Since about 2016, Matcha has surged in global popularity, with its consumption showing consistent growth. Renowned for its trendy appeal, influencers and celebrities often tout Matcha for its supposed health benefits. For many, incorporating Matcha into their daily routine, whether by ordering it or preparing it at home, has become commonplace. But what do we really know about Matcha, besides its appealing fresh taste and vivid green color? Is it really different from ordinary green tea and is it as healthy as people say?
Matcha is a powdered tea made from the whole green tea leaves. While it is often associated with Japanese origins and culture, its true roots, like many teas we know today, trace back to China. Tea was frequently consumed by Buddhist and Zen monks to enhance concentration and energy. Matcha, in particular, emerged as a favored beverage for such purposes. Unlike other caffeinated drinks, matcha contains not only caffeine but also L-theanine, a compound known for promoting relaxation. Matcha typically contains less caffeine than coffee, yet it can still provide a noticeable increase in energy levels. This unique combination offers a smoother energy boost while maintaining a sense of calmness and relaxation, thanks to the release of serotonin and endorphins (National Library of Medicine).
Although Matcha originated in China long before it gained popularity in Japan, it was the Japanese Buddhist monk Eisai who introduced a new way of consuming tea to his homeland upon his return from China in the 12th century. This pivotal moment in history transformed Matcha into a beverage of unparalleled significance in Japanese culture, elevating it to an indispensable part of their traditions.
Historical records indicate that following Eisai's introduction of Matcha in Japan, the beverage became deeply ingrained in the culture of the elite, including Buddhist monks, courtiers, and samurai (Graham, The Saint Louis Art Museum). While some favored Sencha, another popular tea at the time, others continued to enjoy Matcha. The beverage's popularity among the samurai, in particular, was evident in their meticulous attention to tea utensils and the ceremonial aspects of its preparation. Meanwhile, monks were drawn to Matcha for its distinct flavor and the emotional experience it evoked during consumption. Despite these differences in preference, it's clear that Matcha gained increasing significance among Japan's elite circles over time. Only later did it become a widely consumed beverage among ordinary citizens throughout the country.
We can recognize true Matcha by its vibrant green color, but how do we get such a hue from the same leaves that usually make brown, light yellow or light green color tea? Well, it's all in the process. As mentioned previously, matcha consists of powdered green tea leaves. But it is the low temperetures, minimum processing and most importantly, the shading of the leaves from the sun, that makes the normal green tea - matcha. After undergoing minimal processing, necessary for the leaves to become matcha in the future, they are stone-ground in a special stone mill until they produce the finest color matcha powder. This powder is then ready to be mixed with hot water and whisked with a special chasen bamboo whisk in a bowl until it is ready to be consumed. While Japan is renowned for its elaborate tea ceremonies, known as chanoyu ("the way of tea"), Matcha can now be enjoyed by anyone in the comfort of their own home. All you need is matcha powder, chasen, a bowl for whisking, and a scoop or teaspoon to measure out the perfect amount of Matcha.
Today, there's an abundance of drinks and desserts featuring Matcha, ranging from traditional Japanese treats to frappes and lattes enjoyed worldwide. It's become a beloved beverage, sparking countless conversations and cravings. Yet, finding authentic Matcha can be a challenge. True Matcha stands out with its bright green color, packed with antioxidants and health benefits. Lower quality Matcha, on the other hand, lacks that vibrant green and may not offer the same quality and sweet bitterness. It's often used in desserts or sold at a cheaper price. So, if you want to get the best out of this peculiar beverage, look for that vibrant green hue. When it comes to health benefits, Matcha offers significant advantages for both the body and mind. While it's not a cure-all or a magical fix, Matcha has been shown to promote relaxation while providing a smoother energy boost compared to regular coffee.
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