Unraveling Matcha: Expert Insights on Its Nature and Consumption
Rewritten Article:
Unraveling the Matcha Madness: Why this Green Powder is So Hot Right Now
Matcha, a fine green tea powder used in both drinks and dishes, has become the latest obsession in America's love affair with Japanese foods and ingredients. From ramen and sushi to yuzu, Japan's culinary offerings have been captivating our taste buds for years. But matcha stands out in the crowd, generating such a frenzy that the demand often outstrips supply. We sat down with Japanese tea experts to decipher the ins and outs of matcha, from brewing techniques to understanding the different types available.
- Tomoko Honda, head of global operations for Ippodo Tea Co., a venerable Japanese tea company with roots dating back to 1717 in the picturesque hills of Kyoto
- Rona Tison, tea ambassador and executive advisor for Ito En (North America) Inc., an offshoot of Ito En Ltd, a Tokyo-based green tea company whose brands include Oi Ocha, Matcha Love, and Teas' Tea
The Art of Brewing Matcha
Why It's Worth Mastering
Matcha is derived exclusively from tencha, a special Japanese green tea leaf that's grown in the shade for approximately 20 days before being harvested. According to Tomoko Honda, head of global operations for Ippodo Tea Co., this shade-grown process results in higher L-theanine levels, an amino acid that lends a calming, relaxing effect, all while being rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.
Once the stems and veins are discarded, the remaining leafy parts are dried and carefully stone-milled into a vibrant green powder. As Honda explains, well-trained artisans meticulously control factors like the condition of the mill and the ideal grinding speed to produce the matcha powder's distinctive smooth texture.
The Matcha Spectrum
The growing region, cultivation process, and time of year all contribute to the varying flavors of matcha, much like the Terroir of wine. As Rona Tison, executive advisor and tea ambassador for Ito En (North America) Inc., explains, "It's similar to wine, but different - with wine, there are various varietals, whereas, with matcha, it's all from the same plant."
Grade Distinction
Fine matcha tastes bright and smooth, incorporating sweet notes, while lower-quality matcha can be bitter and muted. The tea leaves' quality also plays a role in the variation of matcha. According to Tison, "High-quality matcha is carefully selected, often from the first harvest of the season, when the tea leaves are young and most vibrant."
Matcha is often classified into ceremonial grade and culinary (or ingredient) grade, although some brands categorize it further, offering premium and/or daily grade options. "There are no official standards for matcha grades like ceremonial, premium, culinary, or ingredient," Honda warns, adding that these categories are determined by individual tea companies' marketing strategies.
Ceremonial grade:: Typically the finest and most expensive, ceremonial matcha has a lovely, emerald green color and a delicate, nutty flavor. It's ideal for Japanese tea ceremonies, as well as for blending into lattes, smoothies, and desserts.
Daily grade::Balanced, bold, and slightly sweet, this matcha is delicious in lattes, hot chocolate, and cocktails.
Culinary grade:: Stronger and more astringent, culinary matcha is often made from older leaves and stems. It holds its own in baked goods, savory dishes, and drinks where it competes with stronger flavors.
Tison advises buyers to "know your source and origin" to avoid any confusion or mislabeling.
Health Benefits of Matcha
A single gram of matcha powder contains approximately 32 milligrams of caffeine, making it a milder alternative to coffee for an energizing pick-me-up. Thanks to its shade-growing process, matcha boasts the most L-theanine of all green teas, which provides a calming, relaxing effect. It's also rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, and vitamin C.
Tea Ceremony Customs
Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies promote mindfulness and spiritual connection through the preparation, serving, and sharing of matcha. This centuries-old Zen Buddhist practice fosters harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility among guests and hosts.
Modern Matcha Rituals
Today, many people turn to matcha for its mind-body-spirit benefits, the distinct taste, and the peaceful relaxation it offers. "In the past, the ceremonies were more formal, whereas now there is a greater appreciation for matcha's health benefits, the taste, and the relaxation it provides," Tison explains.
In addition to traditional hot tea, there are numerous creative ways to enjoy matcha's versatility, including:
Matcha Lattes: A simple and popular drink that melds matcha with hot water and steamed milk (or a non-dairy alternative) before adding your choice of sweetener.
Smoothies: Matcha pairs fantastically with acidic ingredients, such as pineapple in our Green Smoothie or avocado in our Avocado-Banana Smoothie.
Cocktails: Matcha-infused cocktails are making waves. Try our Mojito or whip up a Boozy Frozen Lemonade infused with our homemade matcha syrup.
Chia Pudding: Simply add matcha to a homemade chia pudding, then top with your favorites like toasted nuts, berries, and bananas.
Cheesecakes: Matcha complements creamy desserts beautifully, especially when added to the filling for our Classic Cheesecake.
Energy Balls: Our Banana Energy Bites are designed for matcha-lovers, with their nutty, energizing flavor.
Salads: Add matcha to your watermelon, cucumber, and feta cheese salad or use it to enhance the dressing for our Watermelon Feta Salad.
Sauces: Matcha lends depth and a subtle green hue to sauces, such as our Spicy Grilled Shrimp or our Soy-Ginger Marinated Pork Chops.
Marinades: For a distinctive earthy flavor, whisk matcha into our Soy-and-Ginger Marinated Pork Chops or any of your favorite dry rubs.
- The fine green tea powder called matcha, popular in both drinks and dishes, has become a captivating trend in America's love for Japanese foods, outshining others like ramen and sushi.
- Matcha is exclusively derived from tencha, a special Japanese green tea leaf grown in the shade for approximately 20 days, resulting in high antioxidant and L-theanine levels.
- The art of brewing matcha is refined by skilled artisans who meticulously control factors such as the ideal grinding speed to achieve the matcha powder's distinctive smooth texture.
- The flavors of matcha vary significantly due to factors like growing region, cultivation process, and time of year, much like the Terroir of wine.
- High-quality matcha is often sourced from the first harvest of the season, when the tea leaves are young and most vibrant, resulting in a bright, smooth taste.
- Matcha is typically classified into ceremonial grade, daily grade, and culinary grade, but the categories can be subjective, as determined by individual tea companies' marketing strategies.
- Matcha contains approximately 32 milligrams of caffeine per gram, making it a milder alternative to coffee for an energizing boost, while also offering a calming effect due to its high L-theanine content.
- Modern matcha rituals go beyond traditional tea ceremonies, with numerous creative ways to enjoy matcha's versatility, such as in lattes, smoothies, cocktails, chia pudding, and various desserts and dishes, offering mind-body-spirit benefits, a distinct taste, and peaceful relaxation.