WHAT IS MATCHA TEA-min

WHAT IS MATCHA TEA?

Literally, matcha means powdered tea, a special green tea type. Green tea traditionally involves leaves components mixed with hot water, after which the leaves are filtered. But matcha tea entails drinking everything, including the finely powdered leaves mixed in a solution. You can combine 1/3 hot water cup and a teaspoonful of matcha, then whisk using bamboo till it bubbles.

Health benefits

Due to the consumption of whole leaves, matcha tea has more benefits than green tea. It features numerous antioxidants, polyphenols that protect against cancer and heart disease. Polyphenol also contains EGCG, which increases metabolism and reduces cancer cell growth.

How to use

•             Smoothly sift it dry in a mug.

•             Add a small hot water amount and whisk similar to how you handle baking recipes- avoid circular whisking.

•             Add some top-up, either steamed milk or more hot water.

•             Whisk once more until it’s frothy and sweeter.

Matcha powder buying guide

Color

The main color for matcha tea is bright green. Poor quality types are dull or yellowish, probably due to improper storage.

Origin

Buy Japanese sourced matcha tea because Japan has enough experience in growing it. While the seeds were originally Chinese, growth and perfection were a Japanese culture.

Safety concerns

Generally, matcha and green tea are safe. But it may not favor individuals with highly sensitive to caffeine since both have large amounts. In 2016, WHO linked hot drinks consumption, including coffee, to an esophagus cancer risk.

What Is Matcha Tea Powder?

Matcha tea powder is a powdered tea obtained from grounded green matcha leaves. Native to East Asia, matcha for tea grows under the shade for three to four weeks. Farmers harvest the plants  at the end of the fourth week and process them without the stems and veins. Other matcha products gaining traction include shots, lattes, and desserts.

What Are the Benefits of Matcha Powder?

Matcha tea powder is loaded with antioxidants that keep free radicles in check, reducing the risk of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. This powder also speeds up metabolism, allowing the body to burn more fats. For people trying to lose weight this year, this can be great news.

How Do You Use Matcha Powder?

From making matcha tea to using it as an ingredient in baked goods and preparing matcha noodles to mixing it with oatmeal or granola, the choices are limitless.

What Should You Look for in Matcha Powder?

Check the color of the powder. High-quality matcha powder is bright and lustrous green. Dull colors signal the powder is obtained from Matcha leaves with low chlorophyll levels, significantly affecting quality. Pay attention to the smell too. Quality matcha harbors earthy vegetal and pine aromas, with fading chocolate and cream flavors.

Is Matcha Powder Safe?

Matcha powder may not be safe for children and pregnant or nursing women. For this reason, I highly recommend the mentioned groups check with a health professional before consuming this powdered tea.

Elena Ognivtseva
Latest posts by Elena Ognivtseva (see all)

Nutritionist, Cornell University, MS

I believe that nutrition science is a wonderful helper both for the preventive improvement of health and adjunctive therapy in treatment. My goal is to help people improve their health and well-being without torturing themselves with unnecessary dietary restrictions. I am a supporter of a healthy lifestyle – I play sports, cycle, and swim in the lake all year round. With my work, I have been featured in Vice, Country Living, Harrods magazine, Daily Telegraph, Grazia, Women's Health, and other media outlets.

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