Matcha
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves. The tea plants are...
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves. The tea plants are covered for about 20-30 days before harvesting, which increases chlorophyll production and gives matcha its vibrant green color. After harvesting, the leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder.
Origin: Japan Plant: Camellia sinensis
Processing: Shade-grown, steamed, dried, and ground into powder
Grades:
- Ceremonial Grade: Highest quality, used in traditional tea ceremonies
- Premium Grade: High-quality, suitable for daily consumption
- Culinary Grade: Used for cooking and baking
Flavor Profile: Matcha has a rich, umami flavor with a slight sweetness and a pleasant bitterness. It has a full-bodied texture and can have grassy or seaweed-like notes.
Health Benefits: Matcha is unique because the whole leaf is consumed, resulting in a higher concentration of nutrients compared to steeped green tea:
- Extremely high in antioxidants, particularly catechins
- May enhance calm alertness due to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine
- Potential to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss
- May help protect liver health and improve heart health
Preparation: Traditional preparation involves whisking the powder with hot (not boiling) water using a bamboo whisk until frothy. For regular consumption, use about 1 teaspoon of matcha powder per cup of water at 175°F (80°C). Matcha is also popularly used in lattes, smoothies, and various culinary applications.
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