This powder has become one of the world’s most popular drinks over the past few years, and Australia hasn’t missed out on this trend. People enjoy it as a tea, in lattes, ice creams, icing, and even iced cream. Some even add it to doughnuts and other pastries. It’s no accident it has taken the world by storm because of its many health benefits and unique flavour.
Read more: On Trend: Everything You Need to Know About MatchaWhat’s Matcha?
This green tea has an interesting history. It started out in China, where people used to whisk it into hot water using a bowl. While the Chinese eventually moved on from that method, the Japanese kept it going and made it their own. It even became part of the traditional tea ceremony. It was used by samurai to help them practise their focus, discipline, patience, and mindfulness.
It’s also packed with a lot of health benefits; 2 grams of this powder contains about 5 calories, 3 grams of protein, and no fat or carbs. On top of that, this delicious and healthy matcha it’s full of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. When it comes to its taste, people often describe it as umami. This is a savoury flavour that’s a bit hard to pin down, but really satisfying once you get used to it.
Different Types
Ceremonial Grade
Ceremonial grade is the highest quality you can get. It’s made from carefully selected young tea leaves and the finest buds. The growing process is closely monitored from start to finish, which makes sure the final product has a fresh, clean taste, a delicate aroma, and a smooth, almost creamy texture thanks to the fine grinding. This kind of tea is best enjoyed on its own. No sweeteners, no milk, no extras. You’re getting just the pure, original flavour as it was meant to be.
Culinary Grade
The culinary grade version has a bolder, more robust flavour, which makes it great for mixing with other ingredients without losing its character. When you open a pack, you might notice tiny bits of stems or veins in the powder. Don’t worry, this just means it’s not as finely ground as the ceremonial kind.
The colour’s usually a bit duller too. It’s not as vibrant, but it still works well for making tea, especially if you’re adding milk for a latte or blending it into a cocktail. It’s also a more budget-friendly option if you’re planning to use it in baking or cooking.
How to Store and Prepare It?
This powdered green tea doesn’t stay fresh for long, so it’s best to use it as soon as you open it. Since it’s a plant-based product, exposing it to air can affect both its flavour and colour over time. To keep it at its best, store it somewhere cool, dry, and out of the light. This way, it should stay fresh for a few weeks, or even a couple of months.
It’s also worth buying from a trusted supplier. Someone who consistently offers fresh batches and is upfront about when it was made and how the powder was handled. Unlike regular herbal teas, this one has its own method of preparation and even a few unique tools to go with it. But once you’ve got everything you need, making a cuppa is simple and quick.
Before you get started, choose the appropriate mug to enhance tea time. It’s also a good idea to sift the powder. It clumps easily, and no one wants a lumpy drink. Boil about 100ml of water, then let it sit for a couple of minutes so it’s not too hot. Scoop a small amount of matcha into a bowl and add a splash of the warm water. Now’s the time to bring out the special bamboo whisk, known as a chasen.
Instead of whisking in circles like you would with eggs, use a side-to-side or zigzag motion. This will dissolve the powder properly and create a nice frothy layer on top. Once you do that, pour in the rest of the water and give it another quick whisk to bring everything together. You’ll get a smooth, foamy finish. Also, you can replace the water with steamed milk if you prefer it that way.
You can either buy the tea leaves and grind them yourself or pick up the ready-made powder. If you don’t have a bamboo whisk, a regular one will also work. Just keep in mind the texture might not turn out quite the same. One thing to remember is to never pour boiling water over the powder. It’ll turn bitter and lose its delicate flavour.
The matcha powder isn’t just used to make tea. There are many great recipes out there. Some are for sweet desserts, and some are for savoury dishes. So, it’s worth experimenting in the kitchen if you’re keen to try something different and something unique.
Health Benefits of Drinking It
Helps with Focus
We live in fast-paced environments where, a lot of times, we’re overwhelmed. Luckily, the combination of L-theanine and caffeine in matcha boosts the alfa waves in your brain. This leads to increased concentration and encourages relaxation. You’ll get a nice boost of mental clarity. Just remember not to drink it before bedtime; a decaf version would be a better option.
Boosts Energy
The combination of caffeine and L-theanine gives you a smooth, long-lasting energy boost. The caffeine kicks in gradually, helping you feel awake and focused, then eases off gently instead of dropping suddenly. It has roughly the same amount of caffeine as a shot of espresso, but the effect tends to last longer.
Burns Calories
Adding this green tea to your weight loss routine can help you burn more calories. That’s because the combination of EGC and caffeine encourages your body to burn fat for energy. Over time, you might see your waist shrink, body fat drop, and your overall BMI improve. It’s good for your heart and teeth too. It can help calm any redness on your face, work as a detox, and help you stay relaxed throughout the day.
Boosts Your Immunity
This tea prevents germs and viruses from entering the body. The most important antioxidant that’s responsible for this is EGCg. It’s very effective in its work and fights viral infections and bacteria. It does this by binding to our body’s cells, and in this way prevents the spread of unwanted visitors.