Matchamania: why everyone is switching to powdered tea and how it’s better than coffee

Matchamania: why everyone is switching to powdered tea and how it is better than coffee

There is talk that it can even cope with muscle pain.

Drinks based on matcha can increasingly be found in the menu of coffee shops, and among fitness bloggers, actors and models, this green drink in general has gained incredible popularity. Social networks are full of photos of Hadid sisters with cups of green latte, Kaia Gerber and Iris Lowe make matcha live, and Sanne Vloet shares shots of her favorite drink.

Let’s find out what matcha is and why stars are replacing it with their usual morning cup of coffee.

What is matcha?

Matcha is a traditional Japanese powdered green tea, which is actually native to China. What makes it different from what you’re used to is the more complex cultivation process. Matcha is obtained exclusively from the upper leaves of tea trees. Before harvesting, the plants are placed in the shade to slow down the growth process. This increases the level of chlorophyll and amino acids in the leaves. The leaves are processed, dried and ground into a fine powder. The caffeine content of matcha powder is quite high, so drinks from it are advised to drink in the first half of the day to energize.

What are the benefits?

In addition to color and taste, matcha differs from any other tea by its high content of epigallocatechin, thanks to which this drink not only has antioxidant properties, but also helps to lose excess weight. Another important component – L-theanine – makes matcha a useful alternative to coffee. It slows down the absorption of caffeine and allows you to achieve an energizing effect, avoiding a sharp rise in blood pressure. People who lead an active lifestyle will also like this tea because it can reduce muscle pain after exercise.

Nutritionist, expert of “Championship” Anna Berseneva also notes: “L-Theanine is an amino acid with anti-anxiolytic properties that help stimulate alpha waves in the brain. They promote relaxation, induce a deep sense of mental clarity and a more alert mind.
Can you imagine that perfect state of being awake, calm and focused at the same time?
This effect helps Buddhist monks maintain deep concentration during meditation sessions. I think it’s an excellent drink to start the working day or, for example, to conduct a difficult negotiation.”

What to look for when choosing a matcha?

• The powder should be bright green in color. A dull hue can be a sign of a poor quality product.
• It is better to choose organic Japanese tea without additives and impurities. Be sure to pay attention to the composition and place of origin of the tea.
• The tea packet should be opaque and airtight to avoid direct sunlight, excess air and moisture.
• High quality matcha tea is not bitter or astringent. Bitterness can occur due to improper brewing method, so pay attention to our preparation tips.

How to prepare matcha latte?

The most popular matcha-based drink is the matcha latte. It is easy to prepare it at home, the main thing is to choose a good quality tea and get a special whisk.

You will need:

• Tyawan – a special bowl for Japanese tea drinking or other suitable in size and shape utensils, for example, a wide cup.
• Measuring spoon.
• Chasen – a whisk made of bamboo.
• 2 grams of matcha.
• 50 ml of filtered hot water. Its temperature should be about 80°C.
• 150 ml of milk of your choice. We advise you to cook on vegetable milk, as cow’s milk can interfere with the flavor of tea. It is especially delicious on almond, oat milk or non-fat coconut milk.
• A cappuccinator or French press for whipping the milk.
• If desired, you can use a sweetener, such as honey or topinambour syrup.

Preparation method:

1. Pour boiling water into the tyavan and whisk it with a whisk to heat the dish.
2. Wipe the tiawan and pour 2 grams of tea per serving of the drink using a measuring spoon.
3. Pour a small amount of hot water over the powder and whisk it with a whisk in an up-and-down motion to the consistency of a thick paste with bubbles on the surface. The powder should dissolve completely, there should be no lumps. Sweetener can be added to the paste if desired.
4. Boil the milk and cool it to 80°C. Whisk the hot milk until a stiff foam forms.
5. Gently pour the milk into the matcha paste.

It is important to drink matcha latte immediately after preparation, so that the powder does not settle to the bottom of the cup and the drink does not lose flavor. And for hot days, a chilled version is ideal. To prepare it, you need to replace hot milk with cold milk and add a few ice cubes at the end.