FAQs
General
What is Matcha made of?
Japanese Matcha tea is a delicate, vibrant green powder extracted from the leaves of the tea plant Camellia sinensis. Matcha is distinguished from other teas primarily by its unique cultivation and manufacturing process, which makes it so special and sought-after.
How is Matcha made?
After harvesting and the extensive manufacturing process, the pure flesh of the green tea leaves is called Tencha. These are then gently and slowly ground into Matcha tea in special granite stone mills.
Who discovered Matcha?
During the Song Dynasty in China (10th-13th century), the consumption of green tea powder played an important role in the lives of many Chan (Zen) monks who recognized the meditative effects of Matcha. Among these was Myōan Eisai, a Japanese Buddhist monk who spent most of his life studying the teachings of Chan (Zen) Buddhism in China, and who eventually brought the teachings of Zen, tea seeds, and the ritual of preparing and consuming Matcha to Japan.
Where does Matcha come from?
Matcha is produced in various places in East Asia. Originally it comes from China, but the best and most exquisite Matcha is manufactured in Japan. The most famous growing areas are in the southern half of the country: Uji, Nishio, Shizuoka and Kyūshū.
Why is Matcha so expensive?
Compared to loose leaf or bagged tea, Matcha is more precious and expensive due to the complex and rigorous cultivation and manufacturing process, which requires careful manual processing and quality assurance. In addition, high quality Matcha can only be harvested during the ichibancha or "first flush" of the tea plant, which limits harvesting to a very short period of time (2 months on average). In addition, when picking the tea leaves, only one bud and two leaves are hand picked by the tea farmers, as these are the youngest, greenest and most nutritious parts of the entire tea plant. All of this time and effort intensive work is reflected in the price of fine Matcha. We hope you appreciate the time and labor that goes into this process.
What does Matcha taste like?
The taste of Matcha is similar to that of green tea, but is intensified because the tea leaf is consumed and enjoyed in its entirety. The result is a rich, vegetal, creamy, smooth and slightly sweet tea with a hint of tartness. High quality Ceremonial Grade Matcha can be drunk neat, while Latte and Culinary Grade Matcha can be added to beverages, smoothies, desserts and lattes.
Are Matcha and Green Tea the same?
Matcha and green tea have similarities, but they are definitely not the same. Although both teas are derived from the tea plant Camellia sinensis, they are grown and manufactured completely differently. They also differ in taste and concentration of some ingredients. Green tea is grown in the sun, while Matcha is grown in the shade for a few weeks before harvest. Green tea is usually sold loose or in bags, while Matcha is a powder made from the finest powdered green tea leaves. There are many more differences, so let's sum it up in simple terms: "Matcha is green tea, but not all green tea is Matcha."
Why Matcha over coffee?
Both Matcha and coffee have an invigorating effect on the body due to the caffeine they contain, although Matcha is more alkaline and beneficial to health than coffee with almost the same caffeine content. Also, the caffeine in coffee peaks quickly and drops abruptly soon after. It also spikes the hormones adrenaline and cortisol in the adrenal glands, leading to increased heart rate, nervousness, anxiety and elevated blood sugar levels. Matcha, on the other hand, provides a smooth, long-lasting energy boost with calm alertness thanks to its unique amino acid L-theanine, which slows the body's absorption of caffeine. In addition, Matcha helps stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce stress on the adrenal glands. The L-theanine found in Matcha also lowers cortisol levels and creates alpha waves in the brain that create a state of calm, serene alertness.
Which Matcha to buy?
Since not all Matcha is the same, there are also different grades of quality, each best suited for a particular purpose. The first and highest grade of Matcha is the Ceremonial Grade, which should be consumed exclusively in its original form. This grade is produced from the finest and youngest tea leaves from the first harvest, and therefore has the brightest green color among the various grades. The produced Matcha has a naturally fine texture and a soft umami flavor. The Latte Grade, on the other hand, is not quite as tasty in its pure form, as it has a stronger and slightly more bitter taste. Therefore, as the name suggests, the Latte Grade is meant for lattes and other milk-based beverages or for mixing with various smoothies and drinks. The last grade is the Culinary Grade, which is made from later harvests. This in no way means that it is an inferior Matcha, it is just produced differently and has different uses and flavors than the Ceremonial Grade. Because the tea leaves are more exposed to sunlight, this grade contains more antioxidants (Catechins) and is therefore more astringent in flavor. The manufacturing process is faster, resulting in a coarser particle size of the Matcha. Still, this grade has its appeal when combined with other ingredients, such as batter for muffins, cakes, cookies and more. The strong, earthy flavor and slightly bitter umami combine well with mouthwatering Matcha recipes. As with cooking, you wouldn't use the expensive wine for cooking; you could, but you shouldn't. Therefore, culinary Matcha offers the perfect balance between quality and cost, so there's no need to break the bank to bake or cook with Matcha.
Health & Wellness
Will Matcha give me energy and keep me awake?
Matcha contains high levels of caffeine, which, when combined with the unique amino acid L-theanine, provides a sustained and gentle energy boost that keeps you calm and alert for an extended period of time. It's the perfect replacement for your morning coffee to start your day feeling energized and relaxed - and it's healthier too!
Why Matcha is good for you?
Matcha is rich in antioxidants and offers numerous health benefits due to its high content of secondary plant compounds called catechins, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which have been associated with anti-inflammatory effects in the human body. In addition, studies have linked the consumption of Matcha with the prevention of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and even the promotion of weight loss.
Can Matcha make you lose weight?
Matcha can indeed play a viral role in weight loss, although drinking matcha alone is not enough to lose serious weight. It can be used in combination with exercise as an effective tool because it is low in calories, gives a sustained energy boost, increases metabolism and thermogenesis (fat burning) in the human body, which can promote weight loss, as studies have shown.
Matcha when trying to conceive?
Matcha is extremely rich in antioxidants that rid the body of harmful molecules and reduce oxidative stress. Consuming matcha can be beneficial for women who are trying to conceive, as the formation of free radicals in the human body is reduced by the secondary plant compounds (catechins, especially EGCG). This protects the DNA and our cells from these unstable free radicals, which means that the egg cells are protected from damage. In addition, catechins may also be effective in reducing sperm abnormalities, so they can also be beneficial for men trying to improve their fertility and sperm function.
Matcha when pregnant and breastfeeding?
Since the maximum recommended amount of caffeine for an expectant mother is 200 mg per day, and Matcha generally contains 19-44 mg of caffeine per gram, you can consume four servings of Matcha per day and still stay under the 200 mg limit. But remember, as with anything else, moderation is key! Matcha still contains some caffeine, which will give you energy for the day, making it a perfect coffee alternative for nursing mothers. So Matcha is safe when consumed in moderation during pregnancy and breastfeeding, however keep in mind that it's important to talk to a trusted doctor first, as it's always better to be on the safe side when it comes to pregnancy.
Matcha when sick?
It's good for the body to drink Matcha when you're sick because it contains a very high level of secondary plant compounds called Catechins, which are powerful antioxidants. Therefore, Matcha not only strengthens the immune system, prevents colds and inhibits inflammation, but also provides a gentle energy boost to make you feel a little better while you're sick.
Matcha when hangover?
Since Matcha is an unique superfood, it has many benefits on the human body. One of them is that it is an excellent hangover remedy, and because of its beneficial ingredients, it can also mitigate the long-term damage to the body caused by alcohol. The antioxidant effects of the catechins and chlorophyll in Matcha will eliminate the free radicals released by alcohol in your body, and also protect your liver by cleansing it of toxins. In addition, Matcha will realkalize the body and help flush out the destructive molecules and toxins faster.
Will Matcha break my fast?
When Matcha is prepared without milk and sweeteners, it does not break the fast, because it has few calories (about 5 kcal. per serving). On the contrary, it even promotes the fasting process and results! Matcha boosts metabolism and thermogenesis (fat burning) in the human body as well as giving a long-lasting energy boost. Not to mention that it reduces hunger and stress when abstaining from food.
Can Matcha make you poop?
There are some indicators that can be associated with gastrointestinal activity when drinking Matcha, such as fluid intake, the warm temperature of Matcha, caffeine, fiber, and high antioxidant content. Good fluid intake and especially warm fluids dilate blood vessels in the digestive system, helping to increase blood flow and gastrointestinal activity. Also, the extra fluids make the stool softer and easier to pass. In addition, the high antioxidant content may aid in the elimination and processing of metabolic waste, allowing the body to flush it out more effectively. The fiber found in Matcha can help increase stool size, make it easier to pass, and even promote regular bowel movements. Furthermore, caffeine has long been associated with activating contractions in the colon and intestinal muscles, increasing bowel activity by 60% more than water. Since one gram of Matcha contains about 19-44 mg of caffeine, 385 mg of fiber, and many antioxidants, it could well have an effect on our digestive movements. However, as with everything, this varies from person to person.
Will Matcha stain my teeth?
In general, Matcha is very good for oral health because it has natural antibacterial properties that reduce bacteria in the mouth, prevent tooth decay, fight gingivitis, drive away bad breath and reduce the risk of oral cancer. This is due to catechins, a type of phytochemicals that are abundant in Matcha. However, these catechins can also indirectly stain teeth, depending on how well you brush them. According to studies and dental experts, matcha can discolor the film-like plaque that forms 4-12 hours after brushing your teeth. So as long as you brush at least once a day before the plaque has hardened, you can prevent Matcha from discoloring your teeth.
Can Matcha cause anxiety?
There is no evidence that Matcha can cause anxiety. In fact, some studies suggest that green tea, including Matcha, and its main active ingredient, epicatechin, have a mild calming effect and may even help reduce anxiety and stress. In one study, it was found that people who drank Matcha green tea had less anxiety and stress than people who did not. This could be due to the fact that the antioxidants found in Matcha, particularly the catechin EGCG, have a calming effect on the body and mind. In addition, Matcha green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has been shown to have a relaxing effect on the brain and may help reduce anxiety. While there is some evidence that Matcha green tea may help reduce anxiety, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of Matcha for anxiety and other conditions.