Matcha green tea: What is it? Why is it healthier than other green tea? How do I use it?

By: Brigita Feltham Click author's name for more of his/her articles

What is matcha?

Matcha green tea is the powdered form of high grade green tea leaves, known as gyokuro. It is traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony, but it is also used to make other drinks. And it is also often used in cooking.

How is matcha green tea made?

Matcha is made from gyokuro leaves, which are shaded from the sunlight with reeds or straw two or three weeks prior to picking. (This process of shading the leaves, differentiates it from other kinds of green teas which are not shaded prior to picking).

This process produces a higher level of theanine which gives matcha its mild and sweet flavour.

After the leaves have been steamed they are dried. The leaves veins and stems are then removed, and then the leaves are ground into a fine powder in a mill.

What are the health benefits of drinking matcha?

Matcha offers higher nutritional value than other green teas because it can be completely dissolved in water.

When you drink other kinds of tea, you discard the leaves, which means you are only getting some of the health benefits.

How do you make matcha green tea?

YOU WILL NEED:

A tea bowl (or a medium-sized bowl, deep enough to allow you to whisk the tea).

A tea whisk (chasen), or and egg whisk.

A 1/2 teaspoon of matcha (or 3 scoops using a chashaku).

1. When Japanese people drink matcha they usually have something sweet before drinking the tea. You might like to drink it with a slice of cake, or some chocolate. This balances the slight bitterness of the matcha.

2. Begin by heating the bowl, by pouring some hot water into the bowl, swishing the hot water around and then pouring it out.

3. Dry the bowl, and then add ½ tsp. of green tea into the tea bowl. (Optionally, use a tea strainer as this will make the powder thinner, and easier to whisk).

4. Then add about 70-80ml of water (at approx. 90 degrees), to the bowl.

5. Begin whisking up the tea with the whisk. Use a quick, back and forth wrist movement (make a M shape, as you whisk), until the tea is worked into a froth. And there is a light froth across the surface of the tea.

6. Enjoy the tea while it is hot.

Delicious and Easy-to-Make Matcha Recipes

MATCHA LATTE - A GREAT DRINK TO WARM YOU UP IN WINTER

1. Mix 1 ½ tsp. of matcha with 3 tablespoons of hot water. Stir briskly, until you have a smooth consistency.

2. Heat 1 cup of milk, (and optionally 1 tsp. of honey) over low heat. Then add the matcha, and stir until well blended.

MATCHA FRAPPUCINO - THE BEST REFRESHER ON A HOT SUMMER DAY

1. Put 1 cup (240mls, 8oz.) of milk into a blender.

2. Add some ice cubes.

3. Add 1 ½ tsp. of matcha.

4. Optionally, add a little honey/sugar to make it a little sweeter.

5. Blend it and enjoy!

Article Source: ABC Article Directory

About The Author: Brigita Feltham is the creator and owner of Infusious Tea. After spending 4 years in Japan, green tea became a part of Brigita's daily lifestyle. Brigita began to study tea ceremony and found out that not only does green tea have wonderful health benefits, but it also has a rich cultural tradition in Japan. For more information on Japanese green tea please visit: www.Japan-Green-Tea.com

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