Matcha tea and its health benefits
What is matcha tea?
Matcha is green tea in powder form. It comes from the tea plant, called Camelia Sinensis, present in Japan, just like black tea. Its leaves are harvested and dried in the shade, increasing the chlorophyll level. When you open a can of matcha, you receive an explosion of emerald green color!
The matcha leaves are delicately ground on granite stone mills to harvest an extremely fine powder. Drinking matcha is the guarantee of consuming tea leaves with a refined, sweet and creamy taste.
What are the benefits of this Japanese green tea on the body?
Matcha is a drink known for its benefits on the body :
- antioxidant (matcha tea is one of the green teas richest in antioxidants, you know these molecules that strengthen the immune system and help fight the development of certain diseases?)
- antibacterial and antiviral;
- regulator of metabolism;
- anti-stress (thanks to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid known to have an action on our level of stress and anxiety)
How to consume matcha tea?
There are two types of matcha:
1. Ceremonial matcha
Made from the first leaves of the Japanese tea plant, it is consumed alone mixed with simmering water. Be sure to sift it well and let it infuse for a few minutes before enjoying it. Discover the organic ceremonial matcha signed Kusmi Tea !
2. Matcha for cooking
The powder is a dark green color, obtained from drier leaves. Culinary matcha is used to flavor pastries, such as muffins, madeleines or even chocolate fondants. There is no shortage of cooking recipes and some are truly delicious! At Kusmi, we love to vary the pleasures: matcha latte with coconut milk,matcha chai latte and many othersrecipes to try in the kitchen !
5 ways to recognize quality matcha
1. The color of the powder
The quality matcha is recognizable by its color of intense green. If you are offered a dark green or yellowed matcha, it is better to decline the offer!
2. The origin of the tea (preferably from Japan)
In history, the best matcha tea is said to have been imported to Japan in 1191, although it appears to have originated in China. It was consumed during tea ceremonies by followers of Zen Buddhism. We still recommend that you opt for a Japanese source, which is more reliable in terms of product quality. Beware of unpleasant surprises because the name matcha can be given to any type of powdered green tea.
3. Smell and taste
If you drink a jade green colored matcha with light foam and bubbles, you can be sure it is a premium matcha, from the first flowerings. Its grassy taste is rather sweet and subtle on the palate. If, on the other hand, its color is dull, its taste bitter, you have been lied to about its quality...
4. The organic label
Preferably choose a matcha with the organic label to avoid ingesting possible pesticides. In addition, the designation guarantees you numerous quality controls during the production and manufacturing of the product. At Kusmi, we are committed to sustainable agriculture through various actions for a healthier and more environmentally friendly life.
5. The price of the box
A 30 g box of ceremonial matcha costs around thirty euros, compared to around twenty for culinary matcha. The price of matcha depends on its grade (or range), its quality and the harvest and origin. Matcha tea is generally more expensive than its cousins green teas and black teas. Be careful if the price indicated on the label seems low to you. The most expensive range of matcha is that of Cérémonie matcha, considered a very high quality premium tea. Questions? Discover our detailed guide on the price of matcha !
Now you know how to recognize quality matcha! To taste the best organic matcha, observe its luminous green color. Enjoy its slightly bitter and sweet taste at the same time. Close your eyes to savor this unique experience. And don't choose a tea whose price is too low. To find out about other varieties of green tea, visit our blog!