Matcha  is a finely ground, bright emerald-green tea powder. It is a natural, organic green tea which has been the heart of the famous Japanese tea ceremony for over 900 years. The Buddhist monks honored matcha tea as the ‘health elixir’ for its potential to heighten the concentration and enhance metabolism.

Matcha is prepared from a high-quality shade-grown leaf known as tencha. The tea bushes are sheltered to avoid the exposure of direct sunlight which reduces the pace of photosynthesis and slows down the growth of plants. This provides the leaves with a darker shade of green and stimulates the production of chlorophyll and amino acids.

Matcha is a time-honored beverage which is a source of vitamin A, C, E, K, vitamin B-complex, and trace minerals. Matcha is rich in components with super antioxidant activity including polyphenols, catechins, and chlorophyll. Presence of amino acids such as L-theanine and theophylline in the matcha tea makes it a multi nutrient-packed drink.

Health Benefits Of Matcha Tea:

• Strengthens Immune System
• Antioxidant Agent
• Controls Type-2 Diabetes
• Detoxifies the Body
• Protects from Infections
• Improves Gastrointestinal Function
• Provides Relaxation & Mental Alertness
• and others

Apart from healthy gains, matcha is widely popular as an ingredient in a range of food items. Matcha is used to add flavor to a variety of confectionery items including chocolates, cakes, candies, cookies, and green tea ice-creams.

How to prepared Matcha Green Tea?

Preparing matcha this way is calming and centering ­ letting you take in the beauty of the moment. Don’t worry about the steps too much. Think of it as just adding water to tea. It becomes intuitive over time.

A traditional Japanese method for preparing matcha calls for a bamboo whisk with superfine tines.

• Using a bamboo tea scoop, measure 1 1/2 to 2 scoops of matcha (1/2 teaspoon) into a tea bowl.
• Add 1/4 cup of hot water (not boiling, approx. 75-80 degrees)  to tea bowl.
• Using a bamboo tea whisk, whisk the matcha and hot water. Hold the bamboo whisk vertically and barely touching the bottom of the bowl. Stir slowly until matcha is dissolved. Then briskly whisk back and forth in the middle of the tea bowl.
• When a light foam has developed, slowly lift the whisk from the center of the bowl and enjoy.

Take a look alternative ways to make matcha.

#1 Matcha Green Tea Smoothies
This has got to be one of the most fun and creative ways to drink matcha. Everybody loves a great smoothie and simply adding half a tea spoon of matcha to one makes it super healthy and delicious! Simple matcha smoothies are great for when you’re on the go but with smoothie bowls for breakfast, that’s where your creativity really shines.

#2 Iced MATCHA With Lemon and Mint

10 fresh mint leaves
1 1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice
2 tsp Matcha Tea
8 ounces filtered water
ice

Muddle mint leaves, lemon juice and matcha in cocktail shaker. Add water and ice. Shake and serve. Adjust proportions to taste.