Matcha - A Superfood You Should Definitely Be Drinking!

What is matcha?

Matcha is a kind of powdered green tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant leaves. It's been around in Japan for thousands of years, and it was initially used as a ceremonial drink. It's now widely consumed as a way to start your day.

The process starts by picking the leaves of the plant, which are then steamed or dried to prevent oxidation and preserve their flavor. The next step is separating the stems and veins from the leaf. After this, they're ground into powder using grindstones or millstones and sifted through fine mesh screens. This results in a fine powder (about 30 microns), which is then mixed with hot water to make the drinkable beverage.

Why is matcha good for you?

Matcha was originally used as an energy booster, but it's also known for improving brain function, boosting metabolism, and even helping with weight loss.

Matcha contains over 100 different antioxidants, which can help fight free radicals in your body that can cause cancer and other diseases. The antioxidants in a matcha drink have also been linked to improved memory retention and concentration. So, if you're looking for an alternative to caffeine for those mid-afternoon energy crashes, matcha might be the answer!

Unlike other teas, matcha leaves are ground into a fine powder before they're dried and sold. This process allows their nutrients to remain intact. Therefore, when you drink matcha, you get all of the antioxidants and nutrients but without having to steep the leaves yourself!

In addition to all of these health benefits, it tastes great, too—and there are so many ways to incorporate matcha drink into your diet! You can add matcha powder to recipes like smoothies, lattes, and oatmeal. It's particularly good with chocolate or berries; try adding it to ice cream or milkshakes!

How much caffeine does matcha have?

Matcha is a great way to get your caffeine fix without the crash. It has about 19–44 mg of caffeine per gram, so it's not as high as coffee (which can have 10–12 mg of caffeine per gram). Therefore, no need to worry about getting too much caffeine when drinking matcha: Its low levels mean it won't keep you up at night or affect your sleep patterns negatively in any way.

How to make matcha

The best way to prepare matcha is by using a bamboo whisk (chasen), which helps to mix the powder into the water as you pour it over ice cubes in a cup.

To make matcha drink, you'll need:

• A bamboo whisk called a chasen (this can be bought online or at Asian grocery stores)

• A cup made from porcelain or ceramic (you can also use glass cups)

• Ice cubes or crushed ice cubes (optional)

• Powdered green tea leaves (matcha powder)

• First, you're going to need some quality matcha powder. You can buy it online or at your local health food store. It's also available in bulk, which is excellent if you need to make a lot of tea at once. Make sure it's natural matcha powder and not just green tea leaves that have been ground into powder form.

• Once you've got your matcha powder, you'll need to use a tea strainer or a mesh spoon. The trick is to pour the water through the strainer slowly and gently, so you don't end up with any lumps in your cup.

• Next, heat some water on the stovetop (or in the microwave) until it comes to a boil. Then pour it into a mug or cup and let it sit for about 30 seconds—this helps bring out the flavour of the tea without burning it. 

• Then add about 1 tbsp of matcha powder per 8 oz of water into your favourite mug or cup and whisk with a chasen until there are no clumps left behind.

• Finally, top off with some milk and enjoy! Add some ice cubes or cool water if you prefer your matcha latte cold.

Where to get matcha, and how much does it cost?

There are two main kinds of matcha: ceremonial grade and culinary grade. 

Ceremonial grade is typically brewed in a tea ceremony and is an expensive but high-quality choice for your morning brew. It comes in a beautiful green colour and has a rich flavour that is perfect for pairing with other foods or drinks. 

Culinary-grade matcha is much less expensive than ceremonial-grade matcha, but it still delivers an excellent taste and an antioxidant boost. 

The only difference between these two grades is how they're made—ceremonial-grade matcha leaves are ground much more finely than culinary-grade leaves, which makes them more suitable for brewing into lattes or other beverages where you want the full flavour of the leaves without having any extra grit floating around in your cup (think about how finely ground coffee beans feel on your tongue).

If you're interested in ceremonial grade matcha that will give you a whole experience and taste, you'll need to look for it at specialty stores or online. Ceremonial grade matcha can cost anywhere from $0.75 to $1 per gram, but the culinary grade will only set you back between $0.25 and $0.50 per gram—it may not taste as good as a ceremonial grade, but it still has plenty of benefits.

Takeaway

We hope you've enjoyed learning about Matcha! If you want to try it, we recommend starting with a small amount (1 teaspoon) and working your way up from there. You can also mix it into smoothies or shakes, or add it to your favorite food. It's delicious in everything from cookies to ice cream, so don't be afraid to experiment with how you enjoy this amazing green tea.

Matcha is a delicious way to get your caffeine fix without the jitters or crash that comes with coffee and other caffeinated drinks. Whether you're looking for a way to start the day with an energy boost, or want to find an alternative to coffee, give matcha a try. You'll be surprised at how much more productive you are after drinking it!