Do you want to drink matcha? Have you heard about its benefits for the body? It's true that this green tea powder straight from Japan has many virtues, but how do you recognise it? How to select a good matcha? Origin, taste, price, provenance, organic labeling and colour, Kusmi reveals its secrets to buy a quality matcha tea made according to Japanese tradition. Discover our buying guide!
Matcha tea and its health benefits
Matcha tea and its health benefits
Matcha is a green tea in powder form. It comes from the tea plant, called Camelia Sinensis found in Japan, just like black tea. Its leaves are harvested and dried in the shade, increasing the chlorophyll content. When you open a can of matcha, you get an explosion of emerald green colour!
The matcha leaves are gently ground on granite stone mills to produce 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 for the body?
Matcha is a drink known for its benefits to the body:
• antioxidant (matcha tea is one of the richest green teas in antioxidants, you know those molecules that strengthen the immune system and help fight against the development of certain diseases?)
• antibacterial and antiviral;
• regulates the metabolism;
• anti-stress (thanks to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid known to have an effect on our stress and anxiety levels)
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 on its own mixed with simmering water. Be sure to sift it well and let it infuse for a few minutes before tasting it. Discover Kusmi Tea's organic matcha ceremony
2. Matcha for cooking
The powder is a dark green colour, obtained from the drier leaves. Culinary matcha is used to flavour baked goods, such as muffins, madeleines or chocolate fondants. There is no shortage of recipes and some are really delicious! At Kusmi, we love to vary the pleasures: matcha latte with coconut milk, chai latte with matcha and many other recipes to try in the kitchen!
5 ways to recognize a quality matcha
1. The colour of the powder
Quality matcha can be recognised by its intense green colour. If you are offered a dark green or yellow matcha, it is best to decline the offer!
2. The origin of the tea (preferably from Japan)
Historically, the best matcha tea is said to have been imported to Japan in 1191, although it is believed to have originated in China. It was consumed during tea ceremonies by followers of Zen Buddhism. However, we recommend that you choose a Japanese origin, which is more reliable in terms of product quality. Beware of unpleasant surprises as the name matcha can be given to any type of green tea powder.
3. Smell and taste
If you drink a matcha that is jade green in colour with a slight froth and bubbles, you can be sure that it is a premium matcha from the first blossoms. Its grassy taste is rather sweet and subtle in the mouth. If, on the other hand, its colour is dull and its taste bitter, you have been lied to about its quality…
4. The organic label
It is best to choose matcha with the organic label to avoid ingesting any pesticides. In addition, the label 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 30g box of ceremonial matcha costs about 30 euros, compared to about 20 euros for culinary matcha. The price of matcha depends on its grade (or range), quality and harvesting, and its origin. Matcha tea is generally more expensive than its green and black cousins. So beware if the price on the label seems low. The most expensive range of matcha is Ceremony matcha, which is considered to be a very high quality premium tea. Any questions? Check out our detailed guide to matcha pricing!
Now you know how to recognize a quality matcha! To taste the best organic matcha, look for its bright green colour. Enjoy its slightly bitter and sweet taste. Close your eyes to enjoy this unique experience. And don't choose a tea that is too cheap. To find out about other varieties of green tea, visit our blog!
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Is matcha tea a good alternative to coffee?
Know more about the plant from which matcha tea is made