You have probably seen this vibrant, bright green tea all over social media and coffee shop windows, but do you know what it is or its benefits?
Matcha is a finely ground powder from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Unlike traditional green tea, where the leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf, providing a more concentrated source of antioxidants and nutrients. Matcha has been a staple in Japanese culture for centuries and is trending worldwide. Matcha is more than just a trendy superfood; it is a game-changer for your health and wellness routine.
How is Matcha Made?
From leaf to cup: This leaf undergoes many processes to become the vibrant powder we all know and love.
Shading: Tea plants are shaded from direct sunlight for about 20-30 days before harvest. This increases chlorophyll levels, giving matcha its signature bright green colour and boosting amino acids.
Harvesting: Only the youngest and most tender leaves are handpicked for the finest quality.
Steaming: The leaves are quickly steamed to stop fermentation, preserving their vibrant colour and nutrients. First, young tea leaves are handpicked to maintain quality. The freshly harvested leaves are steamed to prevent oxidation, preserving their vibrant green colour, flavour and nutritional content.
Drying: After steaming, the leaves are rapidly cooled to stop the cooking process. They are then spread out and dried using warm air to reduce moisture content. After drying, the leaves are stripped of stems and veins, leaving only the tender leaf parts.
Grinding: Finally, the dried leaves are ground into fine powder using stone mills, resulting in the bright green matcha powder known for its distinct flavour and health benefits.
(The images shown to illustrate the matcha-making process were created using AI)
The Incredible Health Benefits of Matcha
Here are some fantastic health perks of incorporating matcha into your diet:
Packed With Antioxidants: Matcha is loaded with catechins, especially EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which help fight free radicals and reduce cell damage. This means it’s great for reducing the risk of chronic diseases and keeping your skin looking youthful.
Metabolism booster: Want to kickstart your metabolism? The catechins in matcha can enhance your body’s ability to burn calories, making it a perfect companion for weight management.
Nerve Calmer: Feeling stressed? Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and calmness while improving focus and concentration. No wonder monks used it during meditation!
Natural Detoxifier: Matcha’s chlorophyll acts as a natural detoxifier, helping to cleanse the body of toxins and heavy metals.
Immune strength: Matcha contains vitamins A, C, and E, plus minerals like potassium, calcium, and iron. It gives your immune system a hearty boost, and the antioxidants help keep illnesses at bay.
Cardiovascular strength: Regular matcha consumption can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and reduce blood pressure, helping to keep your heart in tip-top shape.
Sharpens Cognitive function: A cup of matcha contains approximately 70mg of caffeine compared to 100-140mg in a cup of coffee. Matcha’s dynamic duo of caffeine and L-theanine can enhance cognitive performance, improving memory, attention, and reaction time. Plus, you get alertness without the coffee crash.
Fun and Delicious Ways to Enjoy Matcha
Here at The Earthy, we have a range of matcha products, allowing you to choose from our Ready to Eat Matcha Latte Overnight Oats, Matcha and Macadamia Overnight Oat Dried Mix, Matcha Powder, and our new Matcha Spread.
Here are some creative ways to enjoy matcha:
- Matcha Tea: Whisk matcha powder with hot water until frothy for a traditional and refreshing drink.
- Smoothies: Add a teaspoon of matcha to your favourite smoothie for an extra nutrient boost.
- Baking: Infuse your cookies, cakes, and muffins with matcha for a unique flavour and added health benefits.
- Lattes: Mix matcha with milk (dairy or plant-based) and a touch of sweetener for a delicious matcha latte.
- Oatmeal and Yogurt: Sprinkle matcha powder over your morning oatmeal or stir it into yoghurt for a nutritious start.
Get ready to elevate your health and wellness routine with Matcha. This earthy and spirited green powder benefits your body and mind. So go ahead and give it a try today.
Feel free to share your matcha experiences and recipes in the comments below!