Is Matcha Tea Green Tea

Where To Buy Matcha Green Tea

Looking for an amazing everyday matcha green tea powder?

Look no further than Tenzo Tea. We might be a bit biased, but we also flew across the world to organically source the best matcha on the planet from local farmers in Kagoshima, Japan. Tenzo Tea is ceremonial in quality, emerald green in color and delicate and smooth in taste.

*The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

There Are So Many Teas To Choose From But What Is The Difference Between All The Types Let’s Explore

Let’s start from how all these teas are similar: Although green tea, black tea, oolong tea, and matcha tea may seem completely different in terms of color, form, and taste, they all come from the same camellia sinensis plant. The biggest difference between these four teas is how they are processed and produced from the plants leaves.

Matcha Could Help Ward Off Cancer

While there’s no specific research proving the anti-cancer benefits of matcha powder itself, scientists have been reviewing green tea as a category for years. Older studies have linked the powerful antioxidant EGCG to cancer prevention and preventing colon cancer cell growth. One other study indicates that green tea could be effective in synergy with anticancer drugs for cancer prevention. It’s the EGCG that’s the magic compound, which might inhibit cancer cell growth by killing malignant cells.

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How To Choose The Right Matcha Tea

As the matcha appellation is not regulated, we first make sure that it comes from Japan . There are mainly two types of matcha tea: that intended for tasting , expensive but tasty, and that intended for cooking, whose production is less rigorous.

A quality matcha can be recognized by its bright green color, its vegetal odor and above all its sweet, herbaceous flavor, almost without bitterness. Conversely, a poor quality matcha will be more bitter and dull.

The History Of Yamamasa Koyamaen

The history of Yamamasa Koyamaen dates back to the Edo Period . The company does all of the production in-house, from tea cultivation to grinding tea leaves into powder to create delicious matcha.

Presently, the company is involved in the wholesale production of high-quality teas, namely matcha, gyokuro , and sencha . They provide products to over 1,000 tea and teaware stores across Japan. Some are even available at department stores, worldwide businesses, hotels, and ryokan .

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It Traditionally Involves Meditation

The preparation of matcha is the focus of Japanese tea ceremonies, and it has long been associated with Zen. This is likely one reason its becoming so popular, as meditation is becoming more and more mainstream. Because Im blown away by the research on the health and weight loss benefits of mindfulness meditation, I included an entire chapter about this practice in my book Slim Down Now, and I recorded a five-minute guided meditation video on my website.

I believe that if preparing and sipping matcha becomes a way for you to slow down and be in the moment, its benefits will extend far beyond the antioxidants it providesbecause meditation, in any form, has myriad rewards. It’s been shown to reduce cortisol , lower inflammation , curb impulsive eating, lower blood pressure, and boost self-esteem and compassion.

The Healthier Option: Matcha Tea Or Green Tea

Dr. Rashmi ByakodiIn This Article

Green tea is an immensely popular health drink consumed worldwide. There are innumerable varieties of green tea available in the market. But the one that stands out significantly above the rest of the green tea varieties is the Matcha tea.

Matcha is considered much healthier than regular green tea.

While both matcha and green tea are produced from the leaves of the tea shrub Camellia Sinensis, they vastly differ in terms of origin, processing, preparation, flavor, nutrition, and health benefits.

Green tea is generally loose leaf tea which is infused to make green tea. Matcha, on the other hand, is powdered tea obtained from green tea leaves, cultivated, harvested, and processed at a particular stage.

Unlike green tea, matcha tea contains the whole tea leaf and hence is more concentrated than green tea. While most tea lovers relish both green and matcha tea types, many people choose their teas based on their nutritional content and flavors.

Read on to discover the many differences between green tea and matcha tea and to determine the tea of your choice.

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The Cultivation And Processing Of Green Tea Vs Matcha Tea

Green tea today is grown in several countries such as Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and India, but the majority still comes from China. Matcha tea is grown exclusively in Japan to date.

Green Tea

Green tea is sun-grown globally and mostly handpicked during the harvesting season which occurs thrice a year. Only the top two leaves and buds are picked and the shrub regrows fresh leaves for the next harvest.

The fresh whole leaves are then quickly steamed lightly to prevent the oxidation process from setting in. Once cool, they are rolled and dried to form loose tea.

Matcha Tea

The Japanese matcha tea is shade-grown for the final 3-4 weeks before harvest. This technique prevents photosynthesis, increasing the chlorophyll and amino acid content of the leaves.

Only the top leaves are handpicked during spring. Once harvested, the leaves are de-stemmed and de-veined to provide the smoothness, steamed lightly, air-dried, and finally stone-ground using granite blocks into a fine powder.

This long and tedious process is the reason why matcha is expensive compared to regular green tea.

Summary: Green tea is sun-grown while matcha is shade-grown for the final month before harvest. The differences in cultivation, processing, and powdering of matcha are tedious which makes it more expensive than green tea.

History Of Matcha Tea Vs Green Tea

Green tea and matcha powder share similar origin stories. Both teas are cultivated from the Camellia sinensis plant, which can be traced back nearly 5,000 years to ancient China when it was discovered by Emperor Shen Nung.

For hundreds of years green tea was considered a precious medicine that was only available to the most elite members of society. Around 800 A.D. during the Tang Dynasty, a Chinese man named Lu Yu published a book titled The Classic of Tea. This was the first publication documenting the art and culture of green tea in China.

During the Song Dynasty, Buddhist monks began crushing green tea leaves into a rough powder and blending it with hot water in a bowl. The Zen monk Eisai brought this practice to Japan, where it was later adopted by Samurai warriors. Their pre-battle tea traditions eventually evolved into what is now known as the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

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How Do You Make A Bowl Of Matcha

Follow these steps to make the perfect bowl of matcha:

Should You Be Concerned About Lead In Matcha Tea

Lead in green tea has been a concern. Green tea is like a sponge for lead, says Cooperman. Its not surprising we have found over the years reasonably high levels in green tea.

But ConsumerLab.coms testing has found that even if lead is found in the leaves used in green tea bags, it doesnt appear to be absorbed into the water. Cooperman says his team was concerned about lead content in matcha, because people consume the ground green tea leaves directly rather than in bags. However, their testing showed that among the six popular matcha brands they testedDoMatcha, Encha Organic Matcha, Rishi Teahouse Matcha, Teavana Imperial Matcha, Kirkland Signature Green Tea and The Republic of Tea Double Green Matcha Teathe powders were not contaminated by lead or other metals, and also did not contain pesticides. As of now, Cooperman says he doesnt believe lead exposure is a risk in the matcha currently sold in the United States.

You can ingest without worrying, says Cooperman. We havent tested every brand out there, but the premium brands we have tested have been clean.

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Green Tea Vs Matcha: How Do They Compare

Both matcha and green tea are popular beverages with plenty of touted health benefits, but ultimately, youll want to choose the brew that you find the most delicious.

Both matcha and green tea come from the leaves of the Camellis sinensis plant, but the two have different properties, thanks to how theyre processed. Tea leaves are picked and are allowed to oxidize , which is what causes leaves to blacken and changes the type of antioxidants found in the tea, explains Robin Foroutan, RDN, a New York Citybased integrative dietitian and spokesperson of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. While black and oolong tea are fully and partially oxidized, respectively, green tea is picked and then steamed and dried before oxidation occurs.

Matcha, says Foroutan, comes from the same leaf but is grown in the shade, increasing its chlorophyll content. The leaves are then pulverized into a powder, which is used to make the matcha drink. As a result, another key difference between green tea and matcha is that you consume the entire leaf when you drink matcha tea, which has important nutritional implications.

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Differences Between Matcha And Green Tea

Arent they the same?

Matcha is a form of green tea, after all.

Thats true. Matcha is green tea. But not all green tea is matcha.

Both matcha and regular green tea leaves come from the same plant: the Camellia Sinensis. And both are processed as green tea.

But thats where the similarities end.

The main differences lie in the way the tea plants are cultivated and in the way the leaves are processed. Both lead to matcha having a far higher nutritional content than any other type of tea. It also results in a unique flavor that does not appeal to everyone.

Lets take a closer look at the differences between green tea and matcha.

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The History Of Matcha

Powdered green tea was first produced in China during the Tang Dynasty. In the 12th century, Chinese monks brought both Buddhism and matcha to Japan. The ritualized use of matcha by Japanese monks grew quickly, and by the 15th century, its popularity had spread to Japans upper classes. Over centuries, an intricate tea ceremony surrounding matcha was developed. Today, matcha is primarily associated with Japan, and has a rich history and cultural significance within the country.

May Boost Relaxation And Alertness

In addition to being a great source of antioxidants, green tea contains a unique amino acid called L-theanine.

In fact, matcha boasts much higher levels of L-theanine than other types of green tea.

L-theanine may increase alpha waves in your brain. These waves are linked to mental relaxation and may help fight stress signals (

SUMMARY

Matcha is loaded with antioxidants and offers numerous health benefits, potentially reducing heart disease risk while aiding weight loss, relaxation, and alertness.

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What Is Matcha Green Tea

There’s no question that green tea is good for you, but matcha takes health benefits to a whole new level. When you make conventional loose-leaf green tea, you discard the leaves and any nutrients left behind after hot-water infusion.

Matcha tea uses the entire leaf, made by grinding each specially grown and harvested for use in this fine powder. Since none of the rich nutrients are lost, matcha holds the ultimate green tea superpowers for health.

Preparation Process And Texture

The tools, ingredients, and preparation processes vary for both types of teas. Matcha is consumed mixed into hot water just like green tea however, unlike other teas, it is neither infused nor diluted. Instead, the powder is mixed into hot water in a bowl and whisked until it becomes frothy similar to a latte.

This preparation process gives matcha tea a unique texture and flavor. When preparing matcha tea, the water is never allowed to boil, or it can affect the integrity of the flavor, which is reminiscent of the Umami flavors popular in Japanese cuisine. The taste is slightly savory and earthy with a thick and creamy texture.

The taste can be overwhelming for first-time drinkers since it is essentially just a powdered version of leaves. It is an acquired taste and may feel almost grass-like and too powerful for those not accustomed to it.

Green tea, in contrast, has a very subtle flavor due to its preparation process. The dried leaves are infused with hot water and steeped for a while. The leaves release their extract, which seeps into the water. The liquid left behind is consumed while the leaves are discarded.

As a result, green tea is watery and not thick and frothy like matcha. It has a very light and clear hue. The taste is delicate, and the smell is fragrant while. You can intensify the flavor of green tea by allowing it to steep for a longer period in the teapot. Overall, the preparation is much less labor-intensive.

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Safety And The Potential Side Effects Of Matcha And Green Tea

Both green tea and matcha are generally safe for most folks, however, potential side effects may arise due to the caffeine content of these drinks. As previously noted, green tea has a significantly lower caffeine content than matcha, so it may be a more suitable option for people who are aiming to lower their caffeine intake . Per the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of excessive caffeine intake include headaches, insomnia, nervousness, irritability, frequent urination, a fast heartbeat, and muscle tremors.

Pregnant and nursing women should aim to limit their caffeine intake to 200 mg per day, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. If you have a heart condition, you should also stick to the 200 mg of caffeine daily limit, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Talk to your doctor about the specific amount thats right for you.

Kids and teens should also avoid caffeine, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Cultivation Of Matcha Tea Vs Green Tea

Although matcha tea and green tea are both derived from the same plant, they are cultivated and processed differently. Up to 80% of the worlds green tea comes from China, while most matcha is cultivated in Japan.

In general, green tea is grown in the sun and matcha is shade-grown during the final weeks before harvest. The shade increases chlorophyll levels in the tea leaves and turns them darker.

Green tea may be processed using either artisanal methods or modern methods . This banishes any bitter components and preserves the teas natural flavors.

Matcha green tea leaves are destemmed and deveined and then steamed shortly after harvest to halt oxidation. This gives matcha its brilliant emerald color. Finally, the leaves are stone-ground into a fine, bright green powder.

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Matcha Tea Dessert Recipe

To enjoy the benefits of this superfood:

• Drain 250g of silken tofu and 20g of washed spinach leaves.
• Place everything in a blender with 40 g of light vegetable coconut cream, 20 g of maple syrup, 2 teaspoons of matcha powder and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
• Mix for about 2 minutes, until you obtain a liquid and smooth texture.
• Taste and add maple syrup or vegetable cream according to your taste.
• Divide your preparation into four small jars. Leave to set in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
• When ready to serve, sprinkle with matcha tea powder.

Our expert : Dre Sophie Ortega, nutritionist doctor

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Matcha Vs Green Tea Brewing

Green tea is brewed, while matcha is prepared. For making a cup of green tea, you steep tea leaves in the water. Steeping will extract flavor, color, catechins, caffeine, L-theanine and other compounds. But with matcha, you drink the whole tea leaf.

For making a cup of green tea you will need a teapot or a strainer and a mug or a cup. For making matcha you will need a special bamboo whisk chasen and a matcha bowl or chawan. Matcha is dissolved in water and frothed using a whisk. Green tea is simply steeped by pouring hot water over tea leaves and straining them before serving.

Use fresh spring water for making both matcha and regular green tea. Water temperature should not exceed 185°F. Learn how to brew matcha and how to brew loose leaf green tea.

Unlike green tea, matcha is never available in tea bags.

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May Lower The Risk Of Cardiovascular Diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the number 1 reason for mortality worldwide according to the World Health Organization .

Green Tea

Research indicates that green tea consumption may effectively help lower the risks of getting heart disease.

Intake of green tea has shown to reduce total cholesterol and bad cholesterol , both significant biomarkers for cardiovascular diseases.

Matcha Tea

Studies on matcha tea have indicated that matcha extracts lowered TC, LDL, and triglycerides while elevating the good cholesterol . It also had a significant impact on lowering glucose levels that may prevent diabetes.

Summary: Green tea or matcha consumption may lower the incidence of heart diseases. While consumption of green tea helps reduce TC and LDL levels, matcha tea significantly lowers lipid as well as glucose levels in the body.