What is matcha tea and what are its health benefits?
What is matcha tea?
Whilst the Japanese have known the benefits and beauty of vivid green matcha powder for well over a thousand years, we in the West have only recently come to appreciate the incredible properties of this startlingly different tea.Unlike traditional black and green teas, which require steeping of the leaves in water, matcha is made from tea leaves ground into a powder which dissolves entirely, resulting in the most stunning bright green cup with a myriad of health benefits.An authentic taste of Japan
An authentic taste of Japan
If you’ve tried tasteless, mass-produced supermarket versions of matcha before and haven’t been convinced then let us persuade you! For the best matcha experience you need to sample our specially selected small-batch, high-grade varieties which offer a truly authentic taste of Japan.
How to prepare matcha tea?
The traditional Japanese tea ceremony centers on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha as hot tea, and embodies a meditative spirituality. A traditional bamboo whisk, sieves, bowls and spoons are all associated with the preparation of matcha. But if you haven’t got the time for an entire tea ceremony then matcha is about the easiest tea to prepare: simply add hot water and you’re good to go!
What does matcha tea taste of?
Premium grade matchas are often described as having a pleasantly grassy flavour with a sweet nuttiness and smooth, slightly astringent notes. Delicious both with hot water or whisked into a creamy matcha latte.
What are the health benefits of matcha tea?
Because matcha is a concentrated form of green tea, it has been long reputed by enthusiasts that matcha possesses stronger health benefits associated with green tea. Caffeine is more concentrated in matcha, which Japanese Zen monks have historically used to stimulate awakeness. Health benefits associated with matcha tea include: weight loss, stress reduction and an increase in antioxidants which are thought to help prevent various diseases and ailments.
Our top matcha picks
For those new to matcha tea we can highly recommend our Vanilla Matcha with real bourbon vanilla which enhances the natural sweetness of the tea. Our bestseller matcha and a classic premium grade example is our Izu Green Matcha with a jammy-like smoothness, a satisfying full cup and a light astringent finish. For Earl Grey lovers, why not try our Earl Grey Matcha with bright bergamot layered over smooth notes of malt.
Japanese sencha
In addition to our matcha teas we also supply superb Japanese sencha teas, including Genmaicha Yamasaki which combines pan-fired sencha with toasted and popped rice. The resulting tea is full-bodied and sweet with a mouthwatering baked character.
