What is matcha tea? Everything you need to know
We all know what green tea is. Most of us also know that matcha is also green tea. But not everyone will tell you exactly what matcha tea is and how it differs from regular green tea, which is usually much cheaper.
What is matcha tea?
In short, matcha tea is a powder made from specially grown young green tea leaves. Although matcha may seem like a relatively new addition to most people's lives, don't be fooled - it is a very old drink, steeped in deep tradition and with impressive health benefits. Matcha tea has been enjoyed by the ancient Chinese since the 8th century, and since the 12th century it has become popular in Japan, where it has become an important part of the culture. Learn more about the history of matcha here .
How is it different from green tea?
The only real similarity between matcha and green tea is that they both come from the same plant. You can read more about how matcha differs from green tea here . You could say that the process of growing and processing matcha is different from standard green tea. This difference gives matcha its unique flavor, additional nutritional value, and a higher price. Plus, when you drink matcha , you swallow the entire tea leaf, so you get all the nutritional value of the green tea plant.
What does matcha taste like?
Although made from green tea leaves, matcha is sweeter and milder than regular green tea. An important element of matcha’s taste is that it has a much more interesting and stronger Umami flavor than regular green tea. People also often describe matcha as having a “grassy” smell and taste. Our matcha tea has a mild flavor, making it suitable for beginners. However, its taste may not be to everyone’s taste, so we recommend trying out our different flavors of matcha tea.
What does matcha taste like?
Matcha tea contains much more caffeine (about 35-70mg) than regular green tea (about 28 mg), so matcha can be a great alternative to your daily cup of coffee , which contains an average of about 100 mg of caffeine. We recommend trying our classic matcha tea.
Matcha gives you energy but doesn't cause anxiety
In terms of caffeine content, matcha tea is somewhere between green tea and coffee. Although matcha tea contains slightly less caffeine, the L-theanine in it corrects the effects of caffeine and distributes its absorption more evenly. This means that the effects of matcha caffeine work differently than coffee – energy is released more slowly, it stimulates the body for a longer period, but does not cause any undesirable effects, such as shaky hands or anxiety. Read more: How much caffeine is in matcha tea.
Health benefits of matcha
Due to its unique cultivation and production process, matcha tea has a much higher nutritional value than regular green tea. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and daily consumption of matcha tea has incredible effects:
- optimizes brain activity;
- improves heart function;
- regulates weight;
- lifts the mood;
- cleanses the liver.
Discover 9 proven health benefits of matcha .
Different ways to enjoy matcha tea
Matcha tea can be drunk with water, just like regular tea, but as the drink has become more popular, many different ways to prepare it have emerged. Using different plant-based milks or regular milk, it can be a warm creamy drink or a cold refreshing cocktail. Matcha can be used in breakfast porridge, baked goods, and sweet dishes.
Matcha tea can be enjoyed for its taste or for its effects, making it easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Discover our matcha recipes
