What is Matcha?
Matcha is the a Japanese green tea powder made from stone-ground, shaded green tea leaves and it is one of the most powerful super foods you can add to your healthy lifestyle. The preparation of matcha starts several weeks before harvest and may last up to 20 days, when the tea bushes are covered to prevent direct sunlight. This slows down growth, stimulates an increase in chlorophyll levels, turns the leaves a darker shade of green, and causes the production of amino acids, in particular theanine. Only the finest tea buds are hand-picked.
While green tea leaves usually come in the form of a tea bag, matcha is the fine powder form. It has a vibrant green color but can come in variants of green to a greenish yellow, depending on the grade. There are three main grades of matcha: ceremonial, premium and culinary. In general, matcha is more expensive compared to other forms of tea, although its price depends on its quality. Grades of matcha are defined by many factors such as location, grinding method and so on.
What Does Matcha Taste Like?
It’s packed with “umami” (a Japanese term for elegant taste, savory deliciousness and also the fifth scientific taste, along with sweet, sour, salty and bitter). It has an initial vegetal/earthy taste, due to its high chlorophyll and amino acid profile, followed by mellow sweetness that lingers in the mouth.
Does Matcha Have Caffeine?
Yes, matcha has about 30g to 35g of caffeine per serving. Matcha also contains L-Theanine which promotes relaxation and can enhance concentration and mood. Matcha drinkers experience none of the usual side-effects of stimulants such as nervousness and hypertension. It’s good, clean energy!
How Do I Use Matcha?
The traditional way to enjoy matcha is to add 1 tsp to a small bowl, add some hot water and vigorously whisk until it is smooth and frothy. Matcha can be made into an enjoyable latte by mixing it with your favorite hot milk or just adding it to your smoothies, juices, into your baked goods, puddings, ice-creams and so much more!
Matcha Health Benefits
Matcha is packed with antioxidants, chlorophyll, EGCG, fibre & minerals. A cup of matcha can have up to 10 x more nutritional value than brewed green tea.
Other Health Benefits:
- Enhance Focus & Brain Function
- Antioxidant powerhouse
- Boost Metabolism, Burn Calories & Suppress Appetite
- Enhances immune system
- Improves cholesterol
- Healthy Coffee substitute – 4-6 Hours of jitter-free energy
- Improves Skin Elasticity & Promotes Radiant Skin
- Natural Detox
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