Japanese Matcha Tea: The Best Type of Green Tea | 13 Benefits You Should Know

In the quiet corners of tea rooms and on the tables of modern cafes, Japanese matcha tea appears with its distinctive green color. Deeply rooted in Japanese culture, its presence is no longer limited to ceremonies, but has become a part of the daily routine of many people.

What is Japanese Matcha Tea?

If you're not familiar with Matcha, it's a Japanese green tea powder made from finely ground dried tea leaves. It has a slightly bitter, vegetal taste and a bright green color resulting from the high chlorophyll content in the leaves.

Regular green tea is touted as an antioxidant, but matcha has even more benefits. Here's why:

When preparing other types of green tea, the leaves are steeped in hot water and then discarded. When preparing Matcha, the powder is mixed with hot water or milk. As a result, you're actually consuming the entire tea leaf when you drink it! This may lower the antioxidants it contains, reduce your blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart disease, and boost your metabolism.

What about caffeine? Well, Matcha contains more caffeine than regular green tea, but it doesn't give you the buzz like coffee. It just makes you feel energized and focused, while maintaining a calm and relaxed state.

The Origin of Matcha Tea

Matcha Tea doesn't start with the cup, but rather in the shade of bamboo. In the tranquil fields of rural Japan, Camellia sinensis leaves are cultivated in a unique way that differs from other teas. About three weeks before harvest, the plants are covered with bamboo mats or light fabrics, a farming process known as shading. This covering slows leaf growth and encourages the plant to produce a higher level of chlorophyll, giving the matcha a deep, vibrant green color.

But color doesn't come alone. It also increases the level of amino acids, most notably theanine, which gives matcha a distinctive taste described as umami—a flavor that's neither too sharp nor too sweet, but rather balanced and pleasing to the palate. When the harvest season arrives, the leaves are carefully hand-picked and then dried in a traditional manner to preserve the flavor.

Traditional and Modern Matcha Processing Methods

Matcha leaf processing used to be done in one way, but now it is done in a faster and more modern way. The two methods are:

The Traditional Way

After picking the Matcha leaves, a meticulous journey begins to transform them into the green powder known for its purity and depth of flavor. The leaves are immediately steamed, a crucial step that halts the fermentation process and preserves their natural flavor and vivid green color. They are then gently air-dried, and the veins and stems are removed, resulting in a substance known as tencha. This pure form of the leaf is stored in cool places, where its flavor is saturated over time.

The most precise step in this method is stone grinding. Here, a granite stone is used to slowly grind the tencha, without exposing it to excessive heat that could spoil its aroma or alter its nature. It can take up to an hour to produce a small amount, no more than 30 grams.

The Modern Way

In modern processing, ancient experience has been combined with modern tools. The basic steps remain, but more flexible methods have been added. Instead of mats alone, some farms use modern covers that are weather-resistant and easier to handle.

In the vast fields, precise machinery has emerged to aid in picking and purification, while maintaining high quality standards. Even mills have evolved.

Some are now equipped with temperature-controlled devices that speed up production without compromising grinding quality.

These changes have not sidelined tradition; rather, they have preserved its spirit, allowing Matcha lovers around the world to savor a beverage that conveys the soothing aromas of nature.

What does Japanese Matcha Tea taste like?

Matcha Tea is distinguished by its rich, distinctive flavor. The tea leaf is dissolved entirely in water, rather than steeped and then removed. This results in a smooth, creamy beverage with a complex, herbal flavor that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and a distinctive flavor. Like all green teas, matcha also has a hint of bitterness.

Different Types of Matcha

Matcha can be divided into several types and grades, each with distinct characteristics and designed for different uses:

• Grade 1: This is the finest Matcha and is intended for drinking only. As the name suggests, it is the type of Matcha used in Japanese Tea ceremonies. It has a smooth texture, a green color, and a delicate, sweet flavor.
• Premium Grade: This is sometimes classified as culinary tea and is typically prepared from the second harvest of tea rather than the first. This gives it a stronger, more bitter flavor, while maintaining the same rich green color and nutritional benefits.
• Culinary Grade: Culinary Matcha is used in baking and cooking, whether added to smoothies, ice cream, cakes, or lattes. The leaves used in its preparation are slightly older than other matcha leaves.

How to Prepare Japanese Matcha Tea

Now that we've explained what Matcha is and its types, let's take a look at how to enjoy the best cup of Japanese Tea. It's easy to prepare Matcha Tea at home using a few simple tools and following these simple steps:

• Use hot water to heat a chawan tea bowl or cup (if you don't have one), then empty it.
• Sift 1 to 2 teaspoons of Matcha powder into the bowl. This helps ensure there are no clumps of tea.
• Add a small amount of hot, but not boiling, water, as boiling water will burn the powder and make the tea taste less good.
• Whisk the mixture using a hand whisk. If you don't have a hand whisk, you can use a wire whisk or spoon, but you won't get the same frothy texture.
• Start with a circular motion to dissolve the powder, then whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion to create the tea foam.
• Add more hot water to the tea, then whisk again to create a foamy layer on top.
• Now enjoy a cup of Matcha that will transport you to a state of calm and relaxation.

Benefits of Japanese Matcha for Health

The health benefits of Matcha Tea are numerous; some of the most important benefits proven by studies include:

• Boosting Attention and Thinking: A small cup of Matcha Tea contains caffeine and one of the most important amino acids, theanine. In a 2017 study, it was noted that consuming 200 mg of theanine contributed to improving attention and mental abilities, especially when combined with caffeine. The effect here is not similar to coffee in its rush, but rather provides alertness accompanied by mental calm.
• Reducing the Risk of Cancer: Matcha also contains antioxidants, most notably a compound known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, which has been linked in laboratory studies to reducing the growth of cancer cells. These findings are not yet conclusive, but they pave the way for a broader understanding of this type of tea's relationship to overall health and prevention.
• Maintaining Heart Health: As for heart health, previous studies have shown that various types of green tea, including Matcha, help reduce harmful cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels, both of which are important factors for maintaining regular cardiovascular function.

Benefits of Matcha Tea for Weight Loss

On the journey to losing weight and achieving a better weight, some find Matcha Tea a companion. Matcha, with its active ingredients, may play a role in supporting the body during and after physical activity. Among the most prominent benefits of this Matcha for weight loss are:

• Some studies have indicated that regular consumption may contribute to reducing fat, especially subcutaneous fat, and have also observed a decrease in measurements such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference.
• One of the most important points that distinguishes Matcha is its potential impact on exercise performance. By supporting physical endurance and accelerating muscle recovery, the body can continue exercising for longer and with greater effort, which in turn may increase the rate of energy expenditure.
• The presence of compounds such as catechins in Japanese Matcha Tea helps stimulate metabolism, especially in the post-workout period, when the body remains in a fat-burning state.
• Matcha is also a great alternative to daily drinks that are high in sugar or calories. A cup of it offers a rich taste without the extra calorie burden.
• Another aspect worth mentioning in this context is the potential role of Matcha in regulating blood sugar levels and reducing the sharp fluctuations that affect appetite and mood. Additionally, its calming effect in reducing stress may reduce eating out of anxiety or distraction.

All of this does not mean relying entirely on Matcha alone for weight loss, but it can be part of a balanced diet.

Benefits of Matcha Tea for WOMEN

Matcha Tea is a beverage that has become popular among women, due to its plant-based components that may contribute to supporting health in more than one way. Among its most important benefits for women are:

• Improved Blood Circulation: Matcha leaves contain antioxidants such as catechins, compounds that help stimulate blood flow. This benefits the heart and muscles and enhances overall body activity.
• Strengthening the Immune System: Matcha can play a role in strengthening the immune system, thanks to its important vitamins and nutrients, in addition to the presence of theanine, which is believed to stimulate the production of immune cells that help protect the body from daily causes of fatigue and inflammation.
• Skin Care: Matcha offers a natural formula capable of supporting this aspect from within. Some personal experiences indicate an improvement in facial radiance and a reduction in some visible signs of stress on the skin, which may be linked to the antioxidant effects of this type of tea.
• Hair Care: Hair also benefits from the vitamins and acids found in matcha tea, which strengthen the roots and help reduce breakage.
• Improved Energy and Athletic Performance: The natural caffeine in matcha, along with theanine, helps boost energy and stimulate the mind without feeling overly agitated. This allows women to continue exercising while reducing feelings of fatigue.

Warnings of using Matcha Tea

Despite the beneficial properties of Matcha Tea, consuming it in large quantities or indiscriminately may cause some side effects, especially in certain groups. Here are the most important points worth paying attention to:

• Excessive Caffeine In The Body: Matcha Tea contains a significant amount of caffeine, and excessive consumption may lead to unwanted symptoms in some people, such as insomnia, difficulty sleeping, rapid heartbeat, headaches, and gastrointestinal disturbances such as diarrhea. These symptoms may be more pronounced in pregnant and breastfeeding women, children, or those with caffeine sensitivity.
• Possibility of Lead Contamination: Some Matcha leaves may absorb heavy metals from the soil, such as lead, which makes consumption moderate, especially when consumed daily or in large quantities.

My Experience with Matcha Tea

Don't you want to try Japanese Matcha Tea for yourself? I think it's time to try this unique Japanese Tea, but it's recommended to buy it from a trusted source to ensure its authenticity and high-quality ingredients, as there are many fake and unreliable varieties on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of Japanese Matcha Tea?

Matcha Tea contains antioxidants that support heart and immune health. It also helps boost concentration and physical activity thanks to caffeine and theanine. It is also used in diets that help control weight and improve skin tone.

What are the side effects of Matcha Tea?

Consuming large amounts of Matcha may cause symptoms such as insomnia, rapid heartbeat, and upset stomach due to the caffeine. Some types may contain traces of lead, so it is recommended not to overdo it. Pregnant women or those with specific health conditions should consult a doctor.