Matcha Woman
Wednesday, February 1, 2012 at 8:50PM 
While I was gettin' my cleanse on, I discovered gold. Liquid gold that is called matcha. What is matcha you might ask? Well, I will let you in on my secret. It could potentially be my new coffee. The upside – It’s matcha better. The only drawback I have found thus far, is that it comes with a cost upfront (hence the liquid gold reference).
I had read blurbs about this "matcha tea" in the past, but I never really got it (or cared to). That was then.
Here is what I discovered about Matcha
What is it?
It is finely milled powdered green tea traditionally reserved for the Japanese Tea Ceremony. It’s the gold standard; luckily, you don’t need to wait for a special ceremony. You can drink it anytime.
The leaves are carefully steamed to prevent the nutrients from oxidation and keep the tea fresh and green. Then, all the rough fibers (i.e. stems and veins) are removed to assure a fine powdery consistency and the sweet flavor typical for a great Matcha. -according to DoMatcha
Why should you drink it?
Because I said so and...
It is 10xs more nutrient dense than regular green tea. It is rich in antioxidants, fiber, nutrients, and chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is the stuff that makes plants green; it’s liquid sunshine. Chlorophyll strengthens the immune system, improves circulation, eases inflammation, and counteracts harmful free radicals.
Matcha is packed with crazy good antioxidants. Using the testing method known as ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity), experts at Tufts University discovered that matcha possesses an amazing twenty times more antioxidants than pomegranates or blueberries.
Matcha may:
- raise you energy level for up to 4 hours-- a recent study found that matcha even improved physical endurance by 24%. Hells ya. I will be giving the kids a run for their money
- create a state of relaxed yet calm mental alertness---amazingness! Monks relied on this for mediation. It gave them the ability to remain calm yet alert.
- boost metabolism by up to 40% in regular consumers and burn fat.
- contain up to 137 times more EGCG (the compound found uniquely in green teas which has shown to possess unbelievable anti-cancer, anti-aging, and overall health benefits) antioxidant than steeped green tea.
- help regulate healthy blood sugar levels.
- support healthy cholesterol levels within a normal range.
- act as a strong blood detoxifier and alkalizer--thanks chlorophyll.
- support healthy teeth and gums.
How could they possibly charge around $35 for tea?
Matcha Source says, "The pricing of matcha in Japan is directly related to which leaves are used, where they were grown and which farmers cultivated it. When you look to buy matcha, you'll find the most expensive ones are the greenest color, and softest in texture. This denotes that only the youngest leaves were used and de-spined (all coarse fibers, i.e. the stems, removed). Matcha is made in relatively limited quantities, and because it is so popular in Japan, relatively little remains for export."
Please do not try to save money on matcha. There is a reason for this price. It is called quality. You want a bright green powder. A 2.8oz can has 33 half teaspoons in it. That is about 33 cups of matcha. Now, I am no math genius but I am pretty sure that is a whole lot cheaper than coffee.
Does it taste like earth, grass, worms and mud?
Honestly: kinda. Not really the worms and mud but it definitely has a mild earthy taste. Think a full bodied green tea. There are ways to slightly sweeten it. Truth be told, it wasn’t love at first taste. But, me and match kinda built a relationship based on truth and respect and I won’t be letting this good thing go.
Is there caffeine?
Yes. The caffeine content is similar to a cup of Jo. But it’s not the jittery, jumpy, makes you want to die kind. No crashes with matcha. It contains smaller dosages of caffeine that release over time and can provide sustained energy for up to 6-8 hours. Because it contains L-Theanine (an amino acid that works as a calming influence), you will be relaxed and still…like a quiet alert monk.
A bit more about L-Theanine: this bad boy is truly amazing.
According to DoMatcha:
“The effects of L-Theanine are truly amazing. It has the unique ability to stimulate the production of alpha waves in the brain. A state otherwise mostly achieved by meditation and characterized by a calm alertness and relaxed mental clarity. No wonder Zen monks appreciated a good cup of matcha before their hours-long meditation session.
The relaxing effects of L-Theanine act antagonistically against the stimulatory effects of caffeine thus leading to an experience of calm alertness.”
What do you do with it?
Drink it of course.
Matcha Tea
Put ½ to 1 teaspoon of matcha in a mug. Put a little bit of warm water to make a paste. Then add hot (not boiling water) to the mixture. Stir or whisk. Simple.
Apple Matcha Smoothie
2 apples, peeled and cored
1 cup of vanilla almond milk
1 teaspoon of matcha green powder
4 ice cubes
*option- a dash of agave syrup
**tomorrow I am going to add my Chocolate Amazing Grass Amazing Meal to my smoothie for a boost
Matcha Latte
This is my favorite way to start the morning. It is amazing.
Follow the recipe for Matcha Tea and then froth (with a hand mixer) 1/3 or ¼ cup of warm vanilla almond milk.
Combine and enjoy!
Where do I find it?
Whole Foods, but I got a much better price on Amazon. I like the DoMatcha (pronounced doe matcha). I started with their second harvest but now that I know I love it I will probably get the first harvest next. You can purchase right here:
I highly recommend matcha. Do yourself a favor. Get it.
Just another way I am livin' the green :)
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