A couple of weeks ago, when we were in Japan celebrating our Honeymoon,  I developed a big matcha addiction. I ate and drank everything matcha; teas, lattes, cookies,  icecream, pancakes, you name it. Matcha seems like a new thing everybody is talking about. Instead, it has been around for more than 1500 years (!) It is believed that the very first green tea seeds were brought to Japan from China by the Zen Monk Eisai in 1191 A.D., who planted them on the temple grounds in Kyoto. Eisai, who introduced the Zen philosophy to Japan, was the first person to grind and consume green tea leaves in powdered form. Therefore Zen and matcha became bound together, in the form of the tea ceremony. Matcha is green tea powder made from the leaves the green tea plant which are then steamed, dried and crushed. The intense color comes mainly from the fact that these leaves didn’t get as much sun as regular green tea leaves. Which also means that it has more chlorophyl

Why add matcha to your life?

1. Full of antioxidants: It has more antioxidants than anything you’ve heard of. 1 cup of matcha = 10 cups of regular green tea.
2. Alertness and concentration: L-theanine is an amino acid found in tea. It promotes a state of relaxation and well-being. Combined with caffeine, it can induce a state of relaxed alertness. Studies suggest that L-thiamine may have cognitive and antibacterial benefits.It has been found to improve relaxation, tension, and calmness. With caffeine, it improves performance, attention, memory, focus, and alertness.
3. Anti-cancerous properties: Green tea contains a class of antioxidant known as catechins, particularly the catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) that has anti-tumor properties. One study found that matcha green tea contained at least 3 times as much EGCg as other green teas studied in research. EGCg may help prevent cancer by protecting cells from DNA damage and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation.Chlorophyll is what gives plants their green color. Studies have linked a higher chlorophyll consumption with lower rates of aflatoxin-associated liver cancer. Matcha is green, because it is rich in chlorophyll.
4. Longer-Lasting Energy: Since matcha tea has both regular caffeine and also the amino acid theanine, it produces a relaxed but alert mental state, boosting alpha waves in the brain. These alpha waves provide a pleasant clarity, so your energy boost is sustained over time, instead of just getting a surge of wakefulness before the inevitable crash. 
5. Metabolism-Boosting Potential: Just like green tea has been shown to boost your metabolism after consistent consumption, matcha is rich in catechins, which may also help regulate and boost metabolism, helping to control body weight. To get the most out of this beverage, make sure to drink it plain, without any sweeteners and milk, and to incorporate a balanced diet and consistent workout routine into your lifestyle. 
6. Antibiotic properties: Matcha tea have been shown to have antibiotic properties which promote overall health. Additionally, just one bowl of Matcha Green Tea provides substantial quantities of Potassium, Vitamins A & C, Iron, Protein, and Calcium.

Preparing matcha

• When preparing your matcha, make sure the water is not too hot. If it’s too hot, it changes the texture and taste of the powder; it can make it taste very bitter. The perfect temperature is around 75C/ 80C. 
• You need to whisk the powder in your cup. The majority of the powder will go to the bottom.
• The more matcha you use, the sweeter the taste
• When choosing your matcha, make sure that the color is very bright; the brighter the color the better the quality an the ore healthbenefits.

So, after reading all of this, why shouldn’t you add matcha to your daily life? 

For the Dutchies:  Here’s where you can buy your matcha; here or here.