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Your Complete Guide to Matcha

LEARN ALL ABOUT THE MAGIC OF MATCHA

Introduction to Matcha

Matcha (pronounced Ma-cha) is a form of green tea with the exception that, as opposed to traditional green tea, you consume the entire powdered matcha leaf. Matcha comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, the best of which also comes from Japan.

Matcha in Japan is shade-grown for up to a month to produce the maximum amount of chlorophyll before the leaves, stems, and veins are removed. The plant is then stone-ground into a very fine powder; this powder is mixed with and dissolved in hot water before consumption.

The shaded growth allows the plant to produce more L-theanine and caffeine than traditionally found in regular green tea. Additionally, by grinding the tea, the consumer enjoys the entire leaf – leading to increased health benefits! Over the past few years, matcha has seen immense growth and popularity among tea drinkers.

History of Matcha

Matcha dates back to the Tang Dynasty – around 618 - 907, when tea leaves were steamed and formed into bricks for storage. Matcha didn’t start gaining traction in Asia until the Song dynasty, around 960 – 1279, when the powdered tea was used in ritual. In 1191 matcha was brought to Japan, later becoming an essential staple in monasteries from the 14th to 16th centuries.

In recent times matcha has become famous for its health properties and uses in smoothies and lattes! When Full Leaf Tea Company started in 2014, matcha was taking coffee shops, food blogs, and Instagram by storm. Our matcha has been featured multiple times in magazines, coffee shops, and briefly on the Netflix show ‘Dead To Me’ season 1 episode 5.

Currently, the highest grade matcha comes from Japan – the process Japanese matcha goes through ensures a top-quality leaf resulting in a naturally organic and better-tasting matcha. It’s common to see Chinese matcha retail for less, but unlike Chinese matcha, Japanese matcha is free of rice fillers.

Health Benefits of Matcha

In 2003, a study by the University of Colorado found matcha contains 137 times as many catechins as traditional green tea. The higher concentration of catechins in matcha vs. green tea comes from consuming the ground tea leaves versus the steeped tea leaves found in traditional ceylon green tea. Other nutritional benefits include abundant antioxidants, chlorophyll, and L-Theanine.

Matcha contains an abundance of ‘Catechins’ – a type of compound found in berries, cocoa, and tea. Without going too in-depth, catechins are useful for treating and preventing infectious diseases. Because you consume the entire leaf of the green tea plant, you’re consuming 137X more antioxidants than traditional green tea, 17X more than blueberries, and 6X more than goji berries.

The combination of Matcha’s catechins and caffeine was shown to increase the metabolism of women. In the study of 13 female participants aged 19 to 35, it was discovered that participants had an easier respiratory response to their brisk walks while increasing fat oxidation.

Matcha, the vibrant green tea powder, offers a balanced energy boost, thanks to its unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine. This duo ensures a steady release of energy, enhancing focus without the jitters or crash associated with coffee.

A study on Matcha determined to understand the properties of the tea in combination with cancer showed Matcha did have sufficient properties to inhibit the reproduction of cancer cells.

The property in Matcha correlated to cancer prevention? A chemical abbreviated as ‘EGCG’. Various fruits and vegetables contain EGCG, but high-quality Matcha (like our Organic Premium), contains a highly concentrated amount.

Matcha’s antioxidants are shown to reduce inflammation and oxidation – thus helping you look and feel younger! A study hypothesized that natural antioxidants and “nutraceuticals” could block collagen aging. The study involved 6 mice on different plans, the mice consuming green tea extract had a delay in collagen aging, this was also found to be multiplied when combined with vitamin C and E.

Matcha was found to lower bad cholesterol in a study by the academy of nutrition and dietetics. The study found catechins in Matcha reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol after 3 weeks. LDL cholesterol, also known as ‘bad cholesterol’, collects in the walls of your blood vessels.

Matcha boasts a high concentration of L-Theanine, this amino acid is known to increase alpha waves in your brain, which in turn control your sense of relaxation. In a study regarding L-Theanine in tea and its effects on your mental health, it was found that after patients had consumed L-Theanine, alpha waves were recorded for up to 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Matcha contains a high concentration of Chlorophyll, more so than traditional green tea because Matcha is shade-grown. Chlorophyll is amazing because it promotes the production of enzymes in your liver. These enzymes bond to foreign materials in your liver and transport them out of your system.

What Does Matcha Taste Like?

The taste of matcha itself is frothy and earthy. Great matcha is very dark green, and it tastes 'green' as well. Matcha on its own is more often an acquired taste for most people, we always recommend starting light and building up as you acquire the taste for matcha.

If you find you don't enjoy the powdered green tea on its own, try it as a latte! Good matcha lends to a great cup combined with your favorite milk or milk alternative and a sweetener. Many matcha companies also sell sweetened matcha, ours is sweetened with natural organic sugar!

Green Tea vs. Matcha - What's the Difference?

With typical green tea, you steep the leaves and then pull them out of the water to drink it. However, with matcha, you are consuming the ground down tea leaves, multiplying the health benefits! Click one of the boxes below to learn more about each difference between matcha and traditional green tea.

Matcha tea has a much stronger and brighter green than green tea. The more vibrant green comes from the chlorophyll, which the Matcha plant produces an abundance of during its shade growth period.

More premium grades of matcha (such as our ceremonial or organic premium) have an easily palatable taste. Matcha's frothy texture and mildly earthy taste lead to an enjoyable beverage. Some matcha may lead to a more bitter side, and it's recommended you try complementing it with sweetened cream or milk.

Matcha powder itself has a fine grain feel to it. Higher grades of matcha won't feel as coarse as lower grades of matcha (such as culinary matcha - meant for baking). When prepared, matcha has a smooth texture and is thicker than traditional green tea as you're consuming the entire leaf.

The finer grade matcha uses younger leaves that have the tiniest veins and produce the finest grind. Larger leaves are used for culinary matcha purposes.

Because matcha uses the entire ground leaf, it retains all of its nutritional properties. Traditional green tea, on the other hand, is packed into a tea bag and disposed of after soaking in hot water, taking much of its nutritional value with it. Matcha contains: antioxidants - tannins - amino acids - caffeine.

What is the Difference Between Matcha Grades?

Ceremonial Matcha

Ceremonial Matcha

Finest Grade

Ceremonial Matcha is the highest grade of Matcha available anywhere. Made from the youngest leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, this tea has a beautiful vibrant green and can be easily identified amongst other types of Matcha. Ceremonial Matcha is best consumed as is (hence the name ceremonial).

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Organic Premium Matcha

Organic Premium Matcha

Second Finest Grade

Premium and Organic Premium are perfect for everyday consumption. If you’re looking to enjoy a matcha latte or even just a cup of matcha daily, we highly recommend premium. Premium grades are typically very high in quality at a more affordable price point.

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Culinary Matcha

Culinary Matcha

Perfect for Baking

Culinary Matcha can still be had as a drink, though its main focus is just that, culinary. Culinary Matcha is made from the older leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. These older leaves have larger veins which in turn make the powder more coarse after grinding. Culinary Matcha has a strong and bitter taste that pairs well with other ingredients that might offset its lighter counterparts.

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Where Can I Buy Matcha Powder?

Matcha powder itself can be found online. Shameless plug: but we sell matcha sourced from the Aichi prefecture in Japan. We’re USDA certified organic, and our products are vegan and free of GMO’s. To top it all off, we have over 10,000 positive reviews, so feel free to try us out! However, if you’re more of an in-store person (we totally get that), you can find matcha at any organic or wellness store such as Whole Foods.

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How to Enjoy Your Matcha

Now that you know the differences between ceremonial, premium, and culinary matcha, it’s essential to know how to prepare and consume your matcha. We’ve prepared a video on how to prepare your Matcha, which can be found to the right. But in case you would rather read, here is the instructions for making matcha tea!

  • Scoop 1/2 tsp of matcha into a bowl (such as a Chawan).
  • Add 4 ounces of filtered hot water
  • Vigorously whisk in a zig-zag motion until frothy.
  • Enjoy your Matcha!

Is All Matcha the Same?

Not all matcha is created equal. Some companies appear as if they are offering high grade, pure matcha at a low price. However, they often add rice fillers to their matcha, so you feel like you are getting a lot of product, but you are getting less matcha. Always make sure you check the ingredients!

Where is Full Leaf Tea Company's Matcha From?

In order to get the best matcha, location is critical. This is why we choose to source our matcha from the Aichi Prefecture in Japan. Japan is the center of the matcha tradition as they have been making and drinking matcha for centuries.