Everyone Loves Matcha, Here Is Why

Health gurus, celebrities, trendsetters- you name it, they are drinking matcha in some form. The images have been all over Instagram with its captivating bright green colour that just screams healthy. But do you know what matcha is? Or better yet, why it's good for you?

What Is Matcha?

How does it differ from traditional green tea? The primary difference with matcha compared to other green teas is that it is shade-grown. This process increases the amount of cell-food chlorophyll in it, which gives it its bright-green colour. Matcha is produced by grinding the green tea leaves into a powder leaving you with a concentrated version of green tea.

Health Benefits Of Matcha

• Packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg
• Boosts metabolism and burns calories
• Detoxifies effectively and naturally
• Calms the mind and relaxes the body
• Is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins
• Enhances mood and aids in concentration
• Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
• Prevents disease
• Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar

There are many matcha brands on the market and they differ for several factors.

Firstly, there is ceremonial-grade matcha which was traditionally intended for special tea ceremonies and served pure. The high quality of this matcha grading is not only seen in the colour by also by the taste.

Secondly, there is culinary-grade matcha, which has received a bad reputation as lower quality. Some companies have marketed their matcha as culinary-grade if they do not possess high-quality matcha to begin with. This grading is intended for matcha that would consumed in food, or mixed in beverages and not consumed on its own.

How To Prepare Matcha?

There are many ways to prepare this superwoman of green tea, from latte form to smoothies and in food. Then, there is the most traditional way, as described here:

• Bring water to a boil in a kettle, then let it sit for at least 5 minutes or until it is between the temperatures 165°F and 180°F. You don’t want to use boiling water to make matcha.
• Measure out ½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of matcha, and sift the tea with a fine-mesh strainer to get rid of any clumps. You can sift the matcha into a round mug or a small bowl.
• Add about ½ cup of hot water to the matcha and whisk away. The final product should be clump-free, bubbly, and creamy on top.

• is it from Japan?
• is it grown in the shade?
• how is the powder produced?

Click HERE for the Ultimate Matcha Infographic for a quick reference guide on everything matcha.