While you were busy contemplating as to why the world is going bonkers on green tea, Matcha on the other hand silently became the new ‘Queen’ of the tea world.
Celebrities have taken a break from gulping shots of alcohol and are now preferring shots of Matcha even while attending Fashion Shows. Chefs are ready to make anything and everything out of Matcha – lattes, brownies, ice cream…you name it and they will serve it.
Enough! So, What Is This ‘Matcha’?
Matcha, or “powdered tea” (Matcha literally translates to powdered tea – crazy!), is shade-grown Japanese green tea leaves ground into a fine powder. Matcha tea is generally prepared by mixing a half teaspoon of powder with a half cup of hot water. Instead of a spoon or metal whisk, the tea is whisked with a bamboo brush to achieve a delicate flavor and texture.
So, What’s The Problem If I Stick To My Green Tea? Aren’t Both Matcha And Green Tea The Same?
Well, the two magic potions might appear similar but Matcha takes the nutritional benefits a step further. Some of the major differences are as follows:
1. Once you steep your green tea the leaves are discarded; however, with Matcha you are actually drinking those green leaves which have been milled into a fine powder. Thus, Matcha provides your body with complete nutrients and vitamins that were otherwise discarded as leaves.
2. Scientists are beginning to research about the health benefits of Matcha as compared to green tea. Studies are showing that Matcha has more fat-burning capabilities, is more rich in Antioxidants, and can provide more mental stimulation and clarity.
3. Matcha leaves are shaded before being harvested which gives them higher levels of chlorophyll than Green tea. And ladies, the higher the chlorophyll, the higher the detox factor.
4. Matcha is generally more expensive than green tea. This might make you think twice about buying matcha at the store but worry not, there are different grades of Matcha with different price points–ceremonial grade can be expensive, while culinary grade is cheaper.
Whaat! There Are Different Grades Of Matcha? You’ve Got To Be Kidding Now!
Sorry, but we are not! Traditionalists recognise two grades of Matcha – Ceremonial and Culinary. If this is your first time, then, we suggest you get to know both grades before some retailer knocks you off with his own self-proclaimed grades:
1. Ceremonial Grade
If you are more interested in preparing traditional tea than trying any of the Matcha brownies or smoothies, then go for the Ceremonial grade. This form of Matcha is suitable for drinking in its purest form. You need not add any sweeteners as its flavour profile is already smooth and slightly sweet. Ceremonial Grade is more expensive than the culinary grade.
2. Culinary Grade
Culinary grade Matcha is generally mixed with other ingredients as it is slightly bitter. This is because culinary grade Matcha comes from later harvests than ceremonial grade, which is also why culinary grade is much less expensive. There is hardly any difference in the nutrient value of culinary grade as compared to ceremonial grade. Many of the first time users confuse this grade as lower in level, however, grades have nothing to do with purity. The difference between the two grades is mostly because of their usage applications as well as price.
Health Benefits Of Matcha
No matter if you want to bake it or drink it, Matcha will certainly become a close friend of your body. Are you still hesitating? Well, here are some of the best reasons to go green:
• High in Antioxidants resulting in younger looking skin
• Packed with Catechin and Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) which holds cancer-fighting properties
• Relaxes your mind and enhances calm
• Increases memory and concentration
• Boosts your energy levels
• Helps in weight loss
• Possess detoxifying agents
• Protects your immune system
• Improves Cholesterol level
Wanna Hear More? How About Some Interesting Recipes?
Not only is Matcha loaded with health benefits, but it also adds a beautiful pastel color to any dish you add it into. Apart from traditional Matcha tea, this secret ingredient can transform itself into lip-smacking dishes. And, food that looks good tastes good – right?
1. Blended Drinks
For all you folks out there who love beverages, good news! Matcha is a super ingredient for lattes, juices, smoothies and that stunning green color will definitely make your office co-workers beg for your recipe.
• Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
• Matcha Chai Latte
• Matcha Green Tea Smoothies
• Matcha Green Tea Latte
2. Baking
Take a break from traditional ingredients and try something new. Prepare amazing deserts with Matcha and surprise your friends with a burst of new flavour and color.
• Matcha Mochi Cupcakes
• Matcha Pancakes
• Brownies with Matcha Glaze
• Matcha Shortbread Cookies
3. Freeze it
How about some Matcha popsicles? Best suited for mothers who spend half their day running behind their kids to finish their veggies. Hand them these delicious popsicles and trust us, you are free!
• Matcha Mochi Yogurt Pops
• Matcha Ice Cream with Yuzu Citrus
• Matcha Macarons
So, what are you waiting for now? Let us help you get started. Check out Jade Leaf Matcha – they offer high quality organic Japanese Matcha at a fair price, and for a limited time, CureJoy readers can download their recipe guide for FREE, plus get 10% off your first Matcha order. Click Here Now!
