essential element of The tea ceremony, matcha has been known for centuries for its many virtues and its exceptional finesse. Japanese matcha tea is a powdered green tea very rich in antioxidants with multiple benefits.
Discover this Japanese treasure with a delicious vegetable flavor, its preparation and its benefits.
? What is matcha tea?
Camellia Sinensis tea growing in Japan, with Mount Fuji in the background. © Craig Hansen/Shutterstock.com
« matcha 抹茶 literally means ” powdered tea ” in Japanese. This premium quality tea comes from the leaves of the tea tree. camellia sinensis. A variety very rich in chlorophyll that gives matcha its color hosted by characteristic.
The powder is traditionally obtained by shredding dry leavesbetween two stones. Your secret? To sweeten their flavor and increase their antioxidant properties, the bushes are covered some time before harvest. Thus protected from natural light, they will produce polyphenols with multiple benefits. If he japanese matcha tea It is a very refined drink that relaxes the body and mind, matcha powder has also become very fashionable in the dishes. Its dazzling color and unique flavor make it a natural dye like no other.
Originally from China, matcha was invented in the 10th century before being used in sacred rituals in the chan buddhism. It only appeared in the archipelago in the 12th century, at the same time as the importation of Zen. This is Master Eisai, founder of the Rinsai school that popularized this new form of powdered tea in Japan. Sure enough, the monk had brought back some tea plants from his trip to China. From then on, Japan began to cultivate and produce finely ground tea in the archipelago.
First used in religious rituals of Zen Buddhism, aristocrats and samurai also consumed this decoction for pleasure. Around the 15th century, a new art was born in Japan: the chanoyu or tea ceremony. Matcha at the peak of refinement becomes the traditional drink of the art of tea tasting.
Tea ceremony in Japan.
? What does matcha tea taste like?
Considered one of the best green teas in Asia, matcha has a very strong flavor with herbal flavors. At once velvety and slightly bitterleave a note a little sweet in mouth. Very special, this tea really has a unique flavor. you have to love her powerful vegetable side. Surprising at first glance, she leaves no one indifferent. In addition, we appreciate it more and more over time.
⏱ When to drink matcha tea?
The morning, this hot drink will gently wake you up to start the day in a good mood. You can also have a cup of tea during a coffee break or before an important meeting. This drink is perfect for you. relaxing and increase your concentration.
ideal as part ofA regime, drinking Japanese matcha tea is perfectly recommended before a sport or yoga session. According to a study, the consumption of green tea before a sport practice increase in a significative way fat burning. In addition, this hot drink rich in catechins would help muscle recovery.
Despite all its benefits, certain times of the day are not recommended to drink matcha. Note that it is the same for all teas. In fact, at mealtimes, this infusion can limit the absorption of minerals, such as iron, and cause long-term nutritional deficiencies. Similarly, if you’re sensitive to caffeine, drinking tea at bedtime isn’t a good idea, unless you want a sleepless night. Know that it is best to consume this stimulating drink at least six hours before bed.
?♂️ What to do with matcha?
Matcha tea is traditionally used in Japan to chanoyu 茶の湯 (tea ceremony). Apart of this japanese ancient artIt is also drunk around the world to wake up in the morning, to relax or just for fun.
Did you know that matcha tea can also be consumed in other ways? In fact, it is the ideal ingredient to color your recipes and give them a sweet touch, whether they are cakes, shakes either frozen. Also, its striking green color is not only for desserts and pastries. This natural aroma can deliciously scent your savory dishes, sauces et tartlets.
Matcha is also used in cosmetic for his extraordinary powers. Rich in antioxidants, matcha tea is a powerful anti-aging active ingredient that promotes cell renewal. A true booster, the matcha tea mask brightens tired complexions and soothes skin for rested features.
☕ How to prepare matcha tea?
Preparation is a crucial step for Japanese matcha tea to convey its aromas subtly, without too much bitterness. Here are some tips to get it right:
? Japanese traditional preparation
What a pleasure to prepare your tea in the traditional Japanese way. For this you will need a japanese matcha bowl (chawan), a bamboo whisk (persecutor) and a wooden spoon (chashaku).
- Boil mineral water and wait one minute to reach a temperature of 80°C.
- Soak your chasen in hot water to rinse it and soften the stems.
- In the chawan, add the equivalent of half a teaspoon (two and a half teaspoons of chashaku) through a strainer.
- Slowly add 60 ml of hot water and shake vigorously with the chasen in an “M” shape for about ten seconds.
- To finish, slow down the movement and give a quarter turn with the wooden spoon before removing it, so as not to damage the creamy foam thus formed.
- Rinse and dry the whisk and spoon.
- Enjoy your Japanese matcha tea.
? Preparation of matcha tea without a whisk
the persecutor allow to have a creamy and foamy drinkpreserving the aromas and properties of the tea, however, if you do not have a whisk persecutor handy, that’s no problem. take a bottleThen, after adding the matcha powder and water, shake it vigorously for 20 seconds. For the lazy, you also have the option blender. Finally, a milk frother can also do the trick.
? What are the benefits of matcha tea?
In addition to its delicious taste, Japanese matcha tea is said to have many health benefits. body and mind.
? The richest green tea in antioxidants
the antioxidants They are small molecules that fight against oxidation and cell aging. True allies for health, they act against cancer and protect the cardiovascular system. Finally, chlorophyll-packed matcha is an excellent drain for the liver. Nothing like doing a good makeover or detox.
?♀An excellent fat burner
Drinking matcha tea helps fat removal by stimulating metabolism. This thanks to the caffeine and catechins contained in its leaves. On the other hand, it would seem that this drink would help regulate blood sugar.
? A drink that calms the mind
Did you know that matcha contains L-Theanine, an amino acid that helps calm stress and relax? It is therefore the ideal drink to relax.
?♂ A concentration aid
The theine contained in matcha as well as caffeine. stimulates the ability to concentrate and helps to stay awake. However, unlike coffee, matcha tea slowly releases this molecule without causing hyperactivity. This is also the reason why Buddhist monks especially liked this drink during their long hours of meditation.
interesting for its exquisite flavor and beneficial effects for health, matcha tea seduces the whole world. A star ingredient in detox diets, this bright green powder remains one of the secrets to longevity. Don’t underestimate the powers of Japanese matcha tea.
