FAQ
What is matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from meticulously cultivated green tea leaves, chosen for their exceptional quality and flavor profile.
Here's the secret: before harvest, these tea plants are treated like royalty, shielded from sunlight to enhance their chlorophyll content and develop a rich, nuanced taste. Once harvested, the leaves undergo a process of steaming, drying, and stone grinding, resulting in a vibrant green powder.
What is the best way to store matcha?
Storing matcha properly is key to preserving its freshness and flavor, just like with any high-quality ingredient. Here's the insider scoop on the best way to keep your matcha in top-notch condition:
- Airtight Container: Opt for an airtight container to shield your matcha from air and moisture. This will help prevent oxidation and maintain its vibrant green color and delicate flavor.
- Cool and Dark: Keep your matcha stash away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. A cool, dark pantry or cupboard is the ideal spot to store it.
- Minimal Exposure: Limit exposure to air and light as much as possible. After each use, seal the container tightly and return it to its designated storage spot promptly.
- Refrigeration: While some suggest storing matcha in the fridge to prolong its shelf life, it's not necessary if you plan to use it within a few weeks to a couple of months. However, if you live in a particularly hot or humid climate, refrigeration can help maintain freshness, but make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
- Use it Up: Lastly, aim to use your matcha within 1-2 months of opening for the best flavor and quality. Like any delicate ingredient, matcha is best enjoyed when it's fresh.
What are some of the philosophical ideas behind Japanese tea ceremonies?
Chado, also known as the "Way of Tea," is a Japanese philosophy and practice that revolves around the ceremonial preparation and consumption of matcha, a finely ground green tea powder. At its core, Chado emphasizes harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
Overall, Chado is more than just a tea ceremony—it's a way of life that encourages mindfulness, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty and serenity of the present moment.
What are some of the wellness benefits of matcha?
By embracing matcha, you're not only treating your palate to a delightful experience but also elevating your health and vitality with each sip.
Potent Antioxidant Powerhouse: Matcha is brimming with antioxidants, those mighty molecules that combat oxidative stress and keep your cells in tiptop shape.
Calm Amidst the Chaos: Matcha's unique combination of L-theanine and caffeine induces a state of calm alertness, helping you navigate through your day with grace and composure.
Heart-Healthy Elixir: Studies suggest that regular consumption may contribute to lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.
Mindful Metabolism Boost: Matcha' dynamic duo of caffeine and catechins may help rev up your metabolic engine, promoting fat oxidation.
Immune-Boosting Elegance: In a world where immunity is paramount, matcha stands as a stalwart defender. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and immune-boosting antioxidants, it fortifies your body's defenses, ensuring you stay vibrant and resilient year-round.
Radiant from Within: Matcha's wealth of nutrients and antioxidants nourishes your skin from the inside out, leaving you with a radiant glow.
What is the history of matcha?
It all started in ancient China during the Tang Dynasty when powdered green tea first appeared. Buddhist monks later whisked it into Japan, introducing matcha to Zen meditation practices around the 9th century.
But it wasn't until the 12th century that matcha really bloomed in Japan, becoming the star of Zen Buddhist rituals and the elegant tea ceremony, where every sip became a moment of mindful bliss.