That is why Matcha tea is unique
What makes Matcha unique? There are two reasons in particular why the green superfood is as amazing as it is:
1: The way it is grown and produced.
2: The way it is consumed.
Cultivation of the tea bushes
The tea bushes for Matcha are grown under shade, where they are surrounded by special mats in a technique known as "tana". This shading process, which lasts for a few weeks before harvest, gives Matcha its characteristic features by "stressing" the tea bushes. If the tea bushes could talk, they would be crying out for more light. The limited access to sunlight slows down the breakdown of chlorophyll, resulting in a high chlorophyll content that gives our matcha powder its intense green color.
But the shading does not only affect the color. It also has a significant effect on the taste and nutritional content of the tea. The reduced sunlight exposure increases the concentration of amino acids in the tea leaves, including L-theanine. It is L-theanine that contributes to the tea's unique umami taste, which is pleasant and rich. At the same time, L-theanine plays a significant role in how Matcha releases a calm and stable energy boost.
When the tea bushes are grown optimally under shade, the tea achieves a round, harmonious and minimally bitter taste. It can be reminiscent of fresh spinach and broccoli with an umami-like character. One of the reasons for this delicious taste is that shading reduces the production of tannin (tannic acid), which normally gives an astringent and bitter taste.
The cultivation of Matcha with consideration and care is therefore crucial for the taste experience and nutritional content. The shading not only helps to create the intense green color, but also to improve the taste and nutritional value of the tea. When you enjoy a tasty and beautiful cup of Matcha, you can experience the full depth of umami flavor and appreciate the care that has gone into each step of the cultivation process.
When you drink the green powder
That brings us to our second point - the way Matcha is drunk. When you drink regular green tea, whether loose or in a tea bag, you throw away the leaves after steeping. This is a bit like cooking spinach, throwing away the spinach and just drinking the water - You get some of the nutrients, but you throw away the best part - the leaves with all the nutrients.
When you drink Matcha, you mix the light green nutrient-rich powder into liquid and consume the whole tea leaf. Every little particle is packed with good stuff, so when you enjoy your Matcha, you take in every little bite of the healthy green leaf.
There are different ways you can enjoy the green superfood. As with coffee, some prefer their coffee black, while others add a little splash of milk or make a decidedly latte.
It's the same with the green drink. You can drink it "clean" with matcha powder and warm water (approx. 80 degrees), or you can make a Matcha latte and add your favorite milk and possibly a bit of honey or maple syrup. Others prefer their Matcha cold, where an Iced latte can be the perfect alternative. See the recipe for Iced latte here .
Since Matcha comes in powder form, you also have the option of using it in all sorts of different forms and recipes. You can create healthy snacks and beautiful desserts, where you will also achieve the beneficial effects of the powder. See all our recipes.
If you have the courage to try to integrate Matcha into your daily life, you can buy our Matcha set which contains everything you need to get started. Alternatively, you can start with our beginner Matcha set to test whether Matcha is for you.
