Matcha Tea

Product Information

Matcha tea is a green powdered tea not so bitter as green tea bags with a more mellow sweet flavour. It was traditionally drunk in China where it made its way to Japan where tea drinking has its own culture. Drinking Matcha is part of the tea ceremony( if you remember the Karate Kid films this was explained) which is often used for bonding between two people in love. The secret to Matcha tea lies in the harvesting where it is harvested earlier than other teas ( although all the same leaf - Camellia Sinensis ) and dried out of sunlight, the leave is then powdered. This method helps Matcha be very low in caffeine and tannin but higher in antioxidants ( protect against ageing ) and theanines ( feel good chemicals now promoted on the front of some well known English tea boxes ! ).

Matcha is reputed to be good for energy levels, libido, feeling happy, weight loss, pain relief ( arthritis), detox programmes, liver suppor, cancer support. One of the downfalls of tea bags is the limited ability of the nutrients to release into the water ( indeed why you can make several cups from a single tea bag ), it is said only about 10% is extracted. Green tea bags are now well know for there health properties but Matcha can contain up to 137 times more antioxidants, pound for pound it has the highest level of antioxidants of any food on earth( measured in ORAC units ).

Some people report feelings of being hyperactive or anxious when drinking green tea bags and this is possibly due to the amounts of caffeine present but with Matcha this tends to have the opposite effect and it makes a perfect cuppa before bedtime.

Making the tea.

A small amount ( if using a teaspoon less than a quarter ) of the Matcha is placed in a cup and water ( preferrably filtered ) boiled then cooled a little added.. A special spoon ( Chashaku ) is best for measuring the amount although this depends on taste. To stir best results are had by using a bamboo whisk ( Chasen - prevents clumping ). Drinking from a small Japanese Tea Bowl ( Chawan )make the experience more complete ( all these are in our Matcha kits^ ).

Tips.

Warm the tea bowl before use with hot water ( make sure it is dry before adding powder )

Sieve the Matcha as this will break down any clumps.

Try a sweet before drinking the tea ( tradition to counteract bitterness )

Difficulty with clumping ? - try mixing in a little cold water to make a paste before adding hot water

Store Matcha in a cool place ( some even say freezing adds to flavour )

Take time out to drink your brew - try sharing the moment with someone close to you as in the Japanese tea ceremony ( Chanoyu )

Click Below To See A Clip Of The Tea Ceremony From A Well Known Film

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzeGcl3BNJ4

Matcha Terms

Usucha - meaning '  thin tea ' is lighter with a more bitter taste so using less powder.

Koicha - meaning '  thick tea ' is thicker and has a sweeter taste so using more powder and less water.

^ Do try Matcha on its own before buying the tea kit but we cannot over emphasise how the correct tools will make the tea mix better, last longer and give a more authentic   experience all round

Product Information

One 30g Sachets ( enough for 40 cups approx dependant on taste )

Please Note : in the unlikely event your tea sachets open during transit they are in a sealed foil envelope so opening carefully the powder can be placed back in the sachet. 

UK delivery only included

Please Note : Deliveries are sent out every Thursday for orders received before Tuesday.

Price: £11.99

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