Tips For Storing And Making Matcha
- Matcha should be stored in airtight containers. When matcha is exposed to oxygen, it will oxidize and turn brown, which doesnt do any favors for the flavor, either.
- If youre making matcha tea with water, use filtered water for the best taste and quality.
- Dont be afraid to experiment with how much matcha powder youre using in your tea. If you dont love the flavor right away, consider adding more or less powder the next time you make it. Ill share my favorite matcha recipe below, but people drink matcha tea prepared with anything from one to two grams of matcha powder.
- Do not brew matcha with boiling water. Boiling water is one of the major culprits in producing matcha tea with a bad taste. The ideal temperature is somewhere between 158* and 176* F. If youre wondering if you have to heat your water, see below!
Health Benefits Of Matcha
Matcha shares many of the benefits of green tea.
Its growing, harvesting, and preparation processes may boost the production of certain compounds that benefit health, which may make it the best concentrated source of these compounds.
Specifically, these processes
- improved markers of metabolic health
- strengthened blood vessels in the heart
- reduced factors of tumor growth in the gut
Because matcha uses the whole leaf, people may get a more complete extraction of the compounds in the tea.
Green tea and matcha share many of the same health benefits.
Matcha may contain higher quantities of some compounds. For example , the shade growing process of creating matcha may boost the levels of important compounds, such as l-theanine, chlorophyll, and antioxidants. Green tea still contains these compounds, but matcha may contain more of them.
The brewing process extracts healthy compounds and nutrients from the tea leaves into the water. However, some of the nutrients and compounds in green tea leaves may not diffuse into the hot water during brewing.
With matcha, the person consumes the leaves themselves. This may increase the levels of the nutrients they take in. How much more they take in will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the quality of the tea, the extraction time, and the amount of tea in the brew.
A person who consumes
Matcha Is Probably Good For Your Liver
If you are suffering from a non-alcoholic fatty liver, or want to prevent getting one, matcha green tea could be your new best friend! A study showed that it can help reduce liver enzymes. A high level of liver enzymes is a sign something is wrong, so this is very good indeed!
Another study that compared 15 studies done on green tea and various liver diseases, found that the occurrence of liver disease was generally lowered by drinking green tea. So, in other words, drinking matcha appears to protect your liver in more ways than one!
Yet another study found that matcha can help protect the liver in patients or this case, rats with diabetes.
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When To Buy Culinary Grade Matcha
Food grade, culinary, or sometimes ingredient matcha can be used to make green-tea ice cream, sweets, smoothies, and green-tea noodles it is relatively inexpensive, where on the other end,the most expensive ceremonial high-grade matcha is reserved for the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. Nonetheless, all matcha carries a shared host of health benefits and energizing properties.
Matcha Tea Benefits: 12 Scientific Reasons Your Body Will Love It
The vibrant green powder of matcha tea is a straight up superfood. For centuries matcha green tea has been celebrated in Japan and now the rest of the world is finally getting on board. Lets delve into all the amazing benefits that come from matcha tea. But first a little history
Matcha is actually made from the same tea leaves as green tea from the Camellia Sinensis plant. The main difference to regular green tea is that matcha is made from using the whole of the leaf. These leaves are plucked, dried, fried and then ground into that zesty looking fine powder that puts matcha on the map. Thanks to using the whole leaf and the grinding process,matcha green tea delivers ten times the antioxidants than your usual cup of green tea.
Only the strongest and healthiest green tea leaves are chosen to become matcha, it truly is a special job. Matcha leaves are carefully grown on plants that sit in the shade. This is so the chlorophyll content can be boosted within the leaves and why matcha powder is able to yet that yummy bright green color. Its then handpicked and ground into that flour like texture using granite stones. Its even ground down in the dark to keep all those nutrients protected.
Ready for a deep dive into why matcha tea is such a superfood? Keep reading
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Best Budget: Purechimp Matcha Green Tea Powder
Due to a brief harvest season and select growing regions , matcha powder can get pricey, especially compared to coffee and tea. But U.K.-based company PureChimp keeps its prices low, which is why it’s our best budget pick.
The product has solid online reviews, with many customers calling the flavor smooth, though slightly grassy, while others say that it’s an unbeatable value-for-money option. Keep a decent amount of skepticism, of course. The powder is duller than many pricier matchasâa sign of lower qualityâand the company does not indicate how the tencha leaves are ground, meaning a cheaper and cruder alternative to stone grinding might be used.
On the plus side, all of PureChimp’s products are sourced in the Kyoto region of Japan, and the company even sells flavored matcha powders, including mint, turmeric, rooibos, and lemongrass. As an added bonus, 5 percent of profits are donated to Save The Chimps.
Grade: Ceremonial | Origin: Kagoshima, Japan | Harvest: First harvest | Size: 20, 50, 100, and 500 grams
Culinary grade matcha can be enjoyed in traditional tea form, but it’s best for mixing into recipes: smoothies, baked goods, saltâyou name it. Since the tencha leaves are harvested later in season and ground with more heat, the resulting powder has a darker color and more bitter taste. This helps it “stand up to the strong flavors in milk, butter, and sugar,” explains Puyane.
Why Does Matcha Green Tea Powder Decreases Stress Enhance Mood And Improve Concentration
Another incredible health benefit of matcha green tea powder is its ability to enhance focus, balance mood and reduce stress.
The L-Theanine amino acid in matcha is known for its ability to increase alpha waves in the brain and promote calmness and alert concentration giving matcha users a great Zen state.
L-Theanine has a positive effect on the mind and improves memory by increasing Dopamine levels and boosting Serotonin. As a result, matcha helps decrease stress, enhance mood and significantly improve concentration.
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Drinking Green Tea May Promote Healthier Cholesterol Levels
EGCG strikes again: Science hasn’t exactly concluded why, but a 2016 review of studies suggests that thanks to this compound, consuming green tearegularly can result in a significantreduction in bad cholesterol .LDL is the type of cholesterol that leads to a buildup of fatty acids in the arteries, which some experts say increases your risk for heart attack and stroke.
What Are Matcha Tea Benefits
Matcha, like other green teas, contains a class of antioxidants called catechins. Matcha is high in a catechin called EGCG , which is believed to have cancer-fighting effects on the body. Studies have linked green tea to a variety of health benefits, like helping to prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, and even encouraging weight loss. However, its important to note that much of this research isnt from clinical trials that show green tea causes a benefit. Instead, its largely from population-based studies, where researchers look at groups of people who drink green tea and compare their health outcomes to groups that dont drink it. Studies have shown associations between tea and better health, but causation is not yet proven. Matcha is even less studied than brewed green tea.
Still, there have been some interesting findings. A 2014 study looked at 25 randomized controlled trials on the link between tea and blood pressure and reported that when people drank teaespecially green teafor 12 weeks, their blood pressure dropped significantly. A 2011 study reported that drinking green tea appeared to be linked with lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol, but more research is needed. Because matcha is a type of green tea, they may share similar benefits, but theres not enough research to make that claim.
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What Is The Difference Between Green Tea And Matcha
Regular green tea also goes through a much longer processing during production, which involves the leaves being left in the sun.5 Comparatively, matcha bushes are kept specifically under cover to increase the chlorophyll and amino acid levels in the leaves.4 In terms of taste, they both have a slightly grassy undertones. However, matcha has a much richer, more buttery flavour.5
Lexis Favorite Way To Make Matcha
A big reason I was intimidated to make matcha at home was figuring out the right water temperature as discussed above. While its true that making matcha with hot water can release L-theanine, heat does not destroy the nutrients, so drinking matcha both iced or hot is wonderful! In fact, cold brew matcha is so easy, and youll experience the same benefits! Heres my easy go-to recipe that I make almost daily.
Note: Matcha is not an instant tea, so it technically does not dissolve in water! That is why you need to whisk, froth, shake to fully dissolve!
This easy cold brew iced matcha recipe takes 30 seconds and is delicious!
- Lexi
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The Top 7 Matcha Green Tea Benefits
Need a reason to try matcha? How about 7? Fill your cup up with this green tea to experience these matcha benefits…
MATCHA BENEFIT #1 – It’s high in antioxidants.
Good things come in small packages and tea leaves are no exception!Matcha green tea has one of the highest antioxidant ratings. The Oxygen Radical Absorbence Capacity value is 1348 units per gram. Thats 13x the antioxidants in pomegranates and 15x the antioxidants in blueberries.Studies have shown the high antioxidant content in matcha tea can prevent cell damage caused by free radicals.Matcha green tea also contains a class of antioxidants known as catechins. And its particularly high in epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG 3 times more than other green teas.
MATCHA BENEFIT #2 – It protects against some cancers.
Speaking of EGCG, multiple studies have shown this catechin is protective against many types of cancers.
According to the National Cancer Institute , EGC, ECG, and EC are also powerful cancer fighters.
MATCHA BENEFIT #3 – It’s calming.
MATCHA BENEFIT #4 – It can help improve your focus and concentration.
MATCHA BENEFIT #5 – It can help improve your heart.
Green tea is one of the best drinks for heart health and matcha, which is a kind of green tea, is no exception!Heres how green tea can benefit your heart:
MATCHA BENEFIT #6 – It can help you lose weight.
MATCHA BENEFIT #7 – It can help you improve your physical performance.
Jade Organic Japanese Matcha Powder
This is a matching powder made to offer buyers a culinary, baking and green tea recipe. It is approved by the USDA as a safe product and contains no other ingredient than the Matcha sourced from Uji in Japan. This product is probably the best for budget buyers and on top of this, a full refund option is available for dissatisfied buyers.
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Boosting Concentration And Cognition
L-theanine is an amino acid present in tea. Consuming foods and beverages rich in L-theanine may promote a state of relaxation and well-being. If a person combines this with caffeine, another chemical in matcha tea, L-theanine can induce a state of relaxed alertness.
A of 20 adult males found that consuming 200 milligrams of L-theanine improved cognition and selective attention. This effect was stronger in combination with 160 mg of caffeine.
A of 49 studies in humans found that plant compounds in matcha tea may improve mood and performance. For example, L-theanine alone promoted relaxation and calmness, while caffeine improved performance and energy.
When combined, L-theanine and caffeine improved alertness and attention, particularly when the study participants were multitasking.
Some people suggest that matcha tea contains of L-theanine than other types of tea. However, research shows that the amount of L-theanine in matcha varies widely from product to product.
Matcha Might Relieve The Signs Of Depression
As mentioned earlier in this article, matcha green tea has shown great potential for both promoting relaxation and mental alertness. It has also been proven beneficial for sleep. This is further backed by studies showing people suffering anxiety, depression and/or schizophrenia have some relief from their symptoms when taking L-theanine, which is naturally occurring in matcha powder.
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Food And Drink Regulations Allow Loopholes
Its easy for a food or drink company to boast a Matcha product that only has 3% Matcha and still have it be legal. As long as the Matcha powder is an ingredient they can market it however they want.
Which is why you really need to look at the ingredient list of what youre buying when looking for Matcha powder. If you find anything, and I do mean anything else other than Matcha then dont bother buying it.
Matcha Vs Green Tea: Matcha Powder Is Better Here’s Why Plus 5 Tips
CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR: TEAM MATCHA.COM
Have you ever found yourself wondering about the difference between matcha vs. green tea? You’re not the only one! While green tea has long been linked to various health benefits, such as weight loss, reduced stress, and better cardiovascular health, a brighter shade of green tea is stealing the spotlight: matcha.
Matcha is a powdered, high-grade green tea with higher amounts of caffeine, antioxidants, and added health benefits due to how it is grown and prepared. Keep reading to find out precisely what matcha powder is and why it’s considered healthier than other types of green tea.
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Is Matcha Good For Weight Loss
There is no quick fix when it comes to weight loss, but matcha is a great addition to a comprehensive weight-loss program. The reason for this stems from the nutrients packed inside each leaf.
For one, matcha has been shown to improve your metabolism and burn fat. That means that it tackles the issue of weight from both sides, giving you a natural boost in your fight against unwanted pounds, naturally encouraging higher energy levels, while also triggering that hard-to-access fat metabolism
As far as other options for weight loss, most are supplements which youve likely seen carry negative side effects. Since many of those shortcuts are new, synthetic, and untested, you should think of matcha as a natural way of improving your weight. If you are interested in weight loss, rest assured that matcha doesnt use any dangerous mechanisms to burn fat. It wont raise your blood pressure or cortisol, which are two things you want to avoid when trying to lose weight safely and keep it off. Besides, matcha green tea has origins more than 1,000 years old, our bodies have developed alongside green teas valuable benefits.
In fact, matcha’s effectiveness has been professionally documented. There was a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that showed matcha increases thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is the rate at which the body burns calories.
The Best Matcha Tastes Great
Green is the embodiment of health, but just because matcha looks healthy doesnt mean it has to taste like grass!Some teas require sugar, milk and lemon to make them drinkable, but the best matcha tea is wonderful on its own. Ceremonial matcha has a delicious vegetal flavor that is complemented by savory umami notes and tastes great both hot and over ice. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a delicious cup of matcha green tea.
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Concentrated Source Of Ecgc
ECGC stands for epigallocatechin gallate which is a specific type of polyphenol. ECGC is found in green tea and that means matcha is a rich source as well. There are many research studies suggesting ECGC can be beneficial for cardiovascular and metabolic health.
According to one research study, matcha has 137 times the amount of ECGC as regular green tea. This means the health benefits associated with ECGC have an even stronger presence in matcha.
ECGC and other antioxidants in green and matcha teas may help lower risk for certain cancers.
A 2012 study found that pancreatic cancer risk was lowered by 32% in women who regularly drank green tea compared to women who didnt.
How To Make Matcha Latte
- Prepare all the ingredients.
- Add a teaspoon of matcha powder into a small bowl.
- Add in a small amount of hot water . I usually add 1-2 tablespoons.
- Take the bamboo whisk and whisk until completely dissolved. Whisking in an m motion can help achieve a nice foam texture.
- Transfer the matcha mixture into a mug.
- Heat the milk until steaming, then make the froth using a whisk or milk frother. If you have an automatic milk frother, add the milk to the frother, heat, and froth the milk.
- Pour the milk into a mug over the matcha.
- Add sweetener if desired and to taste.
- Enjoy hot!
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