1 week Ago By Luisa Heenan
“Tea is the ultimate mental and medical remedy and has the ability to make one’s life more full and complete.” These are the famous words of Eisai, the influential Japanese monk who introduced green tea from China to Japan in the early 12th century. Nine centuries on, we’re still continuously surprised by the numerous health benefits of matcha and the many creative ways we can incorporate it into our lives.
It is a superfood that Japan prides itself on for a reason.More Sophisticated Than Just “Green Tea”Why is Matcha Expensive?What Are The Health Benefits Of Matcha?How To Use Matcha At HomeWhere To Find The Highest Quality MatchaRecipe: Tropical Matcha SmoothieMore Sophisticated Than Just “Green Tea”© Photo by iStock: grafvisionMatcha—not to be confused with regular green tea—is a type of green tea that uses very carefully selected (and treated) young tea leaves that are ground into a bright green powder. The powder is then whisked with hot water, producing a usually very dense and often bitter taste.
Unlike matcha, the regular green tea (the one you can find at your local convenience store) uses tea leaves that have been infused in water and then removed. In other words, matcha preserves all its natural components, producing a highly concentrated cup of health benefits you need.Everyone who has been exposed to Japanese culture in one way or another may know that matcha has been used in traditional tea ceremonies for hundreds of years.
The meticulous approach and precision invested in a single cup of matcha are only factors in understanding its cultural importance.Why is Matcha Expensive?© Photo by iStock: akiyokoOnly the highest-quality green tea leaves make matcha. Farmers cultivate it under extremely special conditions using only the highest-quality leaves.
They hand-pick the leaves, remove the stems and veins, and grow them on special bushes. These bushes typically stay under shade, which increases the chlorophyll content and boosts the nutrients. As a result, drinking just one glass provides the nutritional and antioxidant value of 10 cups of green tea.
Due to high domestic demand, Japan exports just one to two percent of its total production. You can easily recognize the authenticity of the powder by its price—if it’s cheap, it probably isn’t the drink you’re looking for. If you’re unsure, check this price guide:Cheap (¥300–¥800 per 100g)Often used for cooking or blending into other productsLacks rich flavor and smooth textureMid-range (¥1,000–¥3,000 per 100g)Good balance of flavor, but may lack the deep umami of premium stuffTypically sold in larger quantities or from well-known brandsHigh-quality (¥4,000–¥10,000+ per 100g)Superior flavor, vibrant green color and smooth textureGrown in optimal conditions with careful processing to preserve nutrients and tasteWhat Are The Health Benefits Of Matcha?© Photo by iStock: fannreiMatcha is packed with antioxidants called catechins, which are the key to anti-aging, while also being anti-inflammatory and helpful in fighting chronic diseases.
Among its many antioxidants, it also contains a high quantity of EGCG, which is known for its powerful anti-carcinogenic properties. Matcha has 137 times more of this antioxidant than regular green tea. Here are some of the other beneficial components:L-theanineL-theanine is an amino acid that promotes relaxation and decreases stress.
It can also aid with alertness and memory. It is said that Zen monks used to drink matcha to keep them alert but relaxed throughout their long sitting meditations. Research shows that L-theanine can also raise levels of serotonin (a happy hormone) and dopamine (a pleasure hormone).
Although all teas contain this quality, matcha contains five times the amount found in regular green and black teas. Although matcha contains caffeine (one serving contains 35 milligrams, while one shot of espresso has approximately 75 milligrams), the L-theanine balances out the body’s response to the caffeine, so you are gaining alertness and sustained energy without the potential coffee jitters.ChlorophyllChlorophyll is the naturally occurring compound in plants that gives them their juicy green goodness.
Growing matcha tea leaves in the shade results in a higher concentration of chlorophyll in the plant, hence the gorgeous emerald color of the tea. Chlorophyll is a potent detoxifier, as it binds to heavy metals and toxins in the body to clean and purify the blood. It is also highly alkalizing, so it helps balance pH levels in the body.
This could be one of the reasons why sushi restaurants offer powdered tea at the table—to aid with mercury detoxification.In addition, matcha is also reported to have these benefits:Increased metabolism (a.k.
a. fat burning and weight loss)Boosted energy and enduranceLower blood pressure and bad cholesterolBalanced insulin levelsBetter skin conditionHowever, rather than being based on scientific research, these studies are most commonly based on population surveys and experiments; thus, more research is needed to back the data. Nevertheless, it is clear that one matcha cup a day will take you a long way.
How To Use Matcha At Home© Photo by iStock: trumzzTraditionally, matcha powder is used to make tea, which tastes similar to a very strong brewed green tea. Nowadays, you can find it in plenty of things, including baked goods, ice creams, candy bars, chocolates, matcha lattes and whipped drinks, but please don’t think you’re doing great things for your body by consuming these things! The best way to consume matcha is in its original tea form with just hot water and in moderate quantity. Yes, there are a lot of tools you can get to perfect the traditional experience, but as long as you have the powder and water, the rest is not strictly necessary.
Where To Find The Highest Quality Matcha© Photo by iStock: kumikominiJapan obviously has the best quality matcha, and you can easily find some basic products even at your local supermarket. However, if you’re after the real thing, it is recommended that you look for products from Shizuoka and Kyoto, the two matcha meccas in Japan.Brands such as Tsujiri, Marukyu-Koyamaen, Ippodo Tea and Yamamasa Koyamaen are well-established brands with years of history offering the finest products.
More recently, Material Matcha Uji, a Kyoto-based company founded by two French men whose love for matcha is profound, is also a good recommendation. Their hip products are continuously contributing to the modernization of matcha and its popularity is spreading overseas.Matcha in TokyoFor an authentic taste of matcha in Tokyo (and splendid scenery), head to one of the following establishments:Nakajima No Ochaya in the Hama-rikyu GardensKyu-Iwasaki-tei Garden in UenoYamamoto-tei in ShibamataEngawa Cafe near Takenotsuka StationChaya 1899 Tokyo in ShinbashiRecipe: Tropical Matcha SmoothieIf you want to mix it up and try something a little cooler and refreshing, here’s a quick and delicious smoothie recipe.
Ingredients1⁄2 cup fresh or frozen mango1⁄2 frozen banana200–250 milliliters of coconut water (depending on how thick you like it)1⁄2 teaspoon good-quality matcha powder1-2 tablespoons coconut milk (optional)InstructionsPop all ingredients into a blender and whiz until smooth. This makes a perfect breakfast to kickstart your day!Have a great tea time!This article was originally published in 2014 but has been updated and republished with the latest information for 2025..
