What is matcha?

Matcha green tea powder is made with finely ground green tea leaves that are rich in phytochemicals, most particularly catechins. Matcha is the type of green tea served in formal ceremonies in Japan.

After harvesting, the stems and veins are removed, leaving the leaves which are the only the edible portion. Matcha remains palatable due to the development of theanine, a mellow flavor stemming from amino acids. Teas grown and cultivated in full sun, on the other hand, develop catechins, which add an astringent flavor to the tea.

The leaves used in this premium tea are cultivated in shaded areas, increasing their chlorophyll content and producing a rich source of antioxidants. The powder is most commonly used in green tea beverages but can also be featured in a variety of other ways such as matcha ice cream and matcha cupcakes.

Credited with benefits that range from aiding weight loss and building muscle to cancer prevention and reducing cholesterol, this superfood is one of the most potent nutritionals available today.

But unlike other types of tea that are steeped in bags, matcha is a finely milled powder made from the whole leaf and dissolved in water to release the full health properties of the leaves. In fact, one cup of matcha has as many antioxidants as 10 cups of regular green tea. There are two major regions where matcha is produced –Uji of Kyoto, and Nishio, in the Aichi-prefecture, Japan.
What is matcha?