Matcha tea powder is at the heart of Japanese tea culture, a tradition that spans over 1,000 years. This finely ground green tea is more than just a beverage - it's a symbol of mindfulness, health, and a deep connection to nature.
Matcha is a type of green tea, but it differs significantly from other varieties. Unlike most teas, which are brewed from whole leaves, matcha is made from finely powdered leaves, allowing you to consume the entire leaf and all its nutrients. This means matcha can contain up to 10 times more antioxidants than regular green tea. It's also rich in natural plant compounds like catechins, caffeine, and L-theanine, which together create a balanced, energising, and calming effect.
Benefits of Matcha Tea
Green tea is renowned for its numerous health benefits, and matcha is no exception. Here are three key reasons why matcha stands out:
- High in Antioxidants: Matcha is rich in catechins, a type of antioxidant that helps protect the body from harmful free radicals, contributing to overall health.
- Enhances Brain Function: The unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha not only boosts alertness but also promotes a calm, focused state of mind.
- Supports Weight Management: Some studies suggest that matcha can increase metabolic rate and enhance fat burning, making it a popular choice for those looking to manage their weight.
Different Matcha Grades
When it comes to matcha, quality matters. The highest quality matcha is known as ceremonial grade, which is traditionally enjoyed on its own in a hot brew as part of the chadō ceremony. Ceremonial grade matcha is made from the best leaves, chosen for their vibrant green colour and intricate, nuanced flavours.
Our JING Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade is ground to order using traditional stone mills, producing a sweet, creamy matcha with deep umami notes. Sourced from Kagoshima in southern Japan, where fertile volcanic soil enhances the tea's character, our matcha is packed immediately after milling to preserve its freshness and flavour.
For those who prefer to enjoy matcha in different ways, such as in lattes, smoothies, or baking, culinary grade matcha offers a more affordable option. It has a stronger, less subtle flavour designed to hold its own when mixed with other ingredients.
How to Make the Perfect Cup of Matcha
For our Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade, we recommend using 1.5g (or 1 tsp) of matcha per 160ml cup. To avoid bitterness, it's important not to use boiling water. Instead, heat the water to around 70ºC. Once you have your matcha and water ready, whisk them together until you create a foamy liquid, then pour it into your cup.
Matcha in Modern Recipes
Matcha lattes have gained popularity recently and are now a common sight in coffee shops. Making one at home is easy and versatile - matcha lattes work well with both dairy and non-dairy milk alternatives. For a cold matcha latte, simply shake 1.5g of matcha with 160ml of cold water and ice in a matcha shaker. The result is a creamy, refreshing drink that's perfect for any time of day.
Matcha vs. Green Tea Powder: What’s the Difference?
While both matcha and green tea powder come from the Camellia sinensis plant, they are not the same. Matcha is made from tencha leaves, which are shaded before harvesting and then de-stemmed and de-veined before grinding. This process gives matcha its smooth texture and sweet, umami-rich flavour. Green tea powder, on the other hand, is usually made from sencha leaves, which are not shaded and retain more of the leaf’s bitterness and astringency.
Matcha is considered higher quality and provides a more refined taste experience, along with greater health benefits due to its higher levels of L-theanine and chlorophyll.
Tips for Enhancing Matcha’s Flavour
To get the best taste from your matcha, always choose a high-quality ceremonial grade powder. Pay attention to your water temperature - using 70ºC water will bring out matcha's creamy, sweet, and umami-rich flavours without introducing bitterness. You can also experiment with making matcha lattes using milk or non-dairy alternatives, and adjusting the sweetness to your preference.
Explore Our Matcha Range:
Organic Matcha Ceremonial Grade
Handmade Ceremonial Matcha Bowl
