Matcha 101

If you are looking for an alternative to your morning coffee, look no further than matcha. Local producer, Kari Dandrea of Pureblend Tea shares why she loves matcha: “Of all our teas, my first love and favorite product is Pureblend Organic Matcha. Since drinking matcha I have completely stopped drinking coffee. There are a multitude of benefits in matcha that coffee did not give me. And the best part is that I do not crave coffee throughout the day!” Continue reading to learn more about matcha and to get Kari’s Honey Matcha Latte recipe.

Matcha Latte Kimberton Whole Foods

What is matcha?

Matcha is a green tea unique to Japan. Unlike most teas, matcha comes in powder form, so when you drink it you ingest the whole leaf and all of its nutrients, not just the brewed water. It has a complex, rich taste that, while initially bitter, is followed by a lingering sweetness.

What are the health benefits of matcha?

Matcha is rich in nutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and chlorophyll. As a nutritional and antioxidant powerhouse, one glass of matcha equals multiple glasses of regular green tea. Matcha tea contains a potent class of antioxidant known as catechins. The catechin EGCg (epigallocatechin gallate) counteracts the effects of free radicals in the body. EGCg is also thought to boost the metabolism.

A cup of matcha typically contains about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, but it won’t give you the jitters! That’s because matcha contains an amino compound called L-theanine, which is known to create a calming, relaxing effect. It also aids in the creation and release of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), which in turn stimulates the release of hormones dopamine and serotonin. This is why matcha will give you a pleasant boost, without the crash afterwards.

Kari shares, “For the past 5 years of drinking matcha regularly I have noticed that my joints don’t swell, I have not gotten sick to the point of fever and I still feel fantastic after every cup of matcha that I drink. The caffeine and L-theanine content gives me the perfect lift without the jitters or caffeine crash.”

How should I enjoy matcha?

For a step-by-step guide to making the perfect cup of matcha, check out this video tutorial from Organic Connections. You can also use matcha in recipes, like Chocolate Matcha Energy Balls, Green Tea Basil Aioli, Matcha Chia Pudding, and Matcha Green Tea Mug Cake. How do you use matcha? Let us know in the comments below!

Pureblend Tea Matcha Kimberton Whole Foods

Photo Courtesy of Pureblend Tea

Local Honey Matcha Latte: Kari’s Morning Ritual

  • 1 tsp. matcha
  • 2 tsp. local honey
  • 12 oz hot water
  • 4 oz milk, steamed
  • Sprinkle of cinnamon and/or ground cardamom (optional)

Combine matcha and honey in a mug. Add hot water, stirring, just a bit at a time. Add milk, sprinkle with cinnamon or cardamom and enjoy!