Matcha, a bright green tea powder, has captivated the world with its unique taste, centuries-old tradition and health benefits. Originating in Japan, matcha tea has become a global phenomenon, inspiring matcha culture and transcending traditional tea ceremonies.
How is Japanese matcha different from South Korean matcha?
The matcha making process in South Korea is the same as in Japan. Camellia senensis tea plants are shade-grown, harvested (manually or by machine, depending on the type of matcha and the production volume), steamed, dried and ground into a fine powder to produce matcha. The rich volcanic soils of the South Korean island of Daeju (Jeju), combined with a subtropical climate and dense fog, create ideal conditions for growing quality tea. The main difference between Korean matcha and Korean matcha is that the plantations receive natural shade from hillsides and fog. In Japan, tea plantations are artificially covered to provide shade for at least 20 days before harvesting, giving the leaves high levels of chlorophyll and L-theanine, a naturally occurring amino acid. In South Korea, plantation tea plants are naturally coloured by the landscape and climate, resulting in a pale green matcha with a slightly grassy flavour.
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Making Japanese matcha is an arduous process. As mentioned, the leaves are grown in the shade for several weeks before harvesting, which increases their green colour and the concentration of chlorophyll and amino acids. The harvested leaves are steamed, dried and carefully ground into a fine powder using granite grinders.
Its health benefits: Matcha has gained immense popularity due to its many health benefits. As a green tea powder, matcha retains all the nutrients found in tea leaves, making it a powerful source of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Key health benefits of matcha:
a. Rich in antioxidants – Matcha is full of catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has strong antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help fight oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
b. Improves metabolism and weight management – Studies show that matcha can help speed up metabolism and promote fat oxidation, making it a popular choice among those looking to manage their weight.
c. Improves concentration and calms – matcha contains the amino acid L-theanine, which helps to relax and improve mental clarity without causing drowsiness. This unique combination of L-theanine and caffeine in matcha provides a long-lasting and concentrated energy boost.
d. Supports cardiovascular health – Regular consumption of matcha improves heart health, lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the body and promotes better circulation.
e. Detoxifies the body – the high amount of chlorophyll in matcha helps the body’s detoxification process, helping to remove harmful toxins and heavy metals.
Matcha’s journey from ancient ceremonial rituals to modern healthy living has cemented its place as one of the world’s best-known drinks. This green tea powder continues to fascinate with its rich history, cultural significance and undeniable health benefits. Enjoy every sip of this beautiful frothy drink!
The art of matcha making:
Matcha is not just a simple brew like regular tea. Instead, it involves a unique ritual known as “Chanoyu” or the Japanese tea ceremony. The ceremony emphasises attention and aesthetic appreciation. Matcha powder is whisked in hot water with a bamboo whisk called a chasen until the green tea is frothy and velvety. The peaceful matcha making and tasting process is an essential part of the process.
Recipe for matcha tea: Place 1/2-1 teaspoon of matcha (1.5 g) in a cup or matcha bowl (a wide-bottomed bowl makes it easy and convenient to mix matcha with water and quickly froth) and pour up to 50 or 100 ml of hot water (80 °C) over it. Whisk the matcha until the bowl is filled to a perfect nephrite green froth in about 20 seconds. You can now add more water if you want the matcha to be milder.
For best results, the whisk should be soaked in hot water before use.
Chai Latte: Add a warm or boiled herbal beverage (can be whipped) to the already made matcha to taste. Any additional sweetener such as coconut sugar or maple syrup may be used. Cinnamon, vanilla or cocoa powder can be added to enrich the flavour. This café-style luxury matcha latte can be made in 5 minutes.
Sources: www.healthline.com, www.pinnaclematcha.com
NB!
The information provided here should not be interpreted as a recommendation for treatment or other types of health problems.
We recommend that you make personal health decisions after evaluating various sources of information.
