Meet Your Matcha

• Posted onAli J.
• in All Things Sweet and Savory
• onSeptember 16, 2015
• 3 Comments.

In an effort to try to cut out my morning cup of joe, I’ve made the switch to Matcha Tea. With 1/3 of the amount of caffeine as a traditional cup of coffee and boasting of many health benefits it was my first choice. Knowing little about it or even what it would taste like I blindly ordered some on Amazon and gave it a go. I’ve done more research and experiments with several different recipes and wanted to share what I found with all you other Matcha virgins!

First of all, what does it taste like?

I’m not going to lie, the flavor is very unique and unlike anything you’ve tried. It may take some getting used to for some palates but I honestly love it. Very earthy with a subtly sweet finish.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a green tea that has been shade-grown, de-veined, de-stemmed and ground into a very fine powder. Matcha isn’t steeped, its “eaten.” Matcha drinkers benefit from a higher concentration of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber than are found in any other tea!

What are the benefits of drinking Matcha? 

• It’s 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

What is the caffeine content?

Matcha does contain caffeine. The caffeine in Matcha is alkalizing rather than the opposite—acidic. There is caffeine in Matcha, but it releases into the bloodstream slowly. The time of the release varies, but it is not nearly as harsh as the caffeine rush inherent in coffee and energy drinks. This gradual and consistent release provides the body with just the right amount of caffeine over a longer period of time rather than dumping a huge amount of caffeine into the body all at once. Matcha still yields an immediate boost, but not the extreme rush. The lift is far more appropriate to your energy demand, and can be easily regulated based on that demand. Once again, a blast of too much caffeine results in an acidic state that can harm the stomach lining and arteries over time, taxing the organs and disrupting the body’s overall functionality. By contrast, Matcha’s caffeine has an alkalizing effect, resulting in a much gentler influence on the stomach, which gradually aids with digestion, healing, cleansing.

What is the best kind to buy?

In most cases the old adage, “You get what you pay for” is true and it’s no different when it comes to Matcha. You want Matcha tea that was manufactured using the old age Japanese ceremonial methods. Since the source and marketplace for this awesome green tea is vast, discrepancies do exist in labeling, so one has to be careful. As compared to regular tea, a good Japanese Matcha tea brand will cost you a little more. Stay away from Matcha brands that are super cheap, as the quality must have being compromised to make this possible and you will missing out on it’s many powerful health benefits. I’ve listed a few below that are highly recommended and come with great reviews.

How to use Matcha. 

Other than your traditional hot cup of Matcha tea there are many ways you can use Matcha. Use it in soups and purees, smoothies, lattes and baking! A quick google search will yeild endless ideas and inspiration. My favorite so far is the Coconut Matcha Latte. Recipe as follows:

Coconut Matcha Latte