{"id":9099,"date":"2019-03-04T12:30:52","date_gmt":"2019-03-04T17:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.davidstea.com\/en\/?p=9099"},"modified":"2023-09-26T16:10:19","modified_gmt":"2023-09-26T20:10:19","slug":"tea-101-what-is-matcha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.davidstea.com\/en\/tea-101-what-is-matcha\/","title":{"rendered":"Tea 101: What is Matcha?"},"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time:<\/b> <\/span> 5<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\n

People are going crazy for matcha. We get it \u2013 it\u2019s energizing, detoxifying and makes a killer green tea latte. So how is it different from regular green tea? Matcha powder is made from finely ground green tea leaves \u2013 so with every sip, you\u2019re consuming all the benefits of the full leaf. It\u2019s surprisingly fast and easy to make at home. And from matcha powder-boosted teas<\/a><\/u> to sophisticated Ceremonial, there\u2019s a matcha for literally everyone. Don\u2019t believe us? Keep scrolling, baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benefits of matcha <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ever tried a green tea latte? Then\nyou\u2019re already a matcha fan. This superstar green tea powder is popular for\nlots of reasons \u2013 think fresh flavour, energizing kick and bigtime benefits for\nyour mind, body and mood. Because you\u2019re ingesting the entire leaf, you get\nevery last nutrient and antioxidant green tea has to offer. And matcha is super\nversatile. We especially love it on its own, as a green tea latte, added to\ncakes and smoothies and sipped as a fresh and fruity iced matcha. Whether you\nlike yours sweet or neat, matcha is one trendy superfood everyone can get\nbehind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The story of matcha<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Matcha is just now becoming popular in\nNorth America, but the custom of grinding tea leaves is actually an ancient\ncustom that originated in China \u2013 Buddhist monks brought it to Japan over\na thousand of years ago. Green tea powder was traditionally prepared and sipped\nas part of zen tea ceremonies to aid in meditation. Turns out those monks were\nonto something \u2013 scientists have since discovered that green tea leaves contain\nlarge quantities of L-Theanine, a unique amino acid that promotes feelings of\ncalm and mental alertness. Even if you\u2019re not into the whole traditional tea\nceremony, we love the satisfying ritual of making our own matcha and savouring\nevery sip \u2013 it\u2019s like a delicious exercise in mindfulness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What does matcha taste like?<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Depending on its grade, matcha green tea can range in taste from grassy to sweet to creamy, with textures that are smooth or even crisp. This table will help highlight the different flavour characteristics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pin It<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Depending on its grade, matcha green tea can range in taste from grassy to sweet to creamy, with textures that are smooth or even crisp. This table will help highlight the different flavour characteristics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How much caffeine is in matcha?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

One of the reasons we love matcha so\nmuch is because of its high caffeine content. Our matchas contain 20-40 mg of\ncaffeine per 8 oz cup. To put things into perspective, black tea contains between\n19-100 mg and coffee around 140 mg. What\u2019s more, tea powder is known for\nproviding a sustainable boost so you don\u2019t get that post-caffeine crash. If\nyou\u2019re on the hunt for a coffee substitute, try fueling up on a mugful of\nfrothy matcha. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need to power up fast? Grab your fave green tea powder and make yourself a matcha shot<\/a><\/u>. This super concentrated, vibrant-green shooter is a quick and delicious way to get a concentrated dose of energy. You can thank us later *wink*.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Find the matcha that\u2019s right for\nyou<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All of our matcha is sourced from\nNishio, Japan \u2013 the region known for producing one of the world\u2019s finest matcha\nfor the past 800 years. It\u2019s a labour of love that starts with shading tea\nplants for up to four weeks (our matcha\u2019s are shaded 2-4 weeks, depending on\nthe weather) before plucking, which increases chlorophyll and gives the tea\nleaves a vibrant green colour. The leaves are then steamed, dried, deveined and\ncarefully stone-ground to a fine powder \u2013 ready to be whisked into hot water\nand enjoyed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And because we believe there\u2019s a matcha for everyone, we offer a range of grades and flavours, from sweet Vanilla Matcha<\/a><\/u> to fruity Peach Matcha<\/a><\/u> to ultra-premium Ceremonial Matcha<\/a><\/u>, the exquisitely creamy version used in traditional tea ceremonies. Our flavoured matchas are made with a sweet base of cane sugar or coconut nectar \u2013 perfect for green tea lattes with a little burst of flavour. Discover our wide range below and find the matcha that\u2019s right for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TRADITIONAL<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ceremonial Matcha<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Calling all matcha lovers! This high-grade\nstone-ground green tea is our creamiest, sweetest, most delicate matcha yet. It\nwhisks into a bright emerald, smooth-drinking tea fit for an emperor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grand Cru Matcha<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This bright green, extra-fine matcha is\none of the highest grades available, and it\u2019s an absolute labour of love.\nDelicately smooth and velvety, its flavour is totally sublime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matcha Matsu<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This fresh, grassy tea has all the aroma\nof a Japanese tea garden \u2013 plus it can hold its own when mixed into lattes,\nmilkshakes, cookies and more. A real classic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FRUITY<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peach Matcha<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An all-natural blend of stone-ground\nmatcha green tea, pure cane sugar and fruity notes of peach, this matcha powder\nwill make you totally rethink your morning smoothie. Try this fan fave as an\niced matcha latte to see what we mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strawberry Matcha<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Combining all the mega-healthy benefits\nof matcha green tea with a fruity twist of strawberry, you\u2019re gonna want to add\na spoonful to all your fave drinks \u2013 from strawberry milkshakes and powerhouse\nsmoothie bowls to energizing iced lattes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SWEET<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vanilla Matcha<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a creamy hint of vanilla and the\nsweetness of coconut nectar, this stone-ground matcha is one of our all-time\nfaves. Sip solo or add it to just about anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maple Matcha<\/a><\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We gave this all-natural stone-ground\nmatcha the Canadian treatment with a sweet drizzle of maple syrup. Delicious on\nits own or as a tasty tea latte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to make matcha tea perfectly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The secret to making a perfect cup\nof matcha? It all comes down three key elements: teaware, temperature and\ntechnique. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Teaware:<\/strong> To make matcha green tea at home, you\u2019ll need a tea bowl<\/a><\/u> , or chawan, and a bamboo whisk<\/a><\/u> known as a chasen \u2013 two matcha essentials that\u2019ll help you achieve a clump-free, smooth-drinking brew, every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temperature:<\/strong> When it comes to water temperature,\nit\u2019s important to keep it to a cool 75\u00b0C so as to not burn your matcha powder\nand give it a bitter taste. Cooler water temp also means your matcha will froth\nup to that eye-catching jade colour. Don\u2019t have a thermometer? Let your boiled\nkettle sit for 4-5 minutes before using.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technique:<\/strong> Preparing matcha with a traditional\nbamboo whisk may look daunting at first, but it\u2019s actually really easy and fun.\nAll you gotta do is briskly whisk your matcha and water mixture in an \u201cM\u201d\nformation until the matcha reaches a smooth consistency and there\u2019s a foam\nlayer on top. Pro-tip: for an extra frothy matcha, soak the tips of your whisk\nin warm water before using, then start whisking from the bottom of the bowl\nworking your way up towards the surface. Repeat until you get that vibrant\nInsta-worthy froth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matcha recipes for beginners<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Put your skills to the test with three\nmatcha recipes for beginners.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CLASSIC MATCHA RECIPE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to make matcha green tea like a pro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Add 2 Matcha Spoons of any matcha to a\nbowl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gradually add hot water and whisk in an\nM shape until frothy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pour that matcha into a mug and get\nsipping!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*For more details and pro-tips on making the best matcha ever, check out our complete guide here<\/a>.<\/u><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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MATCHA LATTE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to make a perfect green tea latte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whisk milk in a milk frother or small\nsaucepan over medium-low heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meanwhile, whisk matcha and hot water in a bowl or shake in a Matcha Maker<\/u>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pour matcha into a mug, add heated milk\nand top with extra froth. Voila!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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MATCHA TO GO<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best way to make matcha on the go\nusing our easy-to-use Matcha Maker travel mug.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scoop in any matcha and add hot water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close lid securely then shake until it\u2019s\nnice and frothy (10-20 seconds).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Press the button to release the\npressure. Enjoy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Matcha Recipes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Need inspiration? Check out the most popular matcha recipes here<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to make matcha like a pro<\/a><\/blockquote>