Tea time is a very special time of the day for me.
It’s become an important daily ritual that I look forward to.
In fact, I don’t feel right without it.
So, every morning, like clockwork, I have to have two cups of green tea to
welcome the day.
And when I am particularly tired, I’ll even drink three.
I enjoy various types of green tea but matcha is much more powerful
than the rest.
Matcha is a fine ground, powdered, high quality green tea.
It is not the same as tea powder or green tea powder.
As a antioxidant, cancer-fighter, fat-burner, and so much more, matcha leaves
other green teas in the dust.
What Makes Matcha Tea So Special?
Well for one, it contains the catechin EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) which provides
cancer-fighting properties.
EGCg and other catechins help to counteract the effects of free radicals from pollution,
UV rays, radiation, and chemicals, which can lead to cell and DNA damage.
And since more than 60% of the catechins in matcha are EGCg, drinking matcha tea daily
can help restore and preserve your body’s well-being and balance.
On top of that, the chlorophyll in matcha tea is a powerful detoxifier, which helps to
eliminate chemicals and heavy metals from the body.
And there are even more good reasons to drink this healthy, green brew regularly.
Matcha Tea:
-Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
-Detoxifies the body naturally and effectively
-Lowers blood cholesterol and blood sugar
-Fights against viruses and bacteria
-Is an energy booster
-Improves physical endurance
-Boosts metabolism and burns fat and calories
-Helps to calm and relax
-Enhances mood and aids in concentration
-Is rich in fiber
How to Prepare Matcha Tea
Historically, the traditional Japanese tea ceremony centered on the preparation, serving,
and drinking of matcha.
The photos below from MatchaSource demonstrate how simple it is to prepare
matcha tea properly in four basic steps.
The equipment required for making matcha in the traditional way includes:
*Tea Bowl (Chawan)
A ceramic bowl large enough to whisk the fine powder tea.
*Tea whisk (Chasen)
A bamboo whisk with fine bristles to whisk or whip the tea foam.
*Tea Spoon (Chashaku)
A bamboo spoon used to measure the powder tea into the tea bowl.
*Tea Caddy (Natsume)
The container for the matcha powder tea.
*Tea Cloth (Chakin)
A small cotton cloth for cleaning tea ware during the tea ceremony.
It may sound a complicated, but it’s not.
Actually, preparing your tea in this manner enhances the overall experience.
So many good reasons to drink this – I’ve tried it, though, and can’t, no matter how hard I try, develop a taste for it. The only time I like green tea is in a Japanese or Chinese restaurant…
Hi Sheryl,
I found that adding a little sweetness to green tea makes such a difference in it’s taste. It is easier to tolerate with a little liquid stevia, for example. I also like to make a green tea latte with almond milk or hemp milk. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
The benefits are amazing. I knew green tea was great for you, but I had no idea how good it was. I have to admit though that the long process of preparing the tea is, well, too complicated and long for me. Any short cuts? Any macha tea bags? 🙂
Hi Kristina,
You are in luck. Yes, Matcha tea is available in tea bag form. I saw several brands on the shelf on my most recent shopping trip. You can also add the powder to smoothies, shakes, rice and other recipes to get the goodness without the the fuss. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. Much appreciated!
Wow, look at the colour of that! So vibrant! This was so interesting thank you. I’m going to have to try adding this to my green smoothie. What a great suggestion!
I love matcha and the ceremony of making it with the traditional tools as well.
Yes, the traditional process helps to elevate the experience. I am so glad you enjoy it too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
So hard to find the green tea extract!
Matcha green tea is very easy to find at most health food stores and I am sure Whole Food stores carry it. You can also buy it online.