Organic Matcha

Matcha Tea: A Green Journey to the Heart of Japanese Tradition

Imagine yourself sipping a drink of vibrant green, with a subtle aroma reminiscent of bamboo forests and Zen gardens. This is not a dream, it's the experience of matcha green tea, a fine powder that transcends the simple notion of a beverage to become a true art of living. From its intense green color to its complex taste, matcha is not just a passing trend, it's a thousand-year-old heritage that continues to captivate tea enthusiasts around the world.

Matcha Tea: Origin, Benefits, and Preparation

Origin of Matcha Tea

The history of matcha is as rich as its flavor. Its journey begins in the 12th century, when the Buddhist monk Eisai brought back a revolutionary tea preparation method from China. At that time, tea was considered a precious medicine, consumed mainly in monasteries for its stimulating properties during long meditation sessions.

Over the centuries, the consumption of matcha spread beyond religious circles, becoming a central element of Japanese culture. It was in the 16th century that the legendary tea master Sen no Rikyū codified the principles of the Japanese tea ceremony, elevating the preparation and consumption of matcha to the status of a refined art. This ceremony, known as chanoyu, embodies the Zen principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

Today, matcha continues to hold a privileged place in the global tea culture, symbolizing the sophistication and refinement of Japanese gastronomy.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is a unique Japanese green tea. Unlike black tea or sencha tea, which are infused and filtered, matcha is consumed whole, in powder form mixed with water. This consumption method allows you to benefit from all the nutrients present in the tea leaves.

What sets matcha apart from other green teas is its particular growing and harvesting process. The tea leaves destined to become matcha are shaded for three to four weeks before harvest. This technique, called "oishita", reduces photosynthesis and stimulates chlorophyll production, giving matcha its characteristic bright green color and increasing its amino acid content, particularly L-theanine.

There are different grades of matcha, ranging from culinary grade used in pastry to the highest quality ceremonial grade. The quality of matcha depends on many factors, including plantation location, harvest timing, and processing method.

Preparing Matcha Tea

How to prepare traditional matcha tea?

Matcha tea preparation is an art in itself, reflecting the principles of the Japanese tea ceremony. Here are the detailed steps to prepare tea matcha according to the traditional method:

1. Preheat the bowl: Start by pouring hot water into your tea bowl (chawan) to preheat it. Empty the water and wipe the bowl dry.
2. Measure the matcha: Use a small bamboo scoop (chashaku) to measure about 2 grams (1-2 teaspoons) of matcha tea powder. Sift the powder into the bowl to avoid lumps.
3. Add water: Pour about 60-80 ml of hot water (not boiling, ideally around 80°C) into the bowl. Water that's too hot can make the matcha bitter.
4. Whisk: Use a bamboo whisk (chasen) to vigorously mix the matcha and water. Make rapid W or M-shaped movements, taking care not to touch the bottom of the bowl.
5. Create foam: Continue whisking until you get a fine, creamy foam on the surface. This usually takes 15 to 20 seconds.
6. Enjoy: Your matcha is ready! Drink it immediately to enjoy its optimal flavor and creamy texture.

For a more intense experience, you can prepare a thick tea (koicha) by using more matcha powder and less water. This version is usually reserved for formal ceremonies and requires very high-quality matcha.

How to prepare a matcha latte?

Matcha latte is a modern and popular version that combines the benefits of matcha with the creamy comfort of milk. Here's how to prepare it:

1. Prepare the matcha: In a bowl, mix 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder with a small amount of hot water (about 60 ml) to form a smooth paste.
2. Whisk: Use a bamboo whisk or a small electric whisk to mix well and eliminate lumps.
3. Heat the milk: Heat about 180 ml of plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) or cow's milk. For an iced version, use cold milk.
4. Combine: Pour the hot milk over the matcha mixture, stirring gently.
5. Sweeten (optional): Add a little honey, maple syrup, or sugar syrup to taste.
6. Finishing touch: For a final touch, you can sprinkle a little matcha powder on top of your latte.

Matcha latte is an excellent way to introduce the unique taste of matcha into your daily routine, offering a milder alternative to traditional matcha.

Culinary Uses of Matcha

Did you know that you can even use matcha in cooking?

Matcha is not limited to brewing; its versatility in cooking is remarkable. From culinary grade to premium varieties, it can enhance both desserts and savory dishes. Here are some creative ways to incorporate matcha into your recipes:

• Pastries: Add matcha to your cakes, cookies, muffins, or macarons for a unique flavor and beautiful green color.
• Smoothies: A teaspoon of matcha can transform your morning smoothie into an energizing and nutritious preparation.
• Ice creams and sorbets: Matcha pairs perfectly with frozen desserts, bringing freshness and sophistication.
• Dressings: Create original dressings by incorporating matcha into your oil and vinegar mixtures.
• Pasta: Add matcha to your fresh pasta for a unique Japanese touch.
• Rice: A little matcha mixed into your white rice will give it a beautiful color and subtle flavor.
• Marinades: Use matcha in your marinades for fish or poultry for an interesting umami flavor.

When cooking with matcha, keep in mind that its flavor can be quite intense. Start with small amounts and adjust according to your taste. For baking, matcha pairs particularly well with white chocolate, almonds, and citrus fruits.

Storing Matcha

To preserve the freshness and properties of matcha, proper storage is essential. Here are some tips to maintain the quality of your matcha:

• Airtight container: Always store your matcha in an airtight container to protect it from moisture and external odors.
• Away from light: Light can degrade the sensitive compounds in matcha. An opaque container or storage in a dark cupboard is ideal.
• Stable temperature: Avoid temperature fluctuations. A cool, dry place is preferable, but avoid the refrigerator which can introduce moisture.
• Avoid air: Try to minimize exposure to air by closing the container tightly after each use.
• Quick consumption: To fully enjoy its benefits and flavor, consume your matcha within two months of opening.

Well-stored matcha maintains its bright green color and fresh aroma. If your matcha starts to lose its color or develop a rancid smell, it's probably time to replace it.

Why is Matcha an Expensive Tea? 

The high price of matcha is explained by several factors related to its laborious production process and exceptional quality:

1. Specialized cultivation: The shade-growing technique requires special structures and significant labor.
2. Hand-picking: Only the best leaves are selected and hand-picked, a time-consuming process.
3. Delicate processing: The drying and grinding process is slow and meticulous to preserve quality.
4. Equipment: The stone mills used for grinding are expensive and produce small quantities.
5. Required expertise: Producing high-quality matcha requires years of experience and precise know-how.
6. Rarity: The best varieties of matcha are produced in limited quantities, increasing their value.

The superior quality of ceremonial grade matcha justifies its cost, offering an incomparable taste experience. However, there are different grades of matcha at various prices, allowing everyone to find a product suited to their budget and use.

How is matcha tea made?

The production of matcha tea is a meticulous process that requires time, expertise and dedication. Here are the main steps:

1. Shade growing: About 20-30 days before harvest, the tea plants are covered to protect them from direct sunlight. This crucial step stimulates the production of chlorophyll and amino acid, particularly L-theanine, responsible for the characteristic umami flavor of matcha.
2. Selective harvesting: Only the youngest, most tender leaves are hand-picked.
3. Steam treatment: Immediately after harvesting, the leaves are briefly treated with steam to stop oxidation and preserve their green color.
4. Drying and deveining: The leaves are dried and then stripped of their stems and veins. At this stage, they are called "tencha".
5. Grinding: The tencha is finally ground into a very fine powder using stone mills. This process is slow and meticulous: it takes about an hour to produce only 30 grams of matcha.

This complex process explains why high-quality matcha is often more expensive than other types of tea.

What does matcha taste like?

Tasting matcha tea is a unique sensory experience. Its flavor profile is complex and can vary considerably depending on the quality and preparation of the tea. Here are the main taste characteristics of matcha:

• Umami: This flavor, often described as "savory" or "full-bodied", is characteristic of high-quality matcha. It is due to the presence of amino acids, particularly L-theanine.
• Sweetness: A good matcha has a subtle natural sweetness that balances its other flavors.
• Astringency: A slight astringency, which manifests as a dry sensation in the mouth, is present in matcha. However, it should not be dominant in a quality matcha.
• Bitterness: A slight bitterness is normal and appreciated in matcha. However, excessive bitterness may indicate a lower quality matcha or incorrect preparation.
• Vegetal notes: One can detect herbaceous notes reminiscent of freshly cut grass or seaweed.

The quality of matcha greatly influences its taste, ranging from sweet matcha to more intense thick tea for higher grades. A high-quality ceremonial matcha will offer a perfect balance between sweetness, umami and a slight astringency, without excessive bitterness.

The Benefits of Matcha Tea

Antioxidants and Nutrients

Matcha is recognized for its exceptionally high content of antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help strengthen the immune system. Here are some of the main beneficial compounds present in matcha:

• Catechins: Matcha is particularly rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a powerful antioxidant that may have protective effects against certain chronic diseases.
• L-theanine: This unique amino acid promotes relaxation without drowsiness and can improve concentration and memory.
• Caffeine: Matcha contains caffeine, but its stimulating effect is moderated by the presence of L-theanine, resulting in a calm and sustained state of alertness.
• Chlorophyll: Responsible for the intense green color of matcha, chlorophyll may have detoxifying properties.
• Vitamins and minerals: Matcha contains vitamins A, C, E, K and B-group vitamins, as well as minerals such as potassium, calcium and iron.

Consuming matcha allows for ingesting these nutrients in greater quantity than regular green tea, as one consumes the entire leaf rather than just its infusion.

Effects on Mental and Physical Health

Regular consumption of matcha can have many beneficial effects on health:

• Improved concentration and memory: The unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha can improve cognitive performance, alertness and memory.
• Metabolism boost: Some studies suggest that the catechins in matcha can increase the resting metabolic rate, which could aid in weight management.
• Support for cardiovascular health: The antioxidants in matcha may help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL), thus promoting heart health.
• Stress reduction: The L-theanine present in matcha has shown relaxing effects, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Cellular protection: The powerful antioxidants in matcha can help protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of certain chronic diseases.

It's important to note that while these effects are promising, additional research is needed to fully confirm some of these benefits in humans. Nevertheless, matcha remains a healthy and nutritious drink when consumed as part of a balanced diet.