WHAT IS MATCHA?
Similar to green tea, matcha comes from the Camellia sinensis plant. It is, however, grown differently and has a unique nutrient profile. With matcha, we are drinking the nutrient-rich leaves, which not only have a delicious earthy, grassy flavor but also containing numerous health benefits. Farmers shade their tea plants 20 – 30 days before harvest to avoid direct sunlight.
Growing them in this way increases the amount of a pigment called chlorophyll in the tea leaves. This process also increases the beneficial compounds in the leaves and gives the plant a darker green hue. One such compound is an amino acid called L-theanine, which may have positive effects on human health.
Once the tea leaves are harvested, the stems and veins are removed and the leaves are milled into a fine powder known as matcha. Matcha contains the nutrients from the entire tea leaf, which results in a greater amount of caffeine and antioxidants than typically found in green tea.
Studies of matcha and its components have unearthed a variety of benefits, showing that it can help protect the liver, promote heart health, and even aid in weight loss. You can visit our health benefits page.
MATCHA GRADES
There are different grades of matcha. Ceremonial grade, which people use in tea ceremonies, is of the highest quality. Premium grade matcha is suitable for daily consumption. Culinary Grade is more suitable to use as a healthy ingredient in Matcha Lattes, Smoothies, and Baking, to name a few.
Ceremonial grade is the highest quality matcha powder available. It is created to be used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, so it’s considered more high-end. It’s made from the youngest matcha tea leaves with the stems and veins removed, leaving only the richest and most nutritious parts of the plant for production. The leaves are stone-ground into an extremely fine texture, which generates a delicate, smooth, and light-bodied taste. Ceremonial Grade Matcha should be served on its own and consumed with only hot water.
Premium Grade Matcha, technically is not an official category. It does not have the same sweet flavor as Ceremonial matcha but neither is it as strong and bitter as the Culinary grade. It certainly offers better value for those who want to enjoy Matcha on a budget. On the other hand, both the refreshing taste and flavourful aroma of our Daily Grade Matcha are certainly suitable for daily consumption.
Culinary Matcha, is often described as low-quality matcha but we beg to differ. Just as Ceremonial Matcha is grown to be drank, Culinary Matcha is grown to be mixed with other ingredients, so it requires a flavor that is strong enough to penetrate through others. And because of this, Culinary Matcha is a lot stronger and more bitter than the other two grades. They are often used as a healthy ingredient for Matcha Lattes, Smoothies, and Baking and should be sweetened due to its sharp, astringent taste. Visit our recipes here.