Glossary - Ingredients

Matcha

Powdered green tea used in Japanese tea ceremony, cooking, or in sweets

What is matcha?

Matcha (抹茶 in Japanese) is tea leaves grown without direct sunlight then steamed and dried, and finally ground to powder in a millstone. In Japanese tea ceremony, matcha is stirred with water using a "chasen" (bamboo whisk) before drinking. Also, it is used in "wagashi" (Japanese-style confectionery), ice creams and many other desserts, as well as in matcha lattes, and even in certain dishes.

Nutrition facts

Matcha is rich in protein, dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, beta-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin C. In addition, catechin, the component that gives tea its astringency and bitterness, has antioxidant and antibacterial effects, and has been studied for its preventive effects against various lifestyle-related diseases. It also contains theanine and caffeine, which are useful for improving concentration and maintaining brain health.
Matcha is made by grinding whole tea leaves, so the nutrients can be acquired from the tea leaves alone. For this reason, it is richer in nutrients than green tea. However, it also contains a lot of caffeine. One 60ml cup of matcha contains about 50mg of caffeine.

Storage to prevent food loss

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. If you put it in the refrigerator, moisture may get on it when you take it out, causing it to spoil.

Trivia

Tea ceremony is the art of facing oneself and connecting with others through a cup of tea. Even if you don't have the proper tools, dissolve matcha in warm water and drink it slowly, then you may experience mindfulness.