Matcha is a superhero tea: it is the most exquisite and purest form of tea in the world.
Matcha comes all the way from Japan and is made solely of the rare and high-class Tencha tea leaves which are ground in the traditional way to a fine powder that has a lovely emerald colour. Very delicate and refined, top quality Matcha combines a velvety texture with a smooth fragrance.
The origins of Matcha
Its origin dates back to the 12th century, when the Buddhist monk Eisai brought tea seeds back from a journey to China and planted them in different regions of Japan. At the time, tea was prepared by grinding it to a fine powder, literally called ‘Matcha’, then whisking it in a bowl. Matcha was only drunk by the Japanese elite in traditional tea ceremonies and remained the privilege of the nobility for a long time, before it gradually became popularized.
A superhero tea
Antioxidants
The Japanese Matcha green tea is a real superfood. No other natural food contains as much antioxidants as Matcha: 137 times as many antioxidants as conventional green tea!!! Matcha is particularly rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been tied to protection against heart disease and cancer, as well as better blood sugar regulation, blood pressure reduction, and anti-aging.
Weight loss
The catechins in Matcha also increase the body’s rate of calorie burning and offers additional fat burning benefit during exercise.
Calm energy and brain concentration
Matcha also contains two more great nutrients: caffeine and L-theanine. Matcha tea is unique because the process of shading and harvesting increases the content of L-Theanine, an amino acid that helps balance the caffeine. While matcha may contain the same caffeine as other types of tea, the L-Theanine is known to create calmness without drowsiness.
Thanks to the presence of those nutrients, vitamins and minerals, Matcha tea has an enjoyably stimulating effect whilst ensuring relaxation. The effect is calm energy and concentration that last way longer that those induced by coffee. Without any side effects.
The matcha grades
There are several different “grades” of Matcha green tea powder. Depending on the farmer and location, the tencha green tea is cultivated in different qualities and with different nutrients. The basis for high-quality Matcha is cultivation with only the pure tea leaves on the top of the bush being harvested. Moreover, the selected processing method is a decisive factor in the quality, taste and nutrient profile of Matcha.
Ceremonial Matcha is the highest quality green tea powder available and the traditional matcha grade used in tea ceremonies in Japan. This premium grade is vibrant green in color, with a very delicate taste and extremely fine texture. The second main category of Matcha is culinary grade, which is most often used for cooking and baking. Culinary grade Matcha powder can be further broken down into five main sub-types: premium, café, ingredient, kitchen and classic.
Our Teatonic Matcha green tea powder has a premium ceremonial quality. The tea is farmed in the prefecture of Kagoshima in the very south of Japan, on the Peninsula of Kyûshû. Kyûshû is known for its extraordinary tea because its warm and humid climate throughout the year and its nutrient-rich soil. We have selected this superb Matcha for its superior quality and deliciously mild taste.
Think outside the cup
Matcha is hot with chefs today, not just as a beverage, but as an ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Brewing a cup isn't the only way to enjoy this tasty ingredient. Here are a few ways to use Matcha differently:
- Stir it into your favorite latte (We personally recommend using oat, almond or coconut milk)
- Add it into your protein-rich pancakes or crèpes
- Mix it in a skinny green vegetable smoothie
- Prepare a Matcha green tea ice cream
- Pitch it into your refreshing mango juice
- Enjoy a Matcha panna cotta
- Savor delightful Matcha-almond cookies
- … and much more ideas
No matter if you mix it with hot water or stir it into your favorite smoothie, shake or latte, your Teatonic Matcha will provide you a calm and healthy energy boost to start your day.