Matcha is known for its creamy, vegetal flavours. It contains caffeine and L-theanine, which can promote a relaxed mental alertness.

What is matcha

Matcha is a type of finely ground green tea powder traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It’s made from shade-grown tea leaves, which are carefully ground into a fine powder. The shading process enhances the chlorophyll content in the leaves, giving matcha its vibrant green colour.

How it’s made

To produce matcha, the tea leaves are harvested, steamed, dried, and then ground using stone mills. This grinding process is what sets matcha apart from other green teas, as it creates a powder that is dissolved directly into water, rather than steeped like loose leaf tea.

What it tastes like

Matcha is known for its distinct flavour, which can be described as rich, vegetal, and slightly sweet, or bitter depending on how much you use. It also contains caffeine and a unique amino acid called L-theanine, which is believed to promote relaxation and mental alertness.

It’s used in cooking too!

In addition to being enjoyed as a hot or cold beverage, matcha is also used in cooking and baking to add colour and flavour to various dishes, such as matcha lattes, smoothies, ice cream, and desserts. It’s prized for its vibrant green colour, health benefits, and ceremonial significance in Japanese culture.