Posted on: 02 October, 2017
Author: Karina Garcia
Matcha is a special type of powdered green tea that is grown and produced in Japan (in most cases). The green tea leaves are shaded from the sun for the last few weeks of their growth, increasing the chlorophyll content and creating a gorgeous green color. Then, the leaves are carefully ground with stone grinding wheels to produce a fine powder. The powder can then be used to brew an antioxidant rich frothy green tea or in recipes like smoothies or baking. Unlike other types of teas, the green tea powder is not strained out before consuming, so you are consuming the entire leaf, making Matcha more potent than other tea varieties. In fact, only 1/2 tsp is needed to brew a traditional cup of Matcha. Health Benefits of Matcha Green Tea 1.Is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg 2.Boosts metabolism and burns calories 3.Detoxifies effectively and naturally 4.Calms the mind and relaxes the body 5.Is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins 6.Enhances mood and aids in concentration 7.Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium 8.Prevents disease 9.Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar Is it for Weight Loss? EGCG, found in high concentrations in Matcha, has been shown to increase the rate of burning stored fat as energy, as well as decreasing the formation of new fat cells. Other studies have shown that the catechins in Matcha increase the body’s rate of calorie burning each day and offered additional fat burning benefit during exercise. How to Prepare Matcha Green Tea 1) Pre-warm a bowl (chawan) with hot water, and then dry thoroughly. 2) Rinse the tea whisk(chasen)to prevent the tea powder from sticking to it. If you do not have a bamboo chasen (you really need one of these actually!), you can get by with a small, regular whisk, although the results will not be the same. 3) For normal regular matcha (usucha): Using a traditional bamboo spoon, add 1.5-1.75 spoonfuls of powder per person (about 1/3 of a normal teaspoon). 4) To make thick matcha (koicha) Using a traditional bamboo spoon, add 3.75-4 of Koicha matcha per person (about 3/4 ~ 1 teaspoons). Remember, koicha is milder and to make a thick consistency requires double the amount of powder using the right kind of matcha. 5) Add about 3 ~ 4 ounces (125 ml) of hot water. Water temperature should be about 180F/82C. Do not use boiling water but instead water that’s been cooled off a bit. 6) Mix briskly with tea whisk in a “W” shape pattern until all lumps are removed and tea is smooth and creamy, with foam on top. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com Karina Garcia is sales manager of JK Tea Shop, authentic Chinese Loose Leaf tea supplier, for more information, please visit our website at: jkteashop.com