Perhaps you've seen our matcha tea on our timeline or in our webshop. But how did matcha suddenly become so popular? What exactly is it, and why is matcha healthy? You'll find the answers to these questions in this blog post.
The origin of matcha
Matcha is a Chinese powder and has been a well-known tea in China for centuries. Japanese monks brought matcha tea from China to Japan, where its popularity quickly grew. Subsequently, this unique tea spread all over the world, and nowadays, we can no longer imagine our healthy lifestyle without it.
All types of tea are made from one specific tea plant, the Camellia sinensis. The same goes for matcha. However, during the process, matcha is shaded with cloths for about 3 to 4 weeks before harvesting, which boosts chlorophyll production. Have you ever wondered how that beautiful green color comes about? Or where the sweet umami flavor comes from? This is caused by shading the plant!
Why is matcha healthy?
Unlike regular tea, where the leaves are infused and then discarded, with matcha, you actually consume the entire tea leaves. This means you get all the nutrients the leaves have to offer.
Below, we list two health benefits of matcha.
Matcha is packed with antioxidants
Matcha is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Think of calcium, potassium, vitamins A and C, iron, and proteins. Experts even say that 1 cup of Matcha tea is equivalent in nutrients to 10 to 15 cups of regular green tea.
How can you use matcha?
Do you want to experience the health benefits of matcha yourself? You can use matcha in various ways!
Matcha tea
The most traditional way to consume matcha is as tea. Scoop half a teaspoon of matcha powder into your cup and add a small splash of cold water. Whisk with a matcha whisk until all lumps are dissolved, then add 100 ml of water. According to experts, 80 degrees is the best temperature, so let boiling water cool down for a moment before adding it.
Then whisk again with a matcha whisk until a small foam layer forms.
Matcha latte
Add matcha powder to frothed milk (or a plant-based milk of your choice) for a delicious and creamy matcha latte. This way, you can also enjoy the benefits of matcha in a softer, milky variant.
Matcha smoothies
Add a teaspoon of matcha powder to your favorite smoothie recipes for a healthy boost. Combine it with spinach, banana, and almond milk for a delicious green smoothie.
Matcha desserts
Give desserts like ice cream, cakes, cookies, and waffles a healthy twist by adding matcha. It not only gives a beautiful green color but also a subtle and refined taste.
Matcha is not just a tea; it is a powerful source of antioxidants and other beneficial nutrients. Whether you drink it as matcha tea, incorporate it into a latte, or add it to your favorite recipes, matcha can be a valuable addition to your daily routine.
