Do you consider yourself to be a matcha connoisseur? Or perhaps you are new to the wonderful world of matcha green tea? Either way, the below fun and interesting facts about matcha may surprise you.
Keep reading to discover seven things you didn’t know about matcha. Plus, how you can enjoy this nutritious and delicious drink every day.
1. Matcha contains more caffeine than coffee
Matcha typically contains less caffeine than coffee, but it's worth noting that the caffeine content in both can vary. On average, an 8-ounce cup of coffee contains about 95 mg of caffeine, whereas a standard serving of matcha (about 1 teaspoon or 2 grams, mixed with 8 ounces of water) contains around 70 mg of caffeine. However, because you consume the whole tea leaf when you drink matcha, it can deliver more caffeine than a steeped tea would. The exact amount of caffeine in matcha can vary depending on the quality of the tea and how it's prepared. Despite having less caffeine, matcha is often praised for providing a more sustained energy boost without the jitters and crash commonly associated with coffee, thanks to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness.
2. Matcha tea leaves are grown in the shade
To create matcha powder, the tea leaves are grown in full shade for three weeks to encourage the production of chlorophyll and amino acids. It is this lengthy process that gives matcha its bright green color and high levels of caffeine.
Matcha green tea contains 10-15% more amino acids and other nutrients that your body needs than regular green tea, making it an even healthier alternative to your usual choice of tea.
3. Matcha tea is packed with antioxidants
Another reason to switch to this popular beverage is that matcha green tea is packed full of antioxidants called polyphenols which fight off free radicals within the body. These antioxidants are known for protecting against heart disease and cancer, regulating blood sugar levels, and helping to fight the signs of ageing.
In fact, matcha has 33 times the antioxidant potential of blueberries, so next time you feel like you need a superfood boost, opt for matcha!
4. Matcha was drunk by Samurai warriors before battle
The art of brewing matcha tea goes back hundreds of years, and the Samurai learned this technique from Zen Buddhist monks in the 13th century.
They were told that drinking matcha tea would restore them physically and prepare them mentally for battle.
Over the centuries, this ritual developed into the Japanese tea ceremony that we know today.
5. Matcha tea should have a blueish-green hue
The easiest way to tell if you have found high-grade matcha powder is by its color. High-grade matcha powder should have a blueish-green hue, whereas lower-grade matcha tends to have more of a yellowish-brown color.
In Japan, they look for pine-tree green matcha as a sign of quality as this is created from only the topmost and youngest leaves on a tea stem.
6. Matcha is highly sensitive to light, heat, and moisture
All green teas, including matcha, are highly sensitive to light, heat, air, and moisture. This is because they are characterized by the least amount of oxidation which is displayed in their vibrant green color.
Therefore, you should avoid any matcha that comes in transparent or non-airtight packaging, as this can have a detrimental effect on the taste of the tea. You should also make sure that you store your matcha powder in a cool, dry place that is away from sunlight, moisture, and any strong odors.
7. Matcha can aid weight loss
If you are trying to lose weight, then drinking matcha green tea has been shown to help aid weight loss.
Not only does it have metabolism-boosting properties that can help to speed up the rate at which you burn calories, but it also contains caffeine which can give you more energy and the potential to burn more fat.
Furthermore, matcha is a great source of EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is a powerful plant-based polyphenol. This is known for increasing your metabolism and for its thermogenic effects on the body.
And there you have it – our top seven things you likely didn’t know about the wonder powder that is matcha.
Are you now ready to give matcha a try? Discover our full range of high-grade matcha products below and start enjoying the many benefits of this ancient tea as early as tomorrow!