Matcha: The Superfood You Need In Your Life!

 What is Matcha?

Matcha is a powder, made from the whole green tea leaf. It is kept out of the sun for the last couple of weeks of growing time, which increases the amount of chlorophyll it produces. More chlorophyll = a darker/more intense green powder. The darkness also helps increase the amount of L-Theanine, an amazing amino acid, in the leaf, which promotes relaxation without the drowsiness (think "zenergy")

Why drink Matcha?

Matcha is absolutely packed with amazing health benefits, here are just a few:

• Matcha contains high levels of antioxidants called catechins, which have been shown to have an effect on preventing diseases, such as heart disease
• These catechins also can stimulate metabolism & burn fat, boost the immune system and reduce inflammation 
• Matcha may contain cancer-fighting properties
• Matcha helps to lower the level of "bad cholesterol" called LDL, which can lower your risk of heart attacks and strokes
• Matcha can help increase your bone mineral density, which in turn lowers your risk of osteoporosis (super important for women!)
• Matcha has also been shown to help recovery after heavy exercise

What does Matcha taste like?

Matcha has a delicious, smooth, rich and earthy flavour. It has a slightly sweet nutiness and the higher grade powders have a slightly grassy taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add honey or maple syrup to your Matcha. 

For those of you who have tried Matcha and didn't like it, I urge you to try a higher grade powder! The lower grade powders tend to have more of a bitter taste & a less vibrant green colour.

How much caffeine is in Matcha?

Because Matcha uses the whole leaf, it contains a higher amount of caffeine than other green teas. In fact, one cup of Matcha is equal to about 10 cups of green tea. However, it doesn't contain as much caffeine as coffee or other black teas. The amino acids in Matcha  release the caffeine into your body much slower, so you remain alert yet relaxed and without the peaks and troughs you get with coffee.

Not all Matcha is created equal! Here are my top Matcha tips:

• Choose Matcha from Japan, not from countries with high levels of pollution as this can transfer into the Matcha itself
• Choose organic Matcha, so you can be sure that the powder doesn't contain any horrible pesticides
• Choose a bright, vivid green powder (the more vibrant, the higher the quality, although non-organic powders can add synthetic fertilisers to add a more vibrant hue!)
• Ceremonial grade Matcha has a smoother taste and is less bitter, as it uses the finest leaves from the 1st harvest. Ceremonial grade Matcha can be whisked with just hot water until frothy.
• Enjoy the whole experience of preparing and drinking the Matcha. For a truly authentic experience, you can buy a little bamboo whisk called a Chasen to make your Matcha.

Matcha Latte Recipe

The perfect start to the day!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon Matcha Powder
• 1 teaspoon Maple Syrup (or honey)
• 1 cup of Milk 
• A little grated Nutmeg (optional)
• A little ground Cardamom
• 1 teaspoon of organic Coconut Oil

Directions:

• Make a paste by mixing the Matcha with a little hot water
• Heat the milk gently in a pan with the Nutmeg, Cardamom & Coconut Oil. Try not to let the milk boil, gently warm it up and allow the spices to infuse
• Once warm, whisk in the Matcha paste and enjoy!

Top tip: adding coconut oil to your Matcha, helps to slow down the absorption of caffeine into your body!

Please contact me if you would like to purchase any Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder or for any more information.