After water, tea is the most consumed beverage in the world. People have been drinking it for thousands of years and several types have been developed to answer cultural demands. While all types involve a plant called Camellia sinensis, the forms of the tea may differ greatly. One form of tea popular in Japan is called Matcha.
What is Matcha Tea?
In Japan, tea destined to be matcha is cultivated in misty mountain environments and shaded during times of sunlight prior to harvesting. The buds are picked by hand and then gently dried in a shady place away from sunlight. Buds from older trees are prized higher than those of younger ones and tend to have a thicker viscosity when mixed with water. After drying, the stems and veins are removed by hand and the leaf material is ground manually using special stones. The final product of this is a fine brilliant emerald powder.
This powder is extraordinarily high in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), caffeine, and the amino acid theanine which gives it a “foamy sweet” taste. It also has a sweet, flower-scent. While normal tea is an infusion, matcha is the actual tea leaf itself, with all the nutrient content. The powder is added to hot water and then whisked to brilliant green foamy liquid.
Japanese Tea Ceremony
Matcha tea is famous for its use in the Japanese tea ceremony (Chaji). For hundreds of years, the preparation and consumption of this beverage has been entrenched in a ritual that nurtures appreciation of all the aspects of art and life. In sharing this ceremony, those from all walks of life may, at least for a fleeting time feel connected to each other and the universe.
Healthy Effects of Matcha Tea
Matcha tea has exhibited anticancer properties in several scientific studies with human subjects. It has also shown effectiveness in addressing obesity, and protecting against oxidative stresses like ultra violet radiation. The high theanine content promotes a clarity of thought, elevation of mood, and modulates the effects of the caffeine in the tea. While no toxic effects have been substantiated, it is recommended that those new to matcha initially consume it in moderation due to its stimulating effects.
Drawbacks in the Use of Matcha
- Expensive: The production of matcha is time consuming and requires manual labor. The buds are hand picked and the grinding process is manually performed. Some processes using compressed air are being pioneered but the verdict is still out on their effectiveness.
- Scarcity: While it is increasing in popularity, outside of Japan it can still be a challenge finding high quality matcha products.
Supplementary Source
TEA, HEAVEN ON EARTH, by William Woodworth. Printed in the USA, 1994. Published by Griffin Printing, Sacramento, CA
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