What is Matcha?
Matcha is a stronger form of Green Tea. It’s has a vibrant green color and it comes in powder form. Matcha comes from the “tea plant” Camellia Sinensis. Every April this tea plant produces new shoots from the tips of the plant and the process of making this amazing green tea begins. The plants are shaded (20%) from the sun for 3 weeks – to make the plant more potent.
Nutritional Facts
Matcha is a great source of vitamin A, C, E, K, vitamin B-complex, as well as trace minerals.
Strong Green Tea Process
Matcha is prepared using an extensive traditional Japanese 3 step process of Harvesting, Drying and Grounding.
The traditional process of creating Matcha helps to increase the levels of L-Theanine, an amino acid that gives Matcha it’s full body flavor. L-Theanine is also believed to contribute to the calming effects of this green tea.
- Harvesting – The youngest tea leaves are taken from the plants after 3 weeks of reduced sun light to stop the fermentation process from starting and to preserve the beautiful rich green color.It’s Japanese custom that the plants are steamed for 20 seconds within the first 24 hours of being plucked.
- Drying is the next step, the leaves are placed in drying chambers that allows air to constantly circulate.
- Grounding – The stems and veins are separated from the leaves, leaving the ‘Tencha’ leaves which is stone ground into a fine powder. This grinding process allows for the whole leaf to be consumed.
7 Benefits of Matcha Powder
1. Boosts your immune system – Matcha contains various antioxidants:
- Polyphenols
- (EGCG) – epigallocatechin gallate
- Catechins
- Chlorophyll
- L-theanine
These antioxidants collectively help boosts the bodies immune system.
2. Controls Type-2 Diabetes – has a preventative effect on hepatic and renal glucose in diabetics, due to the suppression of advanced glycation end products (AGEs)
3. Lowers Total Cholesterol Levels – the suppression of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are also responsible for lowering total cholesterol as well as LDL Cholesterol
4. Increases Energy – contains slow releasing caffeine that can last 3-6 hours.
5. Encourages Relaxation – L-theanine is an amino acid that helps reduce stress levels and promotes a calm and relaxation.
6. Improves Mental Clarity – The L-theanine amino acid improves the production of alpha waves in the brain which help increase mental focus.
7. Prevents Cancer – Studies have shown that EGCG has chemotherapeutic properties, due to it being a free radical scavenger. In Clinical studies tea polyphenols have shown to inhibit the proliferation of tumors.
Matcha Preparation
Green Tea
Matcha is not steeped like regular green tea, due to it’s powder consistency. In order to prepare Matcha Green Tea you need to mix the green powder with hot water.
Food Preparation
The powder can be added to smoothies – for a healthy boost. It can also be added to ice cream, cake and many other sweet or savory recipes.
How much Caffeine is in Matcha?
This ‘Super Green Tea’ contains an ‘extended release’ caffeine
Matcha Taste and Consistency
Matcha is known for Its Umami flavor and has a full body creamy consistency which enhances the overall taste and mouth feel.
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