Matcha powder offers people a variety of benefits. Mental focus, metabolism boost, and more. It's for these reasons that so many people globally are switching their morning drinks to a matcha supplement.
However, not everyone is brave enough to take their first step toward drinking a cup of matcha. This is why there have been so many inquiries about this fine supplement. Like:
- Where does matcha come from?
- How is matcha made?
- What does matcha taste like?
We answer all these questions and more in this guide as we explore the taste of matcha and its roots (pun intended!).
What Is Matcha, and Where Does It Come From?
Matcha is a fine powder made from the Camellia Sinensis Plant. It is grown primarily in Japan, but it is also produced in China and Korea.
In the past, matcha was traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. Now, this traditional drink has become popular in recent years for its health benefits.
Source: Passionformatcha.com
People drink matcha because of its health benefits due to its high concentration of antioxidants.
Some of those health benefits include:
- Rich in catechins, which have been shown to boost metabolism and promote weight loss.
- Contains nootropics like L-theanine that promotes better moods, improved sleep, cognitive performance, and more.
- Caffeine for energy and mental focus. When caffeine is combined with L-theanine, it produces energy and cognitive boost without the jitters associated with drinking coffee.
Because matcha is easy to prepare, you can add a hot or cold matcha drink to your morning ritual with ease. This will allow you to quickly drink matcha and enjoy the benefits that come with it.
How Is Matcha Made?
Matcha is grown in the shade for the last few weeks before harvest, which increases the chlorophyll content of the leaves and gives matcha its bright green color.
The leaves are then carefully ground into a fine powder using stone mills. The finished powder is then stored in an airtight container to prevent it from losing its flavor or nutrients.
You can drink matcha hot or cold. Mix the matcha powder with hot water to create a hot matcha beverage similar to coffee or tea. You can also mix matcha powder with hot milk to create a tasty matcha latte.
There are many other creative ways to make matcha. Some people combine fruit, ice, milk, etc., to blend a matcha smoothie.
The Taste of Matcha – Sweet, Earthy, and Slightly Bitter
Matcha has a unique taste that is both sweet and earthy with a hint of bitterness. The taste of matcha is often described as being similar to the taste of spinach.
Matcha is the main ingredient in Japanese tea ceremonies and is also used in other traditional Japanese dishes.
The reason for the unique taste of matcha is the way it is produced. Made from the young leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, matcha is stone-ground into a fine powder.
The powder is then whisked with hot water to create a frothy beverage. The quality of the matcha powder and the method of preparation can affect the taste of the final product.
It's common for the best-quality matcha powder to have a bright green color and a slightly sweet flavor. To reduce the bitterness, it is essential to use filtered water when preparing matcha and to avoid over-brewing the tea.
Matcha can be enjoyed on its own (mixed with water or milk) or with added flavors such as sugar, honey, or lemon. It can also be used in cooking, baking, and making ice cream.
How To Store Matcha so That It Stays Fresh
If you're a matcha lover, you know that nothing ruins a good drink like stale matcha powder.
To ensure that your matcha stays fresh and delicious, there are a few simple storage tips to follow:
- Be sure to store matcha in an airtight container. This will protect it from moisture and oxygen, which can both cause the powder to degrade.
- Avoid storing matcha in direct sunlight or in a place with too much humidity, as both of these conditions can also lead to deterioration.
- Finally, if you won't be using your matcha for a while, it's best to keep it in the fridge or freezer; be sure to bring it back to room temperature before use.
By following these simple storage tips, you can enjoy fresh, delicious matcha for weeks to come.
TL;DR
Matcha is a fine powder used to mix and make hot drinks, lattes, smoothies, and more. It is primarily grown in the far east and originated in Japanese tea ceremonies.
Today, more people globally are drinking matcha because of its health benefits and its caffeine content that promotes focus and energy.
Matcha has a unique flavor that is both earthy and grassy. When made with water, it can be bitter, similar to coffee. When made with milk, the bitterness is often softened, and the drink takes on a more creamy flavor.
Adding sweetener, cream, or honey will also provide your matcha drink with a sweeter taste.
What are your thoughts on drinking matcha? Do you like the taste of matcha? Let us know in the comments below.