Complete guide to choosing the best Matcha

Matcha is an ancient beverage that has become popular in recent years due to its multiple health and wellness benefits. It is a powdered green tea obtained from the finest leaves of the tea plant, which are grown in the shade and finely ground. When consuming matcha, you ingest all the nutrients and antioxidants of the leaf, making it a superfood.

But not all matcha is the same. There are different qualities and types of matcha, which differ by origin, production process, flavor, color, and price. That is why it is important to know how to buy the best matcha that suits our needs and expectations.

In this complete guide, we will teach you everything you need to know to choose the most suitable zen matcha for you. We will explain what matcha is, its properties and benefits, the types of matcha, how to prepare and consume matcha, and where and how to buy the best matcha online.

Are you ready to discover the world of matcha? Keep reading!

What is matcha and what are its properties and benefits?

Matcha is a powdered green tea that originated in China over a thousand years ago but became popular in Japan, where it is used in the tea ceremony and gastronomy. Matcha is made from the finest tea leaves (Camellia sinensis), which are grown in shade for several weeks before harvest. This increases the leaves' content of chlorophyll, amino acids, and antioxidants. Then, the leaves are dried, deveined, and finely ground to obtain an intense green powder.

Matcha has many properties and health and wellness benefits, thanks to its high content of nutrients and antioxidants. Some of the most notable benefits of matcha are:

• Improves energy and concentration: matcha contains caffeine, but also L-theanine, an amino acid that helps relax the body and mind, and improves mood. Matcha provides sustained energy without nervousness, ideal for work, study, or sports.

 

• Promotes weight loss: matcha speeds up metabolism and helps burn calories and fat. Additionally, it has a satiating effect and reduces appetite. Matcha is a perfect ally for a balanced and healthy diet.

 

• Protects the immune system: matcha is rich in antioxidants, especially catechins, which are molecules that fight free radicals and prevent cellular damage. Matcha strengthens the immune system and prevents diseases such as cancer, premature aging, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

 

• Cares for skin and hair: matcha has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and healing properties that help improve the health and appearance of skin and hair. Matcha reduces acne, redness, wrinkles, and spots, and adds shine and softness to hair.

 

•  Detoxifies the body: matcha is a natural source of chlorophyll, which is the pigment that gives plants their green color. Chlorophyll helps eliminate toxins and heavy metals from the body, and purifies the blood and liver.

What types of matcha exist and how do they differ?

Not all matcha is the same. There are different types and qualities of matcha, which differ by their origin, production process, flavor, color, and price. When buying matcha, it is important to know these differences to choose the one that suits us best.

The main types of matcha are:

• Ceremonial Matcha: it is the highest quality matcha, used in the Japanese tea ceremony. It is made from the youngest and tenderest leaves of the tea plant, grown under shade for longer and ground with granite stones. Ceremonial matcha has a bright green color, a sweet and smooth taste, and a fine and silky texture. It is the purest and most expensive matcha, without adding anything else. The price of Japanese matcha is by far the most expensive, not being better for this reason. However, we can find high-quality Ceremonial Matcha in other countries like China, which, although not as famous, is actually where matcha tea originally comes from, and it is recommended to consume it only with hot water, although it can be consumed with milk.

 

• Premium Matcha: it is medium-high quality matcha, used for drinking or cooking. It is made from the more mature leaves of the tea plant, grown under shade for less time and ground with machines. Premium matcha has a light green color, a bitter and astringent taste, and a somewhat grainy texture. It is the most versatile matcha and can be consumed with water, milk, juices, smoothies, ice cream, cakes, or even the most exquisite haute cuisine dishes.

 

• Culinary Matcha: it is the lowest quality matcha, used exclusively for cooking or adding to other foods or drinks. It is made from the oldest and toughest leaves of the tea plant, grown in the sun and ground with machines. Culinary matcha has a pale green color, a very bitter and acidic taste, and a coarser texture than the others. It is the cheapest and least nutritious matcha, used to add color and flavor to dishes or drinks like matcha latte.

Click now on the one you will enjoy the most at this moment! 

Start enjoying all its benefits as well as the sweet experience of Matcha Zen.