The Matcha
The Matcha
Matcha: More than just a trendy drink
In our superfoods blog series, we usually focus on edible foods. But today's post is dedicated to a beverage that's on the rise due to its health-promoting, superfood-like properties and is being consumed by an increasing number of people. We're talking about the trendiest drink par excellence: matcha.
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially cultivated and processed green tea leaves and has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. Often dismissed as a simple trendy drink, matcha boasts a rich history and a host of health benefits that make it a true superfood.
The origins of Matcha
The history of matcha begins in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), where green tea was pressed into bricks, dried, and then dissolved in hot water. This method of tea consumption reached Japan in the 12th century, where it was adopted and further developed by Buddhist monks. It was these monks who recognized and promoted the meditative and health benefits of matcha as part of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Health benefits of matcha
Matcha stands out for its impressive nutrient density. Compared to traditional green tea, where the leaves are removed after brewing, matcha is consumed from the entire leaf in powdered form. This results in a higher concentration of antioxidants, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful polyphenol linked to numerous health benefits.
Antioxidant effect: Matcha is rich in catechins, which act as potent antioxidants and protect the body from cell damage caused by free radicals.
Increase brain function: Studies suggest that regular consumption of matcha can improve concentration, memory and reaction time.
Heart health: Regular consumption of matcha can reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering blood pressure and regulating cholesterol levels.
Weight management: Matcha can speed up metabolism and promote fat burning, making it a popular drink for people looking to lose weight.
Relaxation and stress relief: Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid known for its calming properties, which contribute to relaxation and well-being.
Traditional Matcha Tea
Matcha combines wonderfully with some foods, but its true power, especially for tea lovers, only unfolds when prepared traditionally. There are a few things to keep in mind if you want to prepare matcha the way the ancient Buddhist monks did.
This is what you need:
Here's how to prepare your traditional Matcha tea:
Prepare matcha powder: Sift 1 to 2 teaspoons (or 2 to 4 grams) of matcha powder through a fine sieve to prevent lumps.
Heat water: Heat water to just below boiling point, about 80°C. If you don't have a thermometer, let the water boil and then cool for about 5 minutes.
Prepare the chawan: Preheat your matcha bowl (chawan) by filling it with some hot water, stirring, and then discarding the water. Dry the bowl with a cloth.
Add matcha: Add the sifted matcha powder to the preheated bowl.
Add water: Pour about 60 to 80 ml of the hot water into the bowl with the matcha powder.
Whipping Matcha: Use the bamboo whisk (chasen) to whisk the tea. Move the whisk quickly in a "W" or "M" shape until the tea becomes frothy. The foam should be light green and fine. Be careful not to press too hard.
Enjoy the tea: Once the tea is frothy, enjoy it straight from the cup while the foam is still fresh.
Follow-up: Clean the bamboo whisk and bowl immediately after use. The whisk should be gently rinsed under cold running water and air-dried.
These steps follow the traditional Japanese method of preparing matcha, known as "usucha." There is also a thicker version, "koicha," which uses more powder and less water. However, this method requires much higher-quality matcha and some practice in preparation.
Conclusion
Matcha is far more than just a trendy drink. Its deep-rooted history, the careful way it is prepared, and the multitude of its health benefits make it a valuable component of a balanced diet. Whether as a traditional tea, in modern beverages, or as an ingredient in culinary creations, matcha offers a unique combination of flavor, tradition, and health.
