What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea. The plants are grown in a unique way, thanks to which matcha contains a very high amount of antioxidants and L-theanine. Farmers grow the plants in the shade to grow the finest bright green small leaves on the top of the plant, which, thanks to the shade, have a very concentrated amount of antioxidants. At harvest time, the plant is uncovered and only the topmost leaves are collected from it. Harvests are graded into several categories. Simply put, the higher the leaf is on the plant, the higher the concentration of beneficial substances and therefore the quality. Harvests are carried out in order. First, the complete tops are collected, as you already know, the finest and smallest leaves, and then for each leaf collected lower on the plant, there is a lower type of harvest.
The 1st harvest is considered the best, highest quality and is called "ceremonial quality" intended for drinking at tea ceremonies, ceremonies and is the best choice you can indulge in. It contains the most antioxidants, L-theanine and is bright green. It is very tasty even without milk or other additives and depending on where it is grown, you can observe different tones of taste, similar to coffee. For example, our matcha tastes like jasmine, it is very sweet, delicate. It has a full taste and is soft on the tongue.
The second harvest is often sold as ideal for milk drinks. This is because it is no longer of sufficient quality to be tasty on its own, but it is still of very good quality and still contains a certain amount of beneficial substances.
The 3rd harvest is one of the last, during which larger leaves are collected, which contain only trace amounts of all beneficial substances and l-theanine and are therefore recommended only for cooking (due to heat, most substances disappear during cooking or baking, similar to live cultures, for example, in yogurts or kefirs), but the taste and green color of matcha will remain and you can bake delicious desserts.
After this harvest, the remaining leaves from the 4th and 5th harvest are sometimes collected and used in various sweetened matcha blends, commercial sweets, etc.
Why drink matcha?
Matcha is like a loving embrace for our body and mind. This delicate powder is packed with ingredients that heal and support our health.
In Japan, this powder is known as one of the oldest and most effective solutions for the path to vitality, freshness and longevity.
Used by monks, samurai, and royalty in their rituals, Matcha has been scientifically tested more than any other "superfood" you've probably heard of.
If we compare, a cup of good filter coffee contains 80-100 mg of caffeine, while a double dose of espresso contains 60-150 mg of this stimulant and the energy it provides lasts for 1-3 hours, after which, to our sadness, an energy slump follows.
Unlike coffee, a cup of matcha contains the secret of L-theanine, which magically reverses the effects of caffeine by promoting a state of “relaxed alertness.” L-theanine is also a dietary supplement used for anxiety. Its effects are related to calming the body, inducing a state of relaxation without the unwanted feeling of drowsiness, and suppressing anxiety and stress. Its effects are also related to brain function, learning ability, and memory.
Matcha therefore offers long-lasting energy for up to 8 hours without having to worry about the unpleasant feelings of nervousness, anxiety or energy loss that coffee can bring.
Matcha contains an average of 20-45 mg of caffeine per gram. However, it depends a lot on the quality and type. The higher the quality of the matcha, the more caffeine and L-Theanine it contains (quality is explained in the previous paragraph What is matcha? )
Each serving, from 2 to 4 grams, will therefore envelop you in 40-180 mg of pure energy, which is exactly what you need for your happy successful day.
Proper preparation
