Why We Love Matcha

Matcha is a high-grade green tea in powder form. It is arguably one of the most revered green teas in the world and is known for its vibrant emerald colour and delicately sweet taste. It is the most potent of all green teas because almost the entire leaf is consumed in powder form. The frothy tea is considered to have healing properties and a delicious creamy texture. 

Matcha Fact 1: Matcha means 'ground tea' in Japan. 'Cha' means tea, and 'ma' means powder - it literally translates to powdered green tea. 

It is famously used in the Japanese tea ceremony, which is an integral part of the culture with roots in Zen Buddhism. The key focus of drinking this powdered tea centres on the preparation, serving and drinking of Matcha, which is more than just a drink in Japan. 

Matcha Fact 2: Interestingly, and as part of the unique tradition, Matcha is drunk in just three gulps.

Matcha Fact 3: It can take 1 hour to grind just 30g of Matcha! The process is time-consuming, intricate, and highly specialised. 

 

Matcha is super easy to make to become smooth and frothy. The delicate green powder and hot water are whisked together using a bamboo whisk. Nothing is added for authentic Matcha tea. 

Less complicated for us, but the process of making Matcha is far from simple! There is a strict hand-processed method for producing Matcha. First, only the finest shade-grown leaves are picked. The leaves are then laid out flat to dry, then de-stemmed and deveined, leaving only the finest leaf. Finally, the leaves are ground into a fine powder using traditional stone mills. 

Matcha tea is so revered and popular worldwide because of its proven health benefits. The concentrated green tea powder is full of nutrients and contains ten times the number of antioxidants of a regular cup of green tea. It is said to improve the brain's function, assist with liver cell regeneration, and help with a whole host of other things. We love it mainly for its unique, slightly sweet and frothy nature. It feels special to drink it because it is. 

We have two delicious organic Matcha teas for you to try and a fabulous recipe to use it in baking. 

 

Organic Matcha Horai

Our organic Matcha Horai is a mild and sweet matcha tea that tastes soft and pleasant. The fine and vibrant powder is created from a hand-picked spring-time harvest that offers maximum flavour. As a result, Matcha Horai has a lovely sweetness and zero bitterness, and we absolutely love it. 

It comes in a sealed screw-top tin to ensure freshness. Ideally, refrigerate after opening.

 

Organic Matcha Midori 

Our organic Matcha Midori is a mild and fruity Matcha. It is gentle, delicately tart, sweet and very tempting. This Matcha has an edge of natural fruitiness that is like no other. 

The cup is a stunning emerald green, and the nose is green and floral.

 

How to Brew Matcha

Matcha is traditionally made in a bowl and a bamboo brush for perfect dilution and froth. However, you can easily use a fork or a mini whisk, and a small bowl.

 

Method

• Sift half a level teaspoon of Matcha powder in a warm bowl
• Add freshly boiled water, ideally at 80c-90c
• Froth using a bamboo whisk for around 15 seconds
• Once a fine foam appears on the surface, the tea is ready to drink
• Enjoy!

 

Baking with Matcha 

Matcha is an excellent ingredient for baking. It's unique earthy and sweet notes work wonderfully with desserts and bakes. We especially love it with white chocolate!

Here's a recipe for Matcha white blondies, which are super easy to make and utterly delicious. The blondies are delicious as an afternoon snack with an excellent cup of tea. 

 

Matcha White Blondies

 

Ingredients

• 140g butter
• 200g white chocolate
• 225g caster sugar 
• 2 large eggs
• 120g plain flour
• 1 tbsp matcha tea powder

 

Method

• Preheat oven to 160 degrees
• Grease a 20cm square tin & line it with baking paper or parchment
• Cut half of the chocolate into chunks
• Melt the butter and remaining white chocolate in a glass bowl over simmering water in a pan
• Remove from the heat and beat in the sugar
• Leave to cool (important!)
• Once cooled, mix in the eggs, one at a time
• Fold in the flour & Matcha 
• Add the remaining chocolate chunks
• Bake for 30 mins and allow to cool
• Cut into squares
• Enjoy!

Posted by cup of tea admin
28th October 2023

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