About Matcha

A unique, beautiful and richly flavorful drink, matcha gives most people a feeling of well-being.

Matcha shares its heritage with the exclusive tea served in buddhist temples and tea schools throughout japan. Grown in the rich soil of the nishio tea plantations, matcha is made with 100% nishio region tencha tea leaves. Tencha is the secret behind matcha's resiliently green hue and rich flavor.

Substantially different from the gyokuro and sencha tea leaves used by other japanese and chinese tea manufacturers, the proof is in the color. A rich green color indicates a high quality matcha, while yellow or brown greens are the mark of a poor quality tea . The tencha tea leaves provide a markedly deeper, richer color of green than the others, and therefore, a superior, tea.

For matcha, unlike most other forms of green tea, farmers cover the plants with heavy shade cloth for three weeks prior to harvest in May. This causes the new shoots to develop larger, thinner leaves with better flavor and texture. Harvesting is by hand, and only the youngest, smallest leaves are selected for the best quality matcha. Farmers steam the leaves briefly to stop any fermentation, then dry them and pack them in bales for cold storage. Aging deepens the flavor of the tea, which becomes optimum after six months.

Preparing Matcha

The art of brewing your perfect cup of traditional matcha is simple:

1. Place 2 bamboo scoops (1/2 to 1 teaspoon) of the matcha powder into a bowl.
2. Add 4 to 6 oz. of water to taste using a bamboo wisk to form a froathy foam.

Matcha is also versitle. For variety, it can be prepared hot or cold, using water, milk, soy/rice/almond milk, and sweetened according to taste using sugar, honey, or stevia.

Health Benefits of Matcha

In addition to providing trace minerals and vitamins (A, B-complex, C, E, and K), matcha is rich in catechin polyphenols - compounds with high antioxidant activity. These compounds offer protection against many kinds of cancer, help prevent cardiovascular disease and slow the aging process. They also reduce harmful cholesterol in the blood, stabilize blood sugar levels, help reduce high blood pressure and enhance the resistance of the body to many toxins. The most important polyphenol in matcha is EGCG (epigallo-catechin gallate), which is the subject of many medical studies. Matcha has a significant amount of dietary fiber and practically no calories.

Benefits of Matcha over Coffee

The fundamental difference between matcha and coffee is the nutrients naturally found in both beverages. Coffee contains a strong stimulant called caffeine and very little else. Matcha on the other hand contains theophylline and theanines, as well as a host of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Theophylline, a stimulant only found in teas, functions very differently than caffeine. Caffeine is a very fast acting stimulant that immediately finds its way into the blood stream. The effects are felt within a matter of minutes, peaking around the 30 to 45 minute mark. the peak is often associated with shakes, jitters, sweats and general nervousness, a negative side effect of excessive caffeine consumption. The caffeine peak is then followed by a caffeine drop, or the lethargic, weakened feeling often experienced by coffee drinkers.

Theophylline on the other hand functions very differently within the body. Matcha contains an abundance of nutrients that slow the absorption of theophylline into the blood stream, leveling out the peak and allowing for a slow release of energy over a period of 3 to 6 hours. And unlike coffee, matcha delivers a soft landing, allowing many to drink matcha even at night and still get a good night's rest.

The amino acids or theanines in matcha also help to keep the mind relaxed and focused throughout the day, making matcha a far more practical and functional beverage than coffee to consume while working. Matcha is also ph neutral while coffee is highly acidic, which can lead to indigestion and other digestive illnesses.

Matcha Healthy Fast Facts

1. Raises energy
2. Helps antibiotic and anti-viral activity
3. Calms nerves
4. Improves mental alertness
5. Helps boost metabolism
6. Helps maintain health cholesterol levels
7. Supports strong immunity and healthy tissue
8. Helps stabilize healthy blood sugar levels

9. 70x the antioxidants of orange juice
10. 10x the nutrients of regular green tea
11. 8x the beta carotene of spinach