Matcha is quickly becoming a fashion drink. But what is it about this green tea that makes it a much sought-after ingredient in the wellness sector. Is it an actual health boost that should be integrated into your daily regimen, or is it all just a fad?
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea. It is made by grinding young tea leaves into a bright green powder. This powder is then whisked with hot water.
The difference between matcha and regular green tea is that in green tea, the leaves are infused and then removed. With matcha, you are getting the whole leaf in powder form, along with all the nutritional benefits.
Matcha leaves are grown on green tea bushes that are kept under shade which increases the amount of chlorophyll content in the leaves. Chlorophyll renders the leaf bright green and full of nutrients. The leaves are then hand-picked by hand and the stems and veins are removed and ground by granite stones into a super fine powder. Traditionally, the grinding is done in the dark to protect the nutrients.
Louise Cheadle, co-author of The Book of Matcha says, "The finest matcha comes from Japan, where it has been grown for centuries and forms part of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony."
What are Matcha Tea Benefits?
Like all other green teas, matcha is a great source of antioxidants called catechins. This class of antioxidants is important for health as they may prevent some of the damage caused by free radicals by neutralising them.
Which is the Better Quality?
The best quality matcha is the bright green powder. Basically, the greener the powder, the greater the quality and the higher the nutrient content. The darker the matcha, the older the matcha. This means that its beneficial properties have weakened over time.
How Much Matcha?
One 1/2 teaspoon serving of matcha, no more than once daily, is undoubtedly a valuable addition to any diet. You can get your dose by drinking it as a tea, just how it was originally intended. This provides all the benefits without the added calories.
Originally published on Sep 05, 2018
