one of the most popular drinks around
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Energising: Contains caffeine and feel-good compound L-theanine for a wake-up call without the jitters
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Heart Health: Catechins in green tea help to lower LDL cholesterol
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Anti-Ageing: Helps to fight free radical damage and reduce the signs of aging
What Does Matcha Taste Like?
It’s rather difficult to explain the taste of matcha to someone who has never tried it before. But high-quality matcha has a smooth, velvety texture with a rich, distinct flavour profile that has hints of natural sweetness. The chlorophyll and high amino acid content help to give it a slight vegetal taste, while the L-theanine gives it a umami taste. Umami is the term given to something which has a ‘fifth’ flavour (others are sweet, salty, bitter and sour).
How to Choose the Best Matcha
Choosing the best matcha is an art in itself. Matcha is graded depending on a variety of factors including where it is grown and how it is cultivated. Common grades include kitchen-grade and culinary-grade matcha, but for the best quality, and taste, choose a ceremonial matcha. Ceremonial-grade matcha has gone through a very strict process which results in a nutrient-dense and delicious matcha that is vibrant green in colour. You will also want to make sure that the matcha is pure and carefully packaged to protect its many health compounds during storage.
Our ceremonial-grade matcha is sustainably sourced from the Uji Province in Japan which is famous for growing some of the highest quality green tea leaves in the world. It’s vegan-friendly, organic and contains no added fillers or preservatives. We also package our matcha into eco-friendly Miron Glass jars. Miron glass is able to block out the harmful effects of UV light, which means that you receive the freshest matcha around.
How to Prepare Matcha
Traditionally, matcha is carefully prepared by adding 1/2 a teaspoon of the powder to a bowl (called a chawan), and then slowly pouring in warm but not boiling water. The matcha is then whisked with a Japanese utensil called a chasen, which looks like a wooden whisk. The chasen helps to add some froth to the matcha and ensure that the powder is fully dissolved before drinking. Following the traditional method of preparation can be a very calming process in itself, and it can be worth investing in a matcha set to make matcha tea at home the traditional way.
However, you do not need to have a chasen in order to make matcha tea. Instead, you can choose to use a simple fork or whisk in order to whisk up your matcha. Another option is to pop your warm water and matcha powder into a blender such as a Nutribullet or Vitamix, and then whizz it up to create a smoothy, frothy and ultra-delicious matcha drink.
Matcha Dose and Side Effects
We recommend starting your matcha does small at around 1/4 of a teaspoon. If you want a deeper, richer flavour for your matcha tea, then try adding up to 1/2 a teaspoon to the water. Matcha can be enjoyed any time of day, but it’s a particularly wonderful for a morning pick-me-up or for drinking before a yoga class or a workout.
How to Use Matcha
Matcha is fast becoming one of the most-loved beverages around. You can use it to create warming teas or ice cold matcha lattes, and you can add it into your favourite smoothies. It can also be used to create matcha ice cream, matcha cakes, energy balls, sauces, icing, dips, chocolates and more. A little goes a really long way with matcha, so you’ll only need to add a small amount in order to receive the matcha taste and benefits of this mighty powder.
When it comes to traditional matcha tea, it is best enjoyed alone and without any from of sweetner, as the matcha has a wonderful and delicate sweet aftertaste. If you are popping some into energy balls or even a smoothie then you can experiment with adding extra superfoods, such as medicinal mushrooms like tremella or tonic herbs.
Matcha Recipes
Iced Vegan Matcha Latte
You really can't go wrong with an ice vegan matcha latte. They are perfect for those warmer summer months, or for when you feel like a cool drink to pick you up. Simply place your desired amount of matcha into a beautiful cup, add in some hot but not boiling water whisk up with your chasen or blender until bubbles start to form and it is nice and frothy. Then mix in your favourite type of nut mylk (cashew, almond and coconut mylk all work particularly well).
If you want to instantly transform your matcha drink into an iced latte, then just add in a decent amount of ice to the cup. If you have a little extra time, then pop your matcha in the fridge and allow it to cool this way. You can even prepare a large jug and keep it cool in the fridge so you can sip on it throughout the day.
Matcha Energy Balls
Raw, vegan and sugar free, these energy balls are a super healthy and simple-to-make snack that provide a pick-me up when you need a little extra something to help wake you up or get your through the day. The dates help to satisfy a sweet tooth, the coconut adds a lovely taste and texture which blend well with the matcha, while the walnuts bring a whole host of brain-nourishing goodness and are rich in omega 3s.
Ingredients
- 2 cups walnuts
- 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 2 cups soft Medjool dates
- A sprinkling of sea salt
- 2 teaspoons of matcha
To make your energy balls, simply pop the walnuts and coconut into your food processor and blend until it is nice and crumbly. Then add in the remaining ingredients and blend until you get a sticky texture. If you find that your mixture is a little dry, you can add in a teaspoon of coconut oil to moisten it up and help the mixture to stick together better. Then roll the mixture into small balls, and pop them into the fridge to set for at least 30 minutes before eating (if you can wait that long). These energy balls store well, so just place them into an air-tight container in the fridge and they will keep for up to a week.
Matcha Overview
Matcha is a green miracle superfood. From its antioxidants and fiber to its wonderful pick-me-up qualities, this delicious powder should be a household staple in any home. You’ll probably find that your morning brown cup of coffee gets replaced with a much more nutritionally rewarding cup of matcha green tea. Its versatility also makes it an extra special ingredient for kitchen creatives who want to turn homemade dishes and sweet treats into something extra special. Enjoy!