Matcha Green Tea: What is It? Why is It Healthier than Other Green Tea? How Do I Use It?

What is matcha? Matcha green tea is the powdered form of high grade green tea leaves, known as gyokuro. It is traditionally used in the Japanese tea ceremony, but it is also used to make other drinks. And it is also often used in cooking.nnHow is matcha green tea made? Matcha is made from gyokuro leaves, which are shaded from the sunlight with reeds or straw two or three weeks prior to picking. (This process of shading the leaves, differentiates it from other kinds of green teas which are not shaded prior to picking). This process produces a higher level of theanine which gives matcha its mild and sweet flavour.It also means that there are more antoxidants and vitamins, than in other green teas grown in full sun. After the leaves have been steamed they are dried. The leaves veins and stems are then removed, and then the leaves are ground into a fine powder in a mill.nnWhat are the health benefits of drinking matcha? Matcha offers higher nutritional value than other green teas because it can be completely dissolved in water.When you drink other kinds of tea, you discard the leaves, which means you are only getting some of the health benefits. It can also be used to make Matcha smoothies, lattes and in cooking - so you can make your own green tea ice cream. nnDo Japanese people drink matcha everyday? Traditionally green tea powder was only used in the Japanese tea ceremony, but today more Japanese people are drinking matcha, especially in matcha frappes and lattes, which are often on cafe menus. Matcha ice cream is also extremely popular and you can find it in any Japanese supermarket. If you want to try matcha tea as it's traditionally made in the Japanese tea ceremony, just follow the steps below.nnHow do you make matcha green tea?nnYOU WILL NEED: A tea bowl (or a medium-sized bowl, deep enough to allow you to whisk the tea). A tea whisk (chasen), or and egg whisk. A 1/2 teaspoon of matcha (or 3 scoops using a chashaku). 1. When Japanese people drink matcha they usually have something sweet before drinking the tea. You might like to drink it with a slice of cake, or some chocolate. This balances the slight bitterness of the matcha. 2. Begin by heating the bowl, by pouring some hot water into the bowl, swishing the hot water around and then pouring it out. 3. Dry the bowl, and then add ½ tsp. of green tea into the tea bowl. (Optionally, use a tea strainer as this will make the powder thinner, and easier to whisk). 4. Then add about 70-80ml of water (at approx. 90 degrees), to the bowl. 5. Begin whisking up the tea with the whisk. Use a quick, back and forth wrist movement (make a M shape, as you whisk), until the tea is worked into a froth. And there is a light froth across the surface of the tea. 6. Enjoy the tea while it is hot.nnDelicious and Easy-to-Make Matcha RecipesnnMATCHA LATTE - A GREAT DRINK TO WARM YOU UP IN WINTER 1. Mix 1 ½ tsp. of matcha with 3 tablespoons of hot water. Stir briskly, until you have a smooth consistency. 2. Heat 1 cup of milk, (and optionally 1 tsp. of honey) over low heat. Then add the matcha, and stir until well blended.nnMATCHA FRAPPE - THE BEST REFRESHER ON A HOT SUMMER DAY Simply combine 1 teaspoon of matcha, ice, 1 cup of vanilla ice cream and 1/2 cup milk in a blender. Add some berries for an antioxidant boost.