Tea has played an essential role in many cultures for generations. While most mainstream tea is well known globally, in recent years, matcha and green tea have become quite popular for its health benefits and broad use. As a flavorful ingredient, you can find matcha and green tea in the form of powder for both sweet and savory dishes; ranging from muffins and puddings, to matcha soup, stir-fry’s, and even matcha guacamole!

History of Matcha Powder

Although matcha tea has recently experienced a massive surge in popularity, its origins lie in Japan around the 12th Century, when Zen monk Eisai brought tea seeds back from a study trip to China.

Matcha, literally means “powdered tea” in Japanese, got its name from the process that creates the powder. When you order traditional green tea, components from the leaves get infused into the hot water and then the leaves are discarded. Contrastingly with matcha, you’re drinking the actual leaves which have been finely powdered and made into a solution. This has been traditionally done by mixing a teaspoon of matcha powder, with a cup of hot water that is then whisked with a bamboo brush until it froths.

Unlike traditional green tea, matcha preparation involves covering the tea plants from sunlight for about 20–30 days before harvesting. The shade triggers an increase in chlorophyll levels which darkens the leaves and increases amino acids. After harvesting, the leaves are hand selected, steamed briefly to stop fermentation, then dried and aged in cold storage to deepen the flavour. The dried leaves are then stone-ground into powder.

However, the taste of matcha is quite strong. Some people describe it as grass or spinach-like, and it has an umami taste. Because of this, if ingested in liquid form, it is usually sweetened by adding sweetener or milk to boost palatability. The most common practice of matcha tea is in Japanese tea ceremonies, a sophisticated art known as “Chado.”

What is Matcha Powder Good for? The 5 Main Matcha & Green Tea Powder Benefits

Matcha provides robust health benefits when consumed regularly. Since matcha ingests whole leaves, it has a higher content of caffeine and antioxidants than green tea. One cup (237 ml) of standard matcha made from 4 teaspoons of powder generally packs about 280 mg of caffeine. This is significantly higher than a cup of green tea, which only provides 35 mg of caffeine. What is matcha powder good for? Here are five matcha and green tea powder benefits you must know.

• Loaded with Antioxidants: Matcha powder contains an intensive amount of antioxidants that help stabilize free radicals, reduce cell damage, and prevent chronic diseases.
• Energy Booster: Matcha powder has about three times the amount of caffeine as alternative types of brewed teas making it a healthier option for those wanting to stay stimulated throughout the day but not willing to compromise on their health.
• Productivity Promoter: In a 2017 study published in Food Research International, people who drank matcha tea experienced an increase in attention and processing speed an hour later due to a trifecta of L-theanine, the polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and caffeine; additionally, L-theanine has shown to increase activity in the brain which may help induce relaxation and decrease stress levels.
• Strengthens Bones: Matcha has been proven to increase bone mineral density which works to preserve mobility and reduce risks of developing osteoporosis.
• Increases Metabolism: Matcha is a type of green tea powder. Green tea is well known for its ability to enhance weight loss, by speeding up your metabolism, increase energy expenditure, and boost fat burning.

It is important to note that although there are numerous health benefits associated with ingesting matcha, due to its high caffeine content, moderation is key. It is recommended to drink no more than 2 cups per day, and look for certified organic varieties without risking any side effects.

Delicious Matcha At Your Fingertips

If you want a convenient taste of Matcha taste, Ying Xuan Zhuang delivers two beautifully packaged and delicious options of powdered tea:

• Green Tea Powder
• Organic Matcha Powder

Both packages are made in Taiwan. Both use 100% Japanese tea leaves and are free of additives, coloring, and preservatives. Tea leaves are carefully selected and processed under strict quality control measures. Both powdered tea options have a shelf life of 2 years. Enjoy a tasty cup of matcha or green tea at any time of the day with this tea package combo nestled comfortably in your pantry.

How to Prepare Matcha Tea

To yield the best flavor when using Ying Xuan Zhuang’s packaged matcha powder, follow these steps:

• Heat: Heat a kettle of water to 90° C
• Measure: Measure 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder for every 50ml of water
• Pour: Pour the boiling water over the matcha powder in your cup
• Mix: Mix the water and matcha powder with a bamboo whisk until the powder has completely dissolved

Note: The suitable temperature for brewing matcha is with warm water or hot water. Since oxidation and precipitation occur when the matcha is mixed with water, it is highly recommended to drink the final tea as soon as possible.

Matcha As A Routine Staple

Ying Xuan Zhuang’s matcha and green tea powders are must-have staples in your house. Numerous studies have proven that drinking matcha powder or green powder tea has positive health benefits, and may reduce risks of cancer. It is also an excellent productivity booster. Matcha’s versatile qualities make it an indispensable ingredient in your house.

Make sure to pick up some matcha and green tea powder during your next grocery run and discover all the hype for yourself.

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