Matcha tea is rapidly becoming a cult drink. Artisan coffee, Earl Grey, and generic green tea are all very popular in certain circles, but if you want to cause a stir at your next dinner party, offer your guests some Matcha tea.
So what is Matcha tea and what do you need to know about it?
Matcha is the preferred beverage of the rich and famous. Models drink Matcha shots at catwalk shows and health-conscious celebs such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Victoria Beckham buy jars of the stuff.
Matcha tea originates from Japan and for centuries, Matcha has been used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. The best Matcha tea comes from a very specific shade of green tea known as Tencha tea. It is well known for its health and wellness benefits, so if you are looking for a nutrient-rich beverage, Matcha tea is a good choice.
1. Match Tea Contains Caffeine
Unlike regular green tea, Matcha tea contains as much caffeine as a cup of brewed coffee. However, whereas drinking strong coffee will give you a serious buzz, a cup of Matcha tea promotes a sense of calm alertness. This is because Matcha tea contains a natural substance called I-theanine, which promotes relaxation. So if you need to chill, ditch the coffee and drink Matcha tea instead.
2. Matcha Offers Health Benefits
We all know green tea is good for us, but are you aware of how many health benefits you get from drinking Matcha tea? Matcha tea is made from whole leaves, so it contains much higher levels of nutrients. Matcha is an excellent source of antioxidants and some studies have found that Matcha can slow the growth of cancer cells.
3. It takes Ages to Make Matcha Tea
Grinding Matcha tea is a labor-intensive process. Traditional Matcha tea is ground using stone mills and it can take up to an hour to grind up to 40g of tea. Unfortunately, traditional tea grinding methods are the only way to make Matcha, as food processors and spice grinders would produce a different flavor of tea – and you probably would not like it half as much.
4. Lower Grade Matcha Tea May Be Contaminated
Tea plants in certain areas are exposed to pollution and may contain high levels of lead, so always buy the best grade of Matcha you can afford. High-quality Matcha tea products are more likely to be cultivated in rural areas free from contaminants.
5. Matcha Tea Powder is Very Versatile
Traditionally speaking, Matcha tea is prepared with a tea bowl and a bamboo broom, but you can use Matcha powder in your baking, for smoothies, and in lattes. (Although you lose many of the health benefits if you add it to cookie dough!) If you do decide to bake with Matcha powder, buy a cheaper product.
Part of the enjoyment of drinking Matcha tea comes from preparing it the traditional way, so have a Japanese tea making ceremony and enjoy your Matcha.