Matcha Info

Matcha : Green tea stone ground into powder used in Japanese tea ceremony

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Scoop desired amount of Matcha into bowl

Traditionally 1 and 1/2 chasuku scoops.

2. Pour splash of water on Matcha

Use enough to water to thoroughly mix the Matcha. Lower temperature helps reduce bitterness.

3. Whisk in “M” pattern until frothy to activate

Shake your wrist in a zig zag pattern for 15 seconds and try not to scratch the chawan bowl.

4. Pour mixture into cup, add water to make tea.

Adding hot water makes traditional Matcha. For ice tea: use cold water.

What is Matcha?

Farmers cultivate tea in a certain way to produce the green tea used in Matcha. First, designated areas are assigned within the crop with suitable environmental conditions for growing Matcha. Tea farmers then use precise schedules specifying when Matcha leaves are harvested; this practice ensures the tea is at the growth stage containing the best flavor and most accumulation of plant nutrients. Once harvested, Matcha leaves are de-veined and steamed, a step which protects the leaf and flavor before Matcha is ground into powder.

Interesting Fact: Another aspect that makes Matcha different from regular green tea is that Matcha is grown in the shade. In order to achieve this, bamboo mats are placed over the Matcha crop to block the sun’s rays. A shielding process which improves the flavor of the tea, as well as preserving the plant compounds from oxidizing and losing their nutritive value.

What is Important About Matcha?

Matcha is a natural adaptogenic source of amino acids and antioxidants, filled with trace minerals and green tea caffeine.

• The calm focus that is associated with Matcha is due to the synergistic quality of L-theanine and caffeine; both are produced naturally in green tea and reduce the negative aspects of caffeine consumption.

• Matcha is rich in catechins: a plant-based antioxidant with anti-inflammation properties found in fruit, cacao, tea and coffee.

• Matcha is a terrific way to receive the health benefits of green tea without having to drink as many cups.

Induces calm state of mind, with increased focus and enhanced metabolism

• Contains antioxidants: zinc, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, EGCG, and more.

• Trace minerals: manganese, selenium, potassium, copper, magnesium, chromium, and more.

• Essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, K, E, and B-complex vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6.

Interesting Fact: Matcha contains EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) at over 100 times the level found in conventional green tea. (Clinical studies have shown the antioxidant EGCG has cancer preventive effects within the body)

Why Does Matcha Have Health Benefits?

Matcha contains antioxidants found in tea called catechins. This type of antioxidant is a potent free radical scavenger and is known to reduce inflammation.

• Taken regularly, Matcha helps lower blood glucose, improve weight loss and support a healthy brain.

Matcha contains amino acids like L-Theanine and Isoleucine:

• L-theanine: Induces a calm, focused state

• L-isoleucine: Lowers glucose, helps with cell damage and circulation

The caffeine in Matcha synergizes with L-Theanine to product a calm, focused attention that lasts hours and wears off without a crash.

Is Matcha More Potent than Green Tea?

Matcha contains a higher content of antioxidants than loose leaf tea. There are several reasons for this, foremost how it is ingested––instead of tea soaking in water, where the majority of the tea is removed, with matcha the green tea is made into powder that is dissolved directly into water, a process which results in an increased nutrient uptake. In addition, matcha leaves are shade-grown, which means they never reach full sun exposure, resulting in less oxidation that occurs under the sun. Farmers do this to ensure the highest level of plant nutrients remain in the leaves; which are then harvested before maturity, another step taken to insure the most robust plant-based vitamins.

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This quote from the US National Health Institute’s database illustrates the amount of antioxidants in Matcha green tea and its potential demonstrated at the celluar level within the human body.

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“EGCG, which accounts for almost 50% of the total catechins content of green tea extracts, makes up to 30% of the dry weight of green tea leaves [40], and has the strongest chemopreventive potential containing anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, and anti-carcinogenic effects among the green tea catechins which contain EC, EGC, and EGCG”  — Source Direct Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6155401/

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To summize, Matcha has green tea’s health benefits in a more potent and concentrated form. 

Drinking matcha is a great way to fight inflammation, improve weight loss, and stabilize mood.

Matcha also contains more caffeine than conventional green tea.

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Matcha History

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The practice of reducing steamed and pan-fired Camellia sinensis leaves into powder started in the 12th century as a ritual among Zen Buddhists. Legend has it when matcha spread into Japan, the tea caught the eye of the shogun who upon seeing its effects made samurai take matcha before training.