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Among the vast array of teas from all over the world, matcha is perhaps the most interesting. It is the only tea that comes as a powder rather than loose leaf or in bags. Not only is it celebrated culturally in China and Japan, it also packs a huge health punch. Here’s everything you need to know about matcha and how to use it in some delicious drinks and dishes.
Tea experts will tell you that there are just four types of tea: white, black, green, and oolong, and they all come from the Camellia sinensis plant. The differences in tea beyond these categories has to do with how they are processed.
Matcha is a type of green tea made using a unique process from leaf to cup. It also enjoys a special cultural significance in Japanese tea ceremonies.
The powdered tea dates back to the 10th century, when Zen Buddhists made drinking the beverage a part of their meditative ritual. They found that the tea brought them a sense of clarity, focus, and energy, and a feeling of well-being. Although the tea originates in China, Japan popularized the matcha tea ceremony. People still drink matcha today for those same reasons.
Matcha is made from leaves from shade-grown tea plants that are covered to prevent exposure to direct sunlight several weeks before harvest to slow their growth. This stimulates an increase in chlorophyll levels, making the leaves a deep, dark green. Only the finest tea buds are handpicked and laid flat to dry. The stems and veins are removed and the leaves are then ground to form the bright green powder. The highest grades of matcha are sweet and deep in flavor.
The traditional preparation involves dissolving the powdery matcha in hot water with a small bamboo whisk until frothy. The tea can be bitter, so Japanese tea ceremonies usually include a small sweet to be eaten before drinking the tea. The ceremony in itself is very meditative to watch.
Matcha has the amazing ability to stimulate and calm at the same time.
It’s packed with antioxidants – more than any other source (such as raw fruit and green veggies). Antioxidants help to neutralize “free radicals,” but what does that mean? Free radicals are essentially the reactive elements of the air we breathe that can break down proteins, molecules, and even our genes. We need the right balance of antioxidants to prevent too much of this breakdown. That’s why matcha is so good for combating all sorts of damage to our bodies. It boosts healthy skin, supports a stronger immune system, increases metabolism, and helps fight off a whole host of degenerative diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and even dementia. And the effects aren’t small. Matcha contains over 100 times more epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) – one of the most beneficial antioxidants for fighting cancer – than others teas.
So how does matcha create that feeling of being awake but calm? That’s L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes the production of alpha waves in the brain, which lead to relaxation without drowsiness. L-theanine also plays a key role in the production of dopamine and serotonin, which enhance mood, improve memory, and boost concentration.
If all that isn’t enough, matcha also produces a longer, more sustained level of energy than other stimulants like coffee and energy drinks. Because of all the other complex nutrients in matcha, the caffeine forms molecular bonds that result in a slow release of the caffeine, so you won’t experience the same spike and crash or jitters that you can get with coffee.
Matcha is incredibly versatile as an addition to drinks and dishes. It works just as well as a tea as it does in smoothies, meals, and even desserts. Here are some delicious and nutritious recipes to try.
Recipe by Jessica Gavin
Ingredients:
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend for 90 seconds or until smooth and creamy.
Pro Tip: You can add more matcha to taste (up to 6 teaspoons recommended), and add vanilla extract for a little extra sweetness.
Health benefits: This recipe is very high in vitamins A and C, potassium, and dietary fiber.
Recipe by Kellie Anderson
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Recipe by Oh, How Civilized
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Matcha, long cherished in Japan, is becoming increasingly popular in the West. With an assortment of health benefits and a more sustainable slow release of caffeine, it is quickly becoming the health and energy booster of choice over products such as coffee and energy drinks. Though it can be pricey, you only need a teaspoon or two per serving, so it’s worth it!
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