Matcha Decoded: What Is Matcha Tea and Why Is It Gaining Popularity?
Matcha Decoded: What Is Matcha Tea and Why Is It Gaining Popularity?
If you've been around on the internet, you have probably heard about or seen this green-tinted beverage. Over the past couple of years, Matcha has become an internet sensation, appealing to the palate of millennials and Gen-Z alike. Even though Matcha is currently trending in the health and wellness world, it has a fascinating deep-rooted heritage. This article takes you on a riveting journey into Matcha-land!
So, What Exactly is Matcha?
Even though you might have seen this delectable drink in the form of creamy, Matcha lattes, it is a type of green tea! It is made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant, the same plant used to make traditional green tea. However, the leaves used to make Matcha are grown and processed differently than traditional green tea leaves.
Matcha is a powdered tea, made by crushing the whole leaves of green tea. This plant is grown in shade for about three to four weeks before it is harvested. This shade-grown technique gives Matcha green tea its unique combination of flavour, catechins and health benefits. Since Matcha is a powdered version of whole tea leaves, it lets you soak in all the benefits of the entire leaves as opposed to the steeped-in benefits that regular teas provide. This is what makes Matcha a superfood!
Going Back to the Roots of Matcha
The origin of tea can be traced back to China, where during the Tang dynasty, the process of crushing tea into a powder began. Later, the Song dynasty started blending this powdered tea with hot water with a whisk. This whisking process was done in a small bowl and became popular during this period.
When Zen Buddhism made its way to Japan, it also brought with it the sacred knowledge of tea. Eisai introduced tea to monasteries in the 12th century and thus Matcha laid its foundation in Japan. Today, the best Matcha is found in Japan in the regions of Kyushu, Nishio, Uji and Shizuoka. Matcha tea is the base ingredient in the famous tea ceremonies of Japan. The process of brewing this tea is a ritual in Japanese culture and is highly revered by Matcha lovers all around the world today.
The Potency of This Popular drink
Consumers of Matcha tea notice an increase in energy throughout the day, which is one of the tea's most surprising health advantages. Researchers formerly assumed that this was due to the Matcha's caffeine content, but they later discovered that it was a combination of Matcha's natural attributes. According to a different recent study, Matcha health benefits include physical stamina and endurance.
Usucha and Koicha are the two common preparation methods for Matcha. Usucha, which means 'thin tea', is the most widely used method of preparation, which is typically offered at cafes and restaurants. The 'thick tea' is called Koicha. Compared to Usucha, it uses twice as much Matcha powder and half as much water.
Learn How to Make the Perfect Cup of Matcha Tea
It's easy to take advantage of the many Matcha health benefits, plus the tea is delectable! TGL Co.'s organic Matcha is the perfect starting point to get the right taste for your Matcha drink. It is sourced from Japan and is made from Tencha green tea leaves. Here's how to make Matcha tea.
- Take 2 gms of Matcha powder and sift it in a small bowl.
- Add around 80-100 ml of hot water.
- Use a bamboo whisk to blend this mix using a rapid zig-zag motion.
That's it! Your yummy cup of Matcha tea is ready. You can consume it as it is, or you can make a blended drink using this base recipe. You can add milk and sugar to it to make a delicious Matcha latte. Serve it hot or iced, based on your preference. A warm cup of Matcha latte or milk tea is perfect for those wintry months!
The internet has seen a wide variety of recipes that uses a cup of Matcha tea, to begin with. You can add various syrups like caramel, vanilla and more to create new flavours. You can also top it with bubble tea, strawberries, blueberries to make a more satiating drink. Matcha can also be combined with soda, lemonade or ginger ale to create refreshing summer drinks.
Benefits of Matcha You Didn't Know About
It's packed with antioxidants
Antioxidants eliminate harmful substances from the body. Matcha and other green teas contain a lot of catechins, which serve as antioxidants. Tea flavonoids contain antibacterial properties, decrease inflammation, and guard against tooth decay.
It can support weight loss and management
The relationship between Matcha tea and weight loss is widely known. Research suggests that it may aid in accelerating the metabolism to enhance fat burning. According to some research, Matcha powder can boost metabolism and fat burning, which may help with weight loss.
It can improve your cardiovascular health
Matcha is a rich source of micronutrients, including epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a plant chemical with potential health benefits. Matcha supports the health of your heart by avoiding the formation of plaque, the thickness of heart tissue, and other disorders.
Matcha can make your skin healthier
You may have heard of skin-care products with Matcha extracts. Well, in addition to being beneficial for internal health, Matcha tea and green teas can also be utilised to enhance skin health. Matcha tea powder may be used as a face mask to effectively curb redness and provide your complexion with a natural shine thanks to ingredients like caffeine and EGCG. Matcha can complement your beauty routine.
It can boost brain function
According to research, many of Matcha's ingredients may improve brain health. Numerous studies have connected caffeine consumption to better brain health, including improved memory, concentration, and reaction times. The caffeine boost you get from Matcha has a gradual rise and dip, meaning you won't get any caffeine jitters!
Matcha - the drink that went viral
Matcha's virality has been driven by the rise of Instagram-worthy food and drinks. The vibrant green color of Matcha makes it a perfect ingredient for visually appealing drinks and desserts, which has led to many people sharing pictures of their Matcha creations on Instagram and other social media platforms. Another reason for Matcha's popularity is its unique flavor. It has a vegetal, grassy taste with a hint of sweetness. The versatility of Matcha has led to its use in a variety of culinary and non-culinary products like desserts and skincare!
Finally, Matcha’s popularity can also be attributed to the fact that it is a natural and healthy alternative to traditional energy drinks and caffeine sources. Many people are looking for ways to improve their overall health and wellbeing, and Matcha offers a natural solution. This has led to many people sharing their experiences with Matcha as a natural energy boost on social media.
In conclusion, Matcha has recently gone viral on the internet due to a combination of factors, including its health benefits, unique flavor, visually appealing color, and its natural and healthy alternative to traditional energy drinks. As a result, Matcha has become a popular choice for many people looking for a new and exciting way to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Add a little bit of variety to your caffeine drinks by giving Matcha a shot! Check out the organic Matcha powder from TGL Co. and try out this super-drink for yourself!
References:
https://www.eater.com/drinks/2015/2/11/8006039/everything-you-need-to-know-about-Matcha
https://www.worldteanews.com/issues-trends/Matcha-report-2021-will-Matcha-rule-tea-world
https://www.forbes.com/health/body/Matcha-tea-health-benefits/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-benefits-of-Matcha-tea#The-bottom-line
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a27127259/Matcha-powder-benefits/
https://Matchasource.com/health-benefits-of-Matcha-tea/
https://www.ohhowcivilized.com/Matcha-drinks/
