A woman is like a tea bag; you never know
How strong she is until you put her in hot water.
The Matcha Tea: A Detailed Beginner’s Introduction (Guide)
Is there anyone who says no to a sip of tea at least once in a day?
Tea has a lesser volume of caffeine and it has plenty of chlorophyll and anti-oxidants. It helps people to reduce the risk of strokes and cardiac arrests. However, tea helps people in reducing weight if take. Scientists found green tea is rich in antioxidants (catechins) (1) that burn fat in the human body. Thus, result in muscular endurance, added to it, green tea also helps to protect bones. Thus, you all will start loving green tea from the hereafter, right!
Here in this guide, I am going to take you for an in-depth discussion and product review of ‘Matcha’ tea. It has n numbers of goodness and wellness. Matcha green tea leaf enriches with chlorophyll (2). The manufacturer handpicks steams, dries and grinds into fine tea powder for your health only.
What is Matcha meaning and Science behind Matcha’s Health
Meaning of ‘Matcha’
The meaning of the term ‘Matcha’ is ‘a supplement that has something miracle power’. Science states that Matcha has the power of making one feel good, fresh, relaxed and keeps the general health in control. Science also states that in principle, Matcha has the effects of phytochemicals, as it is a natural green tea on cognition and mood.
The Science behind ‘Matcha’
Matcha is originated in Japan and the scientific name is ‘Camellia sinensis’. It has combo combination of caffeine and L-theanine (3) (a form of
amino acids). It helps to increase the performance with focused attention and great alertness in mind. Moreover, L-theanine has the tendency of chilling out the human brain a lot.
A study report states, “Drinking Matcha tea reduces stress and curb the bouncy jitters”. In general, green tea has caffeine, and Matcha is even more caffeinated with approx. 34 mg of caffeine. The L-theanine amount present in Matcha prolongs the mood-boosting effects a lot.
Matcha green tea plant has four types of catechins (antioxidant properties flavonoids). Catechins have the power to fight against the microorganisms. Catechins (4) inhibit the bacteria growth called Fusobacterium nucleatum – cavity & periodontal disease-causing bacteria.
Such catechins also have the ability to control the cardiac illnesses (5). Matcha also helps in preventing atherosclerosis, hypertension, endothelial dysfunction and ischemic heart diseases. In addition, it prevents cardiomyopathy, cardiac hypertrophy, and congestive heart failure. It also prevents inflammatory events; reduce the platelet aggregation and vascular proliferation. Believe me, I read in a research book – ‘Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines’.
Why Everyone Is Drinking Matcha Tea
Most of the people around the world prefer Matcha. You know even me drink Matcha every day. Although Matcha is not a traditional medicine, it prevents risks right from the heart to diabetes and cancer. Moreover, for general health and wellness, everyone prefers Matcha.
Matcha is finely ground green tea powder from the whole leaf and the manufacturer steams the leaves completely immediately after harvesting. It is mainly to prevent the leaves from oxidized in order to get the whole essence.
Matcha Tea Nutrition Facts
Matcha contains vitamin A, B complex, C, E and K and various mineral with amino acid Theanine. As I explained in my earlier paragraphs, Matcha has high levels of antioxidants called as ‘tannins’, polyphenol antioxidants called ‘catechins’ and ‘EpiGalloCatechin Gallate’ or EGCG (6). We know that Matcha contains caffeine (7), but the level is thrice lesser than black tea and 1/5 the to 1/10 the amount of caffeine in coffee.
High quality vs. low-quality Matcha
I tell you five factors that you have to consider to define the finest quality of Matcha.
Origin: Look for the origin of the Matcha tea packet or about the leaves. It should be from Japan. However, there are two regions in Japan itself – Nishio city, Aichi and Uji City, Kyoto. The Matcha (8) from both the places are high quality only. When accounting worldwide, Japan holds the 80% of Matcha manufacturing and tea production. China and Taiwan are also producing Matcha. However, Japan ranks first among the best and high-quality Matcha by remaining the favorite among aficionados.
Color: When you consider the color of Matcha, you have to look for vibrant green. Moreover, the greener is better. In that way, keep in mind that Matcha is shade-grown. Lower quality Matcha shows improperly shaded leaves (means to older leaves or picked from lower plant stalk). Moreover, low-quality Matcha shows yellowish or brownish color.
Taste: When you taste the first quality Matcha, you will not forget the taste. By the way, you can find out the good and low-quality Matcha very easily. The good quality Matcha has L-theanine, which provides super taste, aroma, clean drinking and healthy green tea. Wherein, the low quality gives bitter and astringent taste.
Price: In general, the market rate ranges between $26 and $32 (a 30 gram of Matcha tea tin) wherein below the level will be the cheap quality. If you wonder what you get 100 grams Matcha packet for $15, you are getting low quality.
Feel: You can find out the high quality by sensing silky and finely ground powder. Approximately, you can find the size ranging 5 to10 microns, wherein the low-quality Matcha tea powder sizes bigger particles.
Matcha Grades and Buying the Best Matcha
I have explained how to find the high-quality Matcha tea in my previous paragraphs. Over the centuries, the ceremonial grade Matcha tea is the best grade. As we discussed earlier that the high and premium quality Matcha flavors with a good aroma, vibrant green color, and delicate taste.
The Best grade of Matcha tea:
To my research, appending below is the list that I recommend for top five Matcha green tea brands.
Encha Matcha – Organic Matcha from Farm to Cup
Grace Matcha – Buy Authentic Japanese Matcha Green Tea
Midori Matcha – Charging Lives
Pure Matcha – Quality Not Quantity
Mizuba Tea – Purveyors of Pure Japanese Green Tea
Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea
In general, we all know that antioxidants (9) help us fighting the harmful molecules (free radicals) which create different types of chronic diseases (10). The catechin EGCG present in Matcha gives the promise to prevent cancer, diabetes, cardiac diseases, viral infections, neurodegenerative conditions and weight loss.
A study in the University of Colorado – ‘Journal of Chromatography’ (report published in 2003) stated, “the concentration of EGCG in Matcha is 137 times greater than the amount of EGCG present in other green tea”.
Amongst all the other health benefits, below appending is the list of major ones:
- Matcha is full of antioxidants including EGCG
- It boosts metabolic rates and burns calories
- It does detoxification naturally and effectively
- It is full of fiber, chlorophyll, and vitamins
- It soothes mind, relax, and gives a focused concentration
- It is full of vitamin C, B-complex, selenium, chromium, zinc, and magnesium
- It lowers risk of most of the diseases
I can put it in a nice way that Matcha tea is the best source to add effective immune system to your body system.
Matcha Tea Powder vs. Green Tea: What is the Difference
Though Matcha is actually a form of green tea, there are many differences between Matcha and ordinary green tea (11). Read my points to get that difference, hence, you can then fall in love with Matcha.
- In green tea, the actual extract is only the top of leaves. In Matcha, the extract is from the full leaf.
- Matcha powder can be used for baking, and cooking of many desserts wherein it is not possible with ordinary green tea, right
- Matcha has the quality of caffeine, polyphenols (12), and antioxidants, including EGCG and more L-Theanine but you cannot expect all these supplements in an ordinary green tea.
- Matcha has more medicinal values than that of the ordinary green teas
- Matcha shows shade-grown (has a greater volume of chlorophyll & caffeine percentage) but other green tea plants are not of that kind
- You cannot buy a cup of Matcha green tea in a cup like other green tea in the shops or stalls
Is Matcha Tea good for Weight Loss?
You read my earlier paragraphs about the supplements present in Matcha right. In general, Matcha is well known for weight loss. Matcha will increase your metabolic rates and burns the fat hence, occurs weight loss. It helps burn calories four times greater than that of other weight loss programs.
You need to notice one thing. Matcha leaves no stress and symptoms of loose muscles, scared muscles after weight loss. It is a greater advantage, right. The EGCG supplement present in Matcha helps to boost the metabolism (normally happens while doing regular exercises). Therefore, Matcha tea is really good for weight loss with no tiredness and stress.
How to Prepare Matcha Tea?
While preparing Matcha tea, I want you to remind only 2 points.
- It is the best to mix Matcha tea powder with under heated at 175 degrees Fahrenheit
- Other ordinary green tea which is heated to 212 degrees Fahrenheit actually destroys the nutritional supplements
The preparation includes only four points. I promise you that you can prepare the tea on the go even.
Heat water at 175 degrees hotness
- Take 1 tbsp. (for 1 person) Matcha tea powder in a kettle or in your teacup
- Pour a glass of heated water in the kettle or your cup
- Stir well with a spoon
- You can add sugar or jaggery as per your taste
- Your Matcha tea is now ready
Best Matcha Tea Brands:
Well, we have seen many points about Matcha. Now I am going to take you all for a review of the best Matcha tea brands. These are available in the market and you can get it readily from an online shop.
Jade Leaf Matcha
This Matcha tea powder comes in 100 grams packet. It is USDA organic and of authentic Japanese Origin. It has a classic culinary grade, you can prepare smoothies, lattes, baking, and recipes of desserts.
Enriches with antioxidants, Matcha is the best choice for weight loss and good energy.
Notes:
- You get 100% money back guarantee to your satisfaction
- It costs only $21.95
- There are 3 packet variations – 30 grams ($11.95), 100 grams ($21.95) and 250 grams ($35.95)
- You can prepare ‘Matcha Latte’, Matcha ‘Smoothie’ and Matcha ‘Muffins’ even
- Jade Leaf Matcha tea comes in both culinary and ceremonial grades
- The leaves are 3 -4 weeks older shade-grown for enhanced nutrient content
Starter Matcha (16oz/453g)
This Matcha tea powder comes in 2 oz., 3 x 16 oz. and 16 oz. costing $9.99, $49.99 and $19.73 respectively. It is completely USDA Organic, Non-GMO Certified, Vegan, and Gluten-Free. It has pure grass flavor with mild bitterness (by default) and it looks in autumn-green color.
Notes:
- You get 100% money back guarantee to your satisfaction
- It gives instant 4 – 6 hours of sustained energy with good mood and focused concentration
- You can prepare smoothies, cakes, pastries or beverages as extra tastes
- You can make Matcha Iced tea, Lattes, Matcha Strawberries, Cheesecake, Smoothies and Matcha Gin Cocktail
Matcha DNA
It is purely Certified Organic Matcha Green Tea, which comes in a tin pack of 1 lb. naturally packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and EGCG’s. The package is lab tested for lead and heavy metals check to ensure the purity of safe use.
Notes:
- You get 100 money back guarantee, are you happy?
- Remember that all the Matcha DNA tea package is BPA free
- It is purely farm fresh from ‘Hiroshi’ and is in the market since the 13th century
- It is the highest quality of culinary grade Matcha tea in Japan & China
- You have to take only 8 to 12 oz. of hot water for ½ teaspoon Matcha tea powder
‘Kiss Me’ Organics
It is the purest Japanese Organic Culinary Grade Matcha tea powder. The package comes in 4 oz. (113 grams). It provides instant energy, concentration power and helps to reduce the weight. Per gram comprises of 137x the antioxidants of brewed green tea with 30% manganese (recommended daily dosage).
Notes:
- Lifetime guarantee
- You get 100% money back guarantee
- This pack is ceremonial grade Matcha powder, hence, you can prepare yummy smoothies, lattes and other dessert recipes to surprise your children
Kenko Tea
It is one of the ceremonial grade quality Matcha productions with natural sweetness. It is from genuine Japanese origin – farm fresh, youngest & greenest leaves, handpicked fine ground with no traces of leaves or stems. This Kenko manufacturer harvests the leaves in the early May month of Nishio special climate.
Notes:
- Certified from USDA organic
- Completely GMO and gluten-free
- You get 100% satisfaction with usage
- You get 100% money back guarantee
Best Matcha Tea
Jade Leaf Matcha Green Tea Powder
Product Description:
It is Japanese origin Matcha tea powder with classic culinary grade and is one of the best Matcha tea powders. Sourced directly from the farms of Uji, Japan, ‘Jade Leaf Matcha Green Tea’ costs only $21.95 /100 grams. The 250 grams value size pack costs $35.95. You can also get starter size if you are the first bee to taste our Matcha tea.
This manufacturer gets the freshly handpicked leaves of shade-grown. They remove stems, veins, and dry leaves before grinding to ensure sweet taste, good aroma, and the premium quality.
Why do I recommend this?
I recommend this ‘Jade Leaf Matcha Tea’ only because of its quality and purity. It is completely USDA organic. It has undergone many lab tests to ensure purity, potency, safety, and integrity. You can prepare as much as other tasty recipes other than only tea. You can prepare lattes, smoothies, Matcha muffins, et al.
Moreover, it is completely free from microbes, heavy metals, pesticides, and radiations.
Final Opinion:
My final points state that you can 100% safe by using this tea package. You have to take only ½-teaspoon for one glass of hot water, which is for one person. However, one condition, you need use and complete it by 2 to 3 months.
In addition, you have to check to get the new pack of 18 months from the date of manufacturing. These two are your responsibilities. Please do keep in mind that you have to store the package in a cool and dry place; you can any good quality of airtight container.
Enzo Coldpress Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder
Product Description:
Enzo Coldpress is one of the pioneers in Matcha tea production for premium quality and finely ground tea particles. It is completely shade-grown, handpicked and farm fresh tea leaves that give better concentration level and long-lasting energy after a cup.
While preparing tea, you can just add milk or sugar to enhance the taste. This manufacturer sells the package of 4 oz. (113 grams) for $26.74 only. You have to take ½-teaspoon for one glass of hot water as recommended dosage for daily.
Why do I recommend this?
The EGCG present in Matcha comes with a good combination of polyphenol with this manufacturer for increasing metabolism and burning fat for good weight loss. The leaves show grassy green texture for freshness with no bitterness and natural sweetness.
It is USDA organic certified and this manufacturer is being featured on major news channels of ABC, NBC, CBS and CNBC for their product reputation. This pack gives you 100 cups of super Matcha tea.
Final Verdict:
You get 100% money back guarantee. Apart from only green tea, you can prepare yummy and delicious lattes, smoothies and other dessert recipes. You can also get 2 oz. packet in which you can make 50 cups of tea. Enzo Coldpress also manufacturers other different packets: ‘Organic Matcha’, ‘Premium Organic Matcha’ and ‘Organic Stevia’. In addition, you can also enjoy a range of organic groceries from Enzo: Classic Matcha, Premium Culinary Grade Matcha, Classic Ceremonial Blend Matcha and Industrial Grade Sweetener.
Matcha DNA
Product Description:
The leaves are genuinely shade-grown under bamboo reed canopies for the leaves become deep, darker and vibrant green to fill with all the supplements with no compromise. You have to take only 8 to 12 oz. of hot water for ½-teaspoon Matcha tea powder for a super taste cup of tea.
Why do I recommend this?
It is purely farm fresh from ‘Hiroshi’ who is in the market since the 13th century. All the Matcha tea packets from this manufacturer are BPA free and it is the highest quality of culinary grade Matcha tea in Japan & China. In addition, you are getting 100% money back guarantee for the dollars that you spent to buy this packet, you are happy now right.
Final Verdict:
It is purely Certified Organic Matcha Green Tea, which comes in a tin pack of 1 lb. naturally packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and EGCG’s. The package is lab tested for lead and heavy metals check to ensure the purity of safe use.
Hence, there is no doubt to use this packet. Try a pack and feel the taste of original Matcha tea for super energy and other nutritional benefits.
‘Matcha Wellness’ Matcha Green Tea Powder
Product Description:
It is purely USDA organic Matcha product from Japan. You can get tea powder packets in three different sizes – 1.41 oz. costs $29.99, Starter bag 30 grams costs $15.33 and value bag of 100 grams. With this starter packet, you can make 25 cups of super tea.
The product is bright green in color and has a fresh grassy aroma. Producing in the Uji region of Japan, you are spending indeed worth money to pay for it.
Why do I recommend this?
Apart from USDA, it is JAS certified. It the authentic stone-ground ‘tencha’ leaves having genuine Matcha. The leaves are shade-grown for 3 to 4 weeks to get the actual vibrant green color with “umami” flavor. Most of the Matcha green tea powder in the market is made from “sencha” leaves, which are not actually shade-grown.
The package is BPA free and 100% organic safe to use. You will an e-book of ‘Matcha Journey Starter eBook’ to your email id against the purchase of this package.
Final Verdict:
This will be the best option if you are a new bee to taste Matcha tea. In addition, it is completely ceremonial and culinary grade; hence, you can make yummy lattes, juices, smoothies, baking and delicious dessert recipes.
Ryo and Yasmin, the couples who are passionate about nature, organic and healthy well being realized the goodness of Matcha. They connected with Japanese heritage, partnered with a family farm at Uji, Kyoto and marketing the high-quality Matcha now.
Premium Japanese Matcha Green Tea Powder
Product Description:
This is premium quality and ceremonial grade Matcha. Producing in Yame, Japan it is the best quality, which is the first harvest. It is smooth velvety fine particles with vibrant green color shows the originality. This manufacturer gives you two different types of packages – Japanese Ceremonial Matcha (highest quality) costs $28.99 and USDA Organic Culinary Matcha Green Tea Powder costs $16.95 only.
Why do I recommend this?
You will long-lasting energy for about 6 hours after one cup of tea. You will get money back if you are not satisfied actually, but it has not happened so far in the manufacturer’s Matcha selling history. Therefore, there is 100% money back guarantee within 60 days of purchasing.
Take ½-teaspoon of Matcha for one glass of hot water to prepare a perfect blend of tea. Apart from green tea, you can prepare yummy lattes, smoothies, and delicious dessert recipes. The manufacturer assures that this packet of Matcha is free from any type of additives or preservatives.
Final Verdict:
I am so sorry to say that there is no international shipping with some sellers. Wherein, you can check for some sellers who do international shipping. Hence, you can surprise your beloved ones who dwell overseas.
KENKO Matcha Green Tea Powder
Product Description:
It is the premium quality of ceremonial grade and USDA organic Matcha green tea powder. It is one of the ceremonial grade quality Matcha productions with natural sweetness. It is from genuine Japanese origin – farm fresh, youngest & greenest leaves, handpicked fine ground with no traces of leaves or stems. This Kenko manufacturer harvests the leaves in the early May month of Nishio special climate.
Why do I recommend this?
Purely certified from USDA organic, this tea is completely GMO & gluten free. In addition, you will get 100% money back guarantee. The manufacturer assures that the leaves are shade-grown, handpicked and farm fresh. Moreover, apart from preparing tea, you can also make yummy dishes, dessert recipes, lattes and delicious smoothies.
Final Verdict:
You get two different types of packages – Ceremonial Grade of 30 grams costs $25.97 and Culinary Grade of 100 grams costs $29.99. Moreover, it is completely free from microbes, heavy metals, pesticides, and radiations.
Encha Organic Matcha
This ‘Encha Organic Matcha’ tea is directly from the farm in Japan with USDA certification. There are four different flavors (ceremonial grade, culinary grade, latte grade and total sets) and six different packages. This 30-grams ceremonial grade pack costs $29.60 of premium quality of the first harvest. One serving of this packet (2 grams = 1 teaspoon) is enough to make a cup of tea for one person.
Why do I recommend this?
I am recommending you this product because of its no pesticide, no synthetic chemical fertilizer and non-GMO. There is no evidence for radioactivities also, which is proved under lab tests.
Final Verdict
Apart from making tea, you can also prepare beverages and other delicious lattes, smoothies, and desserts. This 30-gram package will be a suitable one for those who wish to try to taste the Matcha first time.
Common Side Effects of Matcha Tea
I can say that whatever it is, there should be a limit. If something goes limitless, it is obviously not good for health. Taking too much of green tea in general causes good results of weight loss. Hence, people of the lean structure by nature should consider taking green tea in a limit.
Because of the caffeine present in Matcha, for some people the side effect symptoms might be a headache, insomnia, diarrhea, irritability, heartburn et al only when goes in excess content. Matcha shows the presence of fluoride, arsenic, and lead. It is because of the Matcha tea plant from the soil. Hence, it is advisable that kids, pregnant ladies, nursing moms and senior citizens should avoid taking a regular intake of Matcha tea.
Anyways, it is advisable that all should have one consultation with the physician.
Matcha FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
How much can/should you drink per day?
It is recommended that 2 cups one day is a normal dosage to drink. In general, 2 to 3 cups of green tea have 120 to 320 milligrams of catechins and 10 to 60 milligrams of caffeine approximately, which is more than enough for a common/normal person. Wherein, those who
are underweight loss program, it is good to for nutritionist or dieticians’ consultation once.
Where does Matcha Tea come from?
The origin of Matcha tea in Japan. Wherein, the recent markets are from China also. Anyways the regions of Uji – Kyoto, Nishio – Aichi, Shizuoka, and Kyushu of Japan are world’s best Matcha tea harvesters.
Does Matcha Tea contain caffeine?
Yes. In general, green tea has caffeine, and Matcha is even more caffeinated with approx. 34 mg of caffeine.
What kind of scientific research is there on Matcha?
Science states that Matcha has the power of making one feel good, fresh, relaxed and keeps the general health in control. The scientific name
is ‘Camellia sinensis’. It has combo combination of caffeine and L-theanine (a form of amino acids) and phytochemicals.
Is Matcha Tea addictive?
Not exactly, however, it depends upon one’s own interest. Anyways I said you earlier; there should be a control of in taking two cups of Matcha tea per day. It is the normal dosage for a normal person.
Why is Matcha tea relatively expensive when compared to other green teas?
Matcha tea costs bit expensive when compared to other green tea. Unlike other green tea plants, Matcha is shade-grown, handpicked, first harvest leaves and stone-ground for fine velvety tea powder. In addition, it is grown only in Japan and few regions in China.
Where to buy Matcha Tea?
To say honestly, Amazon is the best place to buy Matcha tea. You can have in-depth specifications, product description and you can see for different types of flavors & packages in one view. Moreover, you can get 100% money back guarantee and offers while buying.
Final Verdict
All right, now we came to the final point to put in a nice way that Matcha is full of health benefits. However, it is your responsibility to control yourself to limit the number of cups. Happy tea time.
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