I trade long hours every day. Coffee would spike my alertness for the first 2 - 3 hours but then I would need more and more coffee to continue my trading activities. Until I found Matcha Tea.
The first time I tasted matcha was in a Japanese restaurant, not as a beverage, but in a lush green crème brûlée. And because imagination has no boundaries, since then more and more sweets, foods and beverages with the distinctive color make their appearance, while lovers of Japanese tea matcha support that has many health benefits. So let's get to know it, to see why such a panic with matcha tea.
What is matcha tea?
Matcha means "tea powder" and as testifies and its name, it is tea in powder form. It is produced from green tea leaves, which are covered with fabrics, a process that gives them better taste and texture. Then the leaves are harvested by hand, pass them for a while from steam and then dry them and leave them to ripen in a cold environment, which enhances even more the taste, before they make them powder.
Its taste is intense and is characterized as umami. Tea sommeliers say that in matcha quality is everything and this, of course, entails a proportional high cost. In fact, they warn that the low price may mean that the tea is not plain matcha, but some mix reinforced for example with sweeteners or powdered milk.
What does Matcha Tea offer?
Because matcha is made from high quality tea and contains whole leaves, which you consume every time you drink a cup, is a source of various nutrients and is rich in antioxidants (catinas) which protect from Heart disease and, according to Foodnurish, the consumption of tea may have anticancer activity, protecting against cancer of the colon, breast, ovaries, prostate and lung.
Also, matcha helps regulate sugar, lowers blood pressure and has anti-aging effects. In addition and that boosts metabolism and is associated with weight loss. Other clinical trials suggest that matcha can accelerate physical rehabilitation after workouts, promote cellular strength and boost immunity. The best? Matcha in relation to the classic green tea is a better source of the above nutrients, as the leaves are actually consumed and you do not throw them away after you strain the beverage.
It has its negatives though...
Green tea exposed to pollution may contain lead. Of course, with the classic Tea 90% of the lead remains in the leaves, which after you strain your beverage you throw them away. With matcha though, the leaves are consumed so you consume more lead. Ideally, you should not drink more than 1 cup of matcha a day.
How are you doing with caffeine?
If you avoid caffeine, you better not drink matcha, as it contains about 3 times more caffeine than a cup of tea. Like drinking coffee, that is. Of course, according to its enthusiasts, matcha causes a softer awakening than coffee and does not disturb sleep. This herb is perfect for traders who need to stay alert for longer periods of time.
Why To drink a cup of matcha tea...
Unlike the classic Friday of a cup of tea, as we know it, matcha is made by throwing 1 TT. Sweet Matcha in 1 cup of hot (but not boiled) water and then stir it with a stirrer of bamboo (Chasen) until it frothing.
How else can you enjoy it?
It is one of the hottest trends in gastronomy, with cooks and chefs preferring it for their sweets, but for some savory dishes. In the menus you find from iced or hot tea, late and smoothie, to pancakes, ice cream, cupcakes, muffins, brownies, creams, soups and much more with the characteristic green color. In fact, you will find many recipes online to make them at home.
Info
Matcha tea is located in shops with organic products and nuts and online. As for its price, it costs €167 per kilo, while a package of 30gr. It costs around 10-15 €. Of course, in the market you find more economical and sachets with beverages containing matcha tea and other ingredients such as lime and lemongrass, however it is mix and not just matcha tea.