Matcha is a finely ground powder from green tea leaves grown and processed following very ancient and rigorous traditional methods. It has a much higher antioxidant power than conventional green tea, has protective effects against cognitive decline and helps combat stress.
Unlike leafy green tea, this amazing green powder dissolves in water in seconds. Legend tells the story of how Emperor Shen Nung, the father of Chinese medicine and agriculture, accidentally discovered green tea in 2732 B.C. while he was on one of his expeditions somewhere in southern China. While he and his helpers were boiling water on a break, the wind blew and dropped dry leaves into the water. Curious, they tasted the resulting liquid, and that night the emperor had more energy than ever. So, he collected more of the leaves and took them with him on his journey.
During the Tang Dynasty of China, between 618 and 907, the first seeds of tea plants were brought to Japan, and it was a matter of time before matcha became known throughout the world.
The best-known categories of matcha are culinary and ceremonial. Ceremonial grade matcha is the highest quality and is made from young leaves grown in the shade in the months prior to harvest, which occurs only once or twice a year, using only the first leaves to emerge, because there is where the highest concentration of nutrients the plant has. This young leaves must be harvested by hand.
This matcha has a beautiful vibrant green color and is not bitter at all. Its price is higher, and it is the one used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It is the best option if you want to drink it neat and fully enjoy its exquisite flavor.
Culinary grade matcha is of a lower quality and is most commonly used in making smoothies and baked goods.
If we talk about caffeine, we can say that it has as much caffeine as coffee, but matcha is more alkaline, and it’s not that one is better than the other in my opinion, but adding matcha to our daily diet brings many benefits, remember that everything is about balance. And yes, try to always choose organic brands.
