MATCHA TEA
Table of contents
What is Matcha Tea?
Matcha tea is a type of green tea from Japan, made from the youngest and tenderest tea leaves, which are stone-milled into an ultra-fine, vibrant green powder. Although the tradition of drinking powdered tea began in China around the year 1000, it was in Japan where it reached its highest expression, especially in the tea ceremony (Chadō) and among Buddhist monks, who used it to stay calm and alert during long meditations.
Its peculiarity is that it isn’t infused but whisked into hot water, allowing you to ingest the entire leaf and maximise its nutrients. Today, matcha tea has become a global symbol of health, energy, and well-being.
Properties of Matcha Tea
Matcha tea exponentially concentrates the properties of green tea because you consume the whole leaf. Its main properties include:
- High in antioxidants (up to 10 times more than green tea)
- Natural source of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm and focus.
- Contains slow-release caffeine that provides steady energy for 6–8 hours.
- Rich in vitamins (A, C, E, K) and minerals (potassium, iron, calcium).
- Provides dietary fibre, helping regulate digestion and blood sugar.
- Diuretic and cleansing properties.
- Supports protection of the cardiovascular system.
Benefits of Matcha Tea
Thanks to this rich nutritional profile, matcha tea offers multiple health and wellness benefits:
- Supports fat burning and speeds up metabolism—ideal for diets and detox plans.
- Improves concentration and mental focus, without the jitters coffee can cause.
- Helps regulate blood pressure, unlike coffee which tends to raise it.
- Combats oxidative stress and helps prevent cellular ageing.
- Boosts oral health by helping fight bacteria that cause plaque.
- Promotes a sustained feeling of vitality and energy throughout the day.
- Versatile consumption: hot, iced, as lattes, or even mixed with juices.
Contraindications of Matcha Tea
Although it’s a very healthy drink, matcha tea isn’t recommended for everyone. It’s advisable to moderate consumption in the following cases:
● People sensitive to caffeine, as it may cause insomnia or nervousness.
● Excessive intake isn’t recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
● It may interfere with iron absorption, so it shouldn’t be taken right with meals.
● High consumption may cause digestive discomfort in people with sensitive stomachs.
● In excess, it could aggravate anxiety or hypertension issues.
How to Prepare Matcha Tea?
Traditional method (with bamboo whisk)
- Place 1.5–2 g of matcha in a bowl using the bamboo scoop (chashaku).
- Add a little hot water (80–85 °C / 176–185 °F).
- Whisk vigorously with the bamboo whisk (chasen) in a “W” motion until foam appears.
- Add more water, milk, or plant-based drink to taste.
Practical method (with shaker)
- Add water (at room temperature) to the shaker.
- Add the matcha powder.
- Shake vigorously until foam appears.
- Serve in a cup or glass with ice if you prefer iced matcha.
Modern variations
- Matcha latte: prepared with milk or a plant-based drink (oat, almond, coconut, etc.).
- Iced matcha with ice cubes: refreshing for hot days.
- Matcha with orange juice: an innovative, energising blend.
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