Matcha: The Origin, Benefits, and How To Brew.
- Nacher Wellness
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
The Concentrated Green Powerhouse
Unlike traditional green tea, which is brewed by steeping leaves in water, Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. When you drink Matcha, you consume the entire tea leaf, resulting in a more potent, concentrated beverage. We dive deep into the origin, benefits and how to brew matcha in this blog post.
Understanding Matcha
What it is: A finely milled powder made from high-quality, shade-grown green tea leaves.
Scientific Name: It comes from the same plant as all true teas: Camellia sinensis.
Origin/Source: The roots of Matcha production are in China, but it was perfected and popularised by Japanese Zen Buddhists starting in the 12th century. The powder is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
Harvesting
Matcha cultivation involves a unique step: the tea plants are shade-grown for about three weeks before harvest. This increases chlorophyll and L-theanine content. After harvest, the leaves are steamed, air-dried, and then stone-ground into the fine powder.
How to Brew Traditional Matcha (Usucha):
Sift: Scoop 5 to 10 grams (approximately 1–2 teaspoons) of Matcha powder into a bowl and sift it to remove clumps.
Add Water: Add 60 millilitres of hot (but not boiling!) water (ideally around 75 C to 85 C). Boiling water can make the tea taste bitter.
Whisk: Using a traditional bamboo whisk (chasen), rapidly whisk the mixture in a quick 'W' or 'M' motion until a smooth, thin layer of bright green foam forms on the surface.
Enjoy: Sip directly from the bowl..
Potential Wellness Benefits (The 'May' and 'Could')
Because you consume the whole leaf, Matcha’s benefits are highly concentrated.
May Support Calm Focus: Matcha contains naturally occurring caffeine for alertness, balanced by high levels of the amino acid L-theanine. This combination could potentially promote a state of calm, sustained focus without the typical jitters.
Contains High Antioxidant Levels: Being the whole, unprocessed leaf, Matcha is exceptionally rich in antioxidants, particularly EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate), which may contribute significantly to the body’s management of oxidative stress.
Could Support Energy and Vitality: The overall nutrient profile might assist in boosting energy and supporting vitality throughout the day.
An Interesting Fact
The intricate Japanese Tea Ceremony (Chanoyu) revolves entirely around the preparation, serving, and drinking of Matcha. It is an art form rooted in simplicity, respect, and deep appreciation for the moment.
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