Matcha Tea health benefits and my Matcha Tea Review

What is Matcha Tea

“Matcha (抹茶, Japanese pronunciation pronounced [mat.tɕa], English /ˈmætʃə/[1][i]) is finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves. It is special in two aspects of farming and processing: the green tea plants for matcha are shade-grown for about three weeks before harvest and the stems and veins are removed in processing. During shaded growth, the plant Camellia sinensis produces more theanine and caffeine. This combination of chemicals is considered to account for the calm energy people might feel from drinking matcha. The powdered form of matcha is consumed differently from tea leaves or tea bags, and is dissolved in a liquid, typically water or milk” (Source Wikipedia)

Health Benefits of Matcha Tea

High in Antioxidants
Loaded with Catechin, EGCg
Enhances Calm
Boosts Memory and Concentration
Reduces depression
Increases Energy Levels and Endurance
Burns Calories
Detoxifies the Body
Fortifies the Immune System
Improves Cholesterol

According to MatchaSource.com the tea has the equivalent antioxidants as you would get from drinking 10 cups of green tea. I have tried to get used to green tea in the past but I don’t really like the taste even though I know it is very good for me.

My verdict of Matcha Tea

OK I have to admit it doesn’t smell the best and the bright green colour was so of off putting as all I could think about was sprouts. I made the first cup with way too much powder and nearly had to spit it out but after reading more about it I realised I had used way too much and therefore tried again. They say anything that tastes bad must be good for you but this time around it was actually drinkable. It still had a faint taste of vegetables but I think it was just my imagination. So I stuck with it for a few days and I got used to the taste. If all the benefits are true then it is something that I definitely want to keep drinking on a regular basis.

What is really making me want to drink this more often is the tea contains Catechins which claims to be a potent cancer fighting antioxidant. Now I am no expert but anything that is going to reduce the risk of my breast cancer returning is a win win with me. I have also just read that this is found in cocoa so does that mean I can also eat some chocolate aswell?

Verdict : Its drinkable

How to make Matcha tea

When I first googled it, I kept coming across how I needed a bamboo whisk and a tea bowl. Obviously I didn’t have these at home but then I found out all I had to do was make it into a paste and then add more hot water until the taste was right for me. I guess its just like making a cup of instant coffee. I find it best for 1/4 spoon in a cup of hot water but everyones taste will be different and maybe as I get more used to the taste I can add more.

There are different grades of Matcha tea and if you are going to be using it for something other than drinking maybe get a lesser grade as it is quite expensive.

You can add milk and sweetener if you like but I have strong black tea so I didn’t use milk or sweetener.

Recipes with Matcha tea

There are also so many recipes ideas for using matcha tea. I tried it in a smoothie and I am going to try making some chocolates with it.

I love this recipe idea from Match Source as anything that resembles chocolate is going to good right? There are actually loads of different chocolate based recipes for using matcha tea which sounds a little strange but I am definitely going to try.

Matcha Tea Truffles

1/2 cup roasted almonds
1/4 cup honey (agave can be substituted for vegans)
1/4 cup coconut manna
8 dates, soaked, pits removed
2 teaspoon cocoa powder
2 teaspoon matcha powder
pinch of salt
dash of vanilla
toppings: chia, hemp seeds, coco nibs or coconut flakes

Soak dates in hot water for about 20 minutes. Pit them and puree in a blender. Set aside. Blend almonds until smooth (note: you make use already made almond butter instead). Combine date mixture, almond butter and the rest of the ingredients until the texture is smooth and holds well when pressed. Refrigerate until firm. Scoop truffle mixture into bite size balls. Coat with toppings of your choice. Coconut flakes, almond slivers or coco nibs add a contrasting texture. Orange zest adds color and flavor. These should last for at least two weeks in your fridge. Remember to experiment with your own creations. Try other flavors like goji berry, cinnamon, or cayenne

Let me know if you have found a nice recipe as I would love to try it. I want to use this in my diet more often.

Where to buy matcha tea

When buying bear in mind there are different levels of purity. Obviously the most pure is also the most expensive.

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