Benefits of matcha green tea. Matcha is the most valuable green tea for detoxifying, rejuvenating and healing the body. Composition of matcha tea

If you are looking for something that can give energy and strength, lift your spirits and speed up your metabolism, perhaps matcha tea is exactly what you need. Unlike its other relatives from the green tea family, this one differs both in the method of cultivation, and in processing and methods of application.

In Japan, matcha, along with sencha, is one of the most popular drinks. Powdered leaves of this green tea are added to various drinks, dishes, desserts and cosmetics. The Japanese really appreciate this variety of tea and believe that it gives strength, improves immunity and helps to stay young and healthy longer.

What is a matcha?
This is the name of tencha leaves that have been grown in the shade. These are the same tea leaves from which Sencha and Gunpowder are made, only the last 2 varieties are grown in the sun.
That is, at first all tea leaves are called tencha, and only then, depending on the method of cultivation and processing, they turn into different varieties of tea.

Matcha tea - features and differences

Powdered matcha tea is considered to be especially beneficial for health, since when drinking this drink, a person absorbs the whole tea leaves, which means that he receives much more antioxidants and vitamins, which all varieties of green tea are rich in.

cultivation

Today, matcha, or matcha as the name sounds in Japanese, is grown not only in Japan but also in China and other regions of East Asia.

Almost immediately, as soon as green leaves appear on the tea bushes, they are covered with a fine net that blocks almost all sunlight. This is done in order to slow down photosynthesis, which, according to manufacturers, increases its beneficial properties in tea.

Collection

Picking matcha tea leaves begins 88 days after the first day of spring. The first harvest produces the youngest leaves and is considered to be the highest quality tea. Matcha lovers can distinguish the tea obtained from the leaves of the first collection by color, smell and taste.

Recycling

Unlike other teas, matcha leaves are steamed after picking to prevent oxidation and preserve antioxidants. Then the stems are carefully removed, and the tea is dried in a well-ventilated room, after which the leaves are made into a fine powder.

Taste

Matcha tea has a very rich, delicate taste with a slightly sweet aftertaste. If the purchased matcha has a bitter taste, this is a sign of poor quality or the water was too hot during brewing.

Matcha tea - useful properties

Connoisseurs of matcha tea are sure that one cup of this tea provides as many benefits for the body as 10 cups of regular green tea. In addition, by absorbing not only a drink, but also tea leaves, the body receives vitamins, minerals and fiber, which they are rich in.

• Powdered matcha tea contains 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea;

• A cup of matcha has about the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee, but the difference is that this tea also contains l-theanine. Together, these substances not only give energy, but do not increase nervousness, as coffee does;

• Recent studies have shown that matcha increases physical endurance by 24%.

Alkalinity

Unlike coffee, which is considered acidic, matcha is alkaline, which helps maintain the acid-base balance in the body. This is an important aspect of health, given the fact that most of the foods we eat are high in acidity. To maintain balance, you need to eat enough alkalizing food.

Stimulating the brain

Over a thousand years ago, matcha was brought to Japan as a meditation aid. Soon it was his ability to relax and improve concentration at the same time that made this tea so popular.

Energy

A cup of matcha in the morning will fill the body with energy and new strength. Like coffee, this tea is rich in caffeine, however, according to many reviews, this energy is calmer and helps to focus on important things, as the energy from coffee is more impetuous.

Mood

Immunity Boost

Green tea is rich in polyphenols called catechins, which are several times higher in matcha than in other varieties. These polyphenols are known for their immune-boosting properties.

Acceleration of metabolism

It is one of the properties of the match, for which it is very much loved by those who love themselves to be slim and athletic. According to many lovers of this drink, when playing sports. Matcha helps you burn calories faster.

Benefits of matcha for skin

The antioxidants and polyphenols found in tea increase the skin's ability to fight environmental damage, reduce UV sensitivity, and neutralize free radicals. Green hour of any variety has long been recognized as a drink that preserves the youth and health of the body.

How to brew matcha

The Japanese just don't drink tea. Matcha is used in their tea ceremony and a whole set of items is required to brew it, but the bottom line is that you need to mix water with tea powder well. So, admirers of Japanese traditions use a measuring cup to accurately determine the amount of water and powder, a strainer for sifting tea leaves so that lumps do not turn out, and a special bamboo brush that mixes the drink.

The basic rule for brewing matcha is to keep an eye on the temperature of the water. You can’t pour boiling water over the powder, it will spoil the taste of tea and reduce its beneficial properties.

Those who often drink green tea today have the opportunity to buy teapots with temperature control. An easier way to solve the problem is, after boiling, let the water cool for 5-7 minutes. The optimal temperature for brewing matcha is 70-80 degrees Celsius.

Brew matcha to taste. In Japan, there are 2 types of matcha according to the fortress: “ushucha” (weak) and “koicha” (strong).

Stars go crazy over matcha tea. What it is?

Matcha can be added to drinks, desserts and meals. It's a great idea to add powdered tea to your morning nutritious smoothies and breakfasts.

Contraindications and precautions

Despite all the benefits of green tea, and matcha in particular, do not forget that caffeine-rich drinks should not be drunk 6 hours before bedtime.

There is one problem with the match though. Studies have shown that even organically grown tea leaves contain lead. This is especially true for tea grown in China, where the level of environmental pollution is higher than in Japan.

Scientists came to the conclusion that tea absorbs lead from the environment, and if when brewing other types of tea, 90% of the lead remains in the leaves, which are then thrown away, then things are a little different from matcha. So, drinking tea along with tea leaves, we also absorb all the lead contained in the leaves.

How to choose the best matcha tea

When buying matcha powder, pay attention to the following aspects:

• The color should be bright green, not dark green like sencha, for example;
• It is better to give preference to tea grown without chemicals, that is, organic;
• Matcha shouldn't be too cheap. Very often, ground sencha leaves can be found on sale, instead of real matcha. 30 grams of quality matcha will cost in the range of $20 to $50 for 30 grams.
• Give preference to tea produced in Japan, not in China. Japanese matcha is considered the best in quality and is grown in more favorable conditions.

Japanese powdered matcha tea is an interesting drink and deserves its popularity. Green tea lovers will appreciate this delicious and invigorating drink.

If we are talking about Japanese tea, then we mean, first of all, high quality green tea - black tea is not produced in the Land of the Rising Sun. There are not as many Japanese varieties as Chinese ones, but they are all very different and are valued in many countries of the world. Matcha (matcha) is a fine powder of quality tencha green tea. According to tradition, a portion of the tea leaf is ground on millstones immediately before tea drinking. He ground, brewed and drank. Although not everything is so simple. “He brewed and drank” - this is purely European - on the go and in a hurry.

Matcha tea is a traditional drink for tea ceremonies. And this, as you probably already heard, is a whole action that does not tolerate fuss and haste. We cannot repeat this, and we should not even try to portray the Japanese at the tea ceremony.

Useful properties of Japanese matcha tea

The unique production technology allows us to talk about matcha tea as one of the healthiest drinks in the world. Matcha tea contains ten times more nutrients than a regular tea leaf, and this amount of antioxidants cannot be found in almost any product. Due to the special composition of Japanese matcha tea, you do not need to throw away the tea leaves when drinking it. It is drunk in crushed form without a trace - this is the whole usefulness of the drink. So, the main advantages and properties of Japanese matcha tea:
. Strengthening immunity;
. Promotes concentration of attention, improves the efficiency of memorization, perception of information;
. It is a strong antioxidant, which even ginger, spinach, blueberries cannot be compared with;
. Lowering blood cholesterol, strengthening the cardiovascular system;
. Neutralizes the effects of ultraviolet rays on the skin, slowing down its aging;
. Matcha tea increases energy expenditure (thermogenesis), so it can be used in a weight loss diet program;
. Prevents the appearance of kidney stones and sand in the gallbladder;
. The properties of matcha tea are like a powerful energy drink. It is very curious that on the islands of Okinawa, where the highest quality teas, including matcha, are produced, life expectancy reaches 90 years.
About such a disease as varicose veins, the locals do not even suspect. Doctors say that successful prevention is the key to the health of the population - the benefits of Japanese matcha tea give results.

Composition of matcha tea

Everyone knows about the nutritional properties and benefits of ordinary green tea, but compared to matcha tea, it noticeably loses. Half a teaspoon of this Japanese tea contains 289 mg of protein, while the usual one contains just over 3 mg. which brings great benefits to the human body. In terms of impact, one cup of matcha is equivalent to 10 cups of high-quality green tea.

How to brew matcha to get the most out of it?

To brew matcha means to mix or beat it well in hot water. You can make tea in a light or more concentrated form. Weakly brewed matcha is called “usucha” in Japan, and strong matcha is called “koicha” - it all depends on the amount of water and tea leaves.

Dishes for brewing matcha (matcha):

Measuring cup to accurately measure the amount of water

A bowl for brewing tea - tyavan (let it be ceramic or porcelain)

A measuring bamboo powder spoon, called chasaku, in which 1 g of tea powder is placed. You can also take a teaspoon, but keep in mind that two measured bamboo chasaku are equivalent to one teaspoon.

A strainer through which tea powder is sifted to remove lumps. You can use a chasaku (measuring spoon) to grind powder lumps in a strainer.

Bamboo whisk - chasen (required, otherwise the match will not work)

Preparation of usucha (weak tea):

Pour 2 g (two measured spoons) of tea leaves into a pre-warmed and wiped dry bowl and add 70-80 ml of hot water (80 ° C).

Mix thoroughly with a whisk so that there are no lumps and tea leaves on the walls of the bowl. You can whip into foam, you can not beat - at will or in accordance with a certain tea tradition.

Usutya - bitter in taste, bright green in color, not thick in texture. This is a democratic tea, it is usually drunk without strict formalities in the circle of family or friends (as part of everyday tea culture).

Preparation of koycha (strong tea):

The dishes are heated, as for any brewing, but the tea vessel must be dry.

The powder is taken twice as much - 4 g (4 scoops or a full teaspoon).

Water will need 50 ml.

The mixture must be stirred with slow rotational movements. If the technology is maintained, the koitha will turn out to be thick and viscous with a sweetish-tart taste, with a beautiful, rich green foam on top. Koycha is the drink of tea ceremonies.

Since matcha (matcha) is not common in taste - with bitterness, astringency, it is customary to serve national sweets - wagashi for tea. They are eaten before tea.

With any type of matcha (matcha) brewing, tea is drunk along with ground tea leaves, which is the key to its usefulness.

How to Brew Matcha Tea Properly

Use of matcha (matcha) in cooking

Matcha powder is used both for making tea according to a traditional recipe, and as an additive to various drinks and dishes.

When added to other teas and culinary dishes, matcha enriches them with a vitamin complex, giving a fresh aroma, taste and greenish tint.

The well-known drink "Latte" is made with brewed matcha, sugar and milk.

Matcha ice cream is not only original in appearance, but also much healthier than usual.

Matcha powder can be added to baked goods, syrups, jellies, mousses, desserts, coffees, smoothies, etc.

Wonderful sauces for meat dishes can be prepared using wonderful green matcha powder (matcha).

Matcha (matcha) in cosmetology

To prevent caries and treat gums, matcha is added to tooth powder or paste.

Matcha powder is added to creams and soaps.

To improve and cleanse the skin of the face, masks are made from matcha powder.

To eliminate acne and blackheads on the face, masks are also made using additional ingredients.

Weakly brewed matcha is used for washing and rubbing the face.

Happy tea!

Drinks of the world are sometimes so amazing that they make an indelible impression on us, and Japanese matcha tea is one of them. These are powdered leaves, which, when brewed, give the drink an unusual green color. Receiving matcha at home is a very beautiful act, but today you can comprehend it at home.

Matcha is a powdered mass of Japanese green tea. As a result of its brewing, the drink acquires a beautiful bright green color. Matcha is an integral part of the ceremonial tea drinking in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Note! What is the correct way to say "matcha" or "matcha"? The correct name for Japanese ground tea is "matcha", the stress in this word falls on the second syllable. "Matcha" is an acceptable colloquial form that can often be heard in Russian speech today.

From the history

Matcha powder owes its appearance in Japan to Zen Buddhists. In 1191, a monk named Eisai brought Chinese matcha tea to his country. Over the years, matcha was forgotten in the Middle Kingdom, but in Japan, on the contrary, it gradually gained popularity. Its especially wide distribution among different social strata fell on the 14th-16th centuries. It was then that the Japanese owners of tea plantations improved the technology for obtaining the highest grades of matcha.

Receipt

The preparatory process of the matcha begins even before the collection of raw materials: for some time (usually for several weeks), the tea bushes are shaded so that direct sunlight does not fall on them. Such manipulations slow down the growth of the plant, the dark color of its leaves and their enrichment with a number of amino acids, which give the tea a sweetish aftertaste.

At the next stage, the base for matcha - tencha is being prepared. At the same time, the collected non-twisted tea leaves are dried and then ground. In the direct production of matcha, the prepared base is removed from the stems and veins, and then this mass is ground to obtain a green powder resembling talc.

Taste

The original taste of the matcha is determined by the amino acids present in its composition. High quality tea has an intense, slightly sweet taste and rich aroma. Low-quality varieties (collected later) have more modest taste characteristics, sometimes they are even able to give the drink an unpleasant and strong bitterness.

Benefits and contraindications

The benefits and harms of matcha for our body are incomparable: this Japanese tea powder is a real treasure trove of valuable substances.

Beneficial features

Traditional tea of ​​the Land of the Rising Sun has the following beneficial properties:

1. Matcha is rich in antioxidants. In terms of their quantity, this drink occupies a leading position among all other “antioxidant” drinks, berries, fruits, and vegetables. Powdered matcha contains more antioxidants than plain green tea, blueberries, prunes, broccoli, etc.
2. Due to antioxidants, it prevents skin aging. Reduces the negative impact of ultraviolet rays on it.
3. It helps to strengthen our immunity.
4. Improves brain activity, providing a good concentration of attention and improving the quality of assimilation of a large amount of information. At the same time, it relieves a person of nervous tension. Matcha is a drink that students in Japan have a special love for during exams.
5. Stimulates the process of losing weight.
6. Helps lower cholesterol levels - low density lipoproteins.
7. It is used to prevent diseases of the heart and blood vessels. According to doctors, men are more often exposed to cardiovascular diseases than the beautiful half of humanity, but if they are fans of matcha tea, their risk of such ailments is reduced by 11%.
8. Makes a person more energetic, invigorates. At the same time, it does not increase blood pressure and does not adversely affect the activity of the heart. The effect of one cup of matcha can last up to 6 hours. It contains the amino acid L-theanine, which gives vigor and strength.
9. It is an excellent natural remedy for the prevention of urolithiasis. It contributes to the general cleansing of our body.
10. Reduces the risk of cancer. After all, matcha tea is a source of the strongest antioxidants - catechins (having a polyphenolic nature).
11. Improves mental state, fights depression.

These provisions are only the main properties of matcha. He has other valuable qualities, thanks to which his fans prolong their lives.

Contraindications

Matcha tea has both beneficial properties and contraindications. The latter are primarily due to the presence of caffeine in the drink, which, however, has a milder effect on our body than other caffeinated drinks. However, people for whom caffeine is contraindicated should drink matcha very carefully.

Also, the leaves of the tea bush can contain a significant amount of lead. When using powdered green tea, this heavy metal also penetrates into our body. Therefore, you should not neglect the “doses”: it is enough to drink 1-2 cups of matcha per day.

How to brew

Today, matcha brewing options are not limited to traditional methods. Consider some recipes and algorithms for preparing this unique drink.

Classic recipe

There are two main ways to brew matcha according to the classic recipe, one of which involves the preparation of a strong drink (koycha), and the other is a weak one (usutcha).

Before brewing, it is advisable to pass powdered tea through a special sieve, for example, using a traditional wooden spatula to prevent lumps.

The correct way to brew matcha tea is as follows:

1. A small amount of matcha is placed in a cup, traditionally using a chashaka (bamboo spoon).
2. Water is added to the powder. Its temperature should not exceed 80 ° C - this is a strict rule.
3. The resulting mass is whipped until smooth, using a traditional whisk for matcha tea (chasen), also made of bamboo.

Note! The prepared drink should be free of lumps and tea grounds on the surface of the cup. According to the classic recipe, milk is not poured into tea and sugar is not added. To “knock down” the possible bitterness of the drink, you can eat the traditional sweetness (wagasi) before drinking it.

Usutya, weak matcha, should be properly prepared in the proportion: 2 g of tea (2 tablespoons of chashaku or 1 teaspoon without a slide) per 70 ml of water. This amount of ingredients is taken for 1 cup. This tea can be drunk with or without foam. What is the taste and color of usutya? It has a lighter hue and gives more bitterness than strong matcha.

The concentration of powder in koitha is much higher. It is prepared in proportion: 4 g of tea (4 spoons of chashaku or 1 teaspoon with a slide) per 50 ml of water. It turns out a mass of dense consistency, which should be stirred slowly so that foam does not form.

It is interesting! For strong matcha, as a rule, expensive raw materials are used, collected from the oldest bushes (their age reaches 30 years or more). As a result, such tea becomes softer and sweeter than weak matcha.

You can make matcha tea at home. It is important to acquire the powder itself and the necessary tools. To learn how tea is brewed according to the classic recipe, see this video:

How to brew without a whisk

Real matcha tea should be brewed at home using the devices listed above. But, if there is no special whisk or sieve at hand, you can resort to some tricks.

The following method of brewing has long been known. Sift the tea powder using a regular strainer. Pour a small amount of water heated to 80 ° C into a container with tea, lightly beat the mass with a spoon. Then pour the mixture into a vessel with a well-closing lid, add the remaining volume of water (about 120 ml in total) and shake it all up (just like a cocktail). Of course, this recipe is far from traditional, but you can still feel the taste of matcha, reminiscent of the real one.

Matcha with milk or matcha latte

Matcha latte tea is a popular milk drink today. For its preparation according to one of the recipes you will need (1 serving):

• water - 1 tbsp.;
• almond milk or plain milk - 1 tbsp.;
• matcha powder - 2 tablespoons;
• coconut oil - about 2 tablespoons;
• vanilla extract - 1 tbsp;
• honey (to taste) - 1-2 tbsp.

Water after boiling is left for 5 minutes. for easy cooling. The milk is warmed up. Using a blender, tea powder, coconut oil, vanilla extract are mixed. Water and milk are added to the resulting mixture, and once again everything is slightly mixed. Honey is added to the finished drink. Then matcha tea with milk (latte) is poured into a beautiful cup and drunk with absolute pleasure.

Some rules for using matcha

This Japanese drink, prepared according to the classic recipe, is bitter, so you can eat not sugary sweetness before drinking tea. Also, matcha tea should be drunk immediately after preparation: if it is left for a while, a precipitate may form. Drinking matcha should be done slowly, while taking small sips.

Note! If small particles are felt in the mouth when drinking this powdered foam tea, then the matcha was not whipped well enough.

Matcha during pregnancy

Drinking matcha tea during pregnancy is not prohibited. However, due to the presence of caffeine in it, expectant mothers should do this with extreme caution and it is better after consulting a doctor. Weak matcha will definitely not harm pregnant women if you drink it no more than 2-3 times a week, one cup a day.

For weight loss

According to nutritionists, matcha is an excellent drink that can be included in a person's diet for weight loss. This tea helps to speed up metabolism, regulate cholesterol levels and, as a result, treat obesity.

Those who wish to correct their figure can prepare matcha tea as follows: 0.5-1 tsp. powder tea is sifted into a container through a strainer, then the tea is poured with 100-150 ml of heated boiled water (80 ° C), then everything is well mixed and infused for about half a minute. The calorie content of this tea is approximately 1 kcal per 100 g of powder (i.e. if one serving contains 2 g of matcha and 70 ml of water, then the drink will contain 0.02 kcal or 20 cal).

What is the difference between mate and matcha

The names "mate" and "matcha" are similar, but they are completely different teas. considered a tonic drink, it is especially rich in caffeine. The raw material for this tea is the leaves from the shoots of the Paraguayan holly tree. Mate is an ethnic tea that is an integral part of Argentinean and other South American cultures.

Mate in calabash (vessel) with bombilla (pipe)

How to choose

1. Before purchasing, look at the color of the matcha. Powder of bright green color is one of the confirmations of the good quality of this tea.
2. Choose organic matcha varieties.
3. Do not try to buy green tea powder at a low price, its quality types have a high price in the market. It varies depending on the store, variety, quality and country of production (except for Japan, matcha is obtained in Korea, China) and averages 700 rubles. for 100 g. Premium Japanese tea is sold for about 850 rubles. for 50 g.

Useful information! You can buy this unique tea in shops specializing in the sale of tea products, in stores with Japanese goods or through the Internet.

blue matcha

Matcha blue tea is made from dried Clitoria flowers (moth peas) ground to a powder. Its country of origin is Thailand. This tea is similar to traditional Japanese matcha only in that it is also a powder and is prepared with a bamboo whisk.

Interesting! To change the color of the drink from the flowers to purple, you can add a drop of lemon juice to it.

Matcha green tea chocolate

Today, this powder is often used in cooking, for example, you can make cookies with matcha tea or buy ice cream with it. Popular chocolate with green tea match - Okasi. It is made from white chocolate with the addition of premium Japanese tea powder. It is a green chocolate bar. It goes well not only with green tea, but also with matcha latte and coffee. You can buy such a chocolate bar for 200 or more rubles.

Various recipes with matcha tea to realize your own culinary fantasies are easily searched on the Internet.

Matcha or matcha is a unique variety of green tea. This is a type of powdered tea, the leaves of which are ground into powder during manufacture. In Japan, matcha is extremely popular, the drink is classified as a superfood - foods with special properties. Green powder strengthens the immune system, gives energy, stabilizes cholesterol levels in the blood, speeds up metabolism, slows down the aging process. Another tea-superfood promotes weight loss, improves skin condition. Matcha can be used not only for organizing a healthy diet, but also for cosmetic purposes.

Matcha is a finely ground tea. Therefore, the product is often referred to as magic powder. The leaves are finely ground during its production. Powdered tea is better absorbed by the body, since a person drinks both the infusion itself and tea leaves.

Interestingly, the raw materials for making matcha tea are harvested only once a year. Moreover, a few weeks before the start of collecting leaves, the bushes shade to protect them from direct sunlight. Therefore, the tea leaf remains juicy, tender and fragrant. Plus, it does not synthesize tannin, which is why the drink gets a mild taste. This is also because matcha is not fermented.

Along with sencha, matcha is considered a cult drink by the Japanese. This type of green tea is used for tea ceremonies. Matcha powder is used both for brewing tea and for preparing traditional dishes. For example, the product is added to food when creating desserts, first and second courses.

Residents of the Land of the Rising Sun highly value matcha, because they believe that superfood helps to prolong youth, gain strength, and good spirits. Powdered tea contains many trace elements, antioxidants, polyphenols and other valuable substances. It should be included in a healthy diet due to the unique properties of the product:

• Contains 3 times more vitamin C than oranges.
• Rich in easily digestible fiber.
• Promotes fat burning and speeds up metabolism.
• Prolongs youth due to the content of antioxidants and other useful components.
• It has anticarcinogenic properties.
• Relieves stress, promotes concentration.
• It has anti-inflammatory properties.

Just one cup of matcha emerald tea will replace 15 cups of regular loose leaf green tea for its tonic properties. In a healthy diet, a powdered drink should be introduced as an alternative to coffee. Unlike coffee, matcha is alkalizing rather than acidifying.

Real matcha is made in Japan. When choosing an emerald drink, it must be remembered that several types of product are made in the Land of the Rising Sun. Depending on the wishes, powdered tea of ​​the following categories can be purchased for brewing:

• Super premium and premium - made from young, tender leaves.
• Matcha for food and standard - made from "adult", already coarse leaves, from which veins and stems are not removed during grinding.

Matcha brewing recipes for all types of powdered emerald teas are not much different. The most common option:

• ½ teaspoon of green powder put in a porcelain, clay container.
• Pour the raw material with a small amount of hot water at a temperature of about 70-80 degrees.
• Mix well and then pour in the rest of the water.

You can use other recipes for making a magical drink - immediately pour hot water into a container with tea leaves, and then lightly beat the liquid. Most often, matcha is brewed directly in a cup - after all, this drink does not require filtering, removing leaves, tea leaves. It is important only to use not boiling water, but moderately hot water. For this, water is boiled and then left to stand for 5-7 minutes to reach the ideal temperature.

You can drink emerald tea in a strong form or in a weakly brewed one - the strength is regulated by the amount of tea leaves used. A strong drink in Japan is called koicha, a weak one is usucha.

Matcha is great for implementing culinary ideas. Green powder is used to make various pastries and drinks, ice cream. In Japan, recipes with tea added to sweets, fish sauces and other dishes are popular. For example, you can include emerald tea leaves in nutritious morning smoothies to get a boost of energy after waking up, before training.

Japanese tea is recommended for athletes - the drink not only gives energy, but also helps to reduce weight. Matcha can be added to diet for weight loss as an alternative to regular tea or as a component of fat-burning cocktails, smoothies. You just need to remember about contraindications.

So, recipes with powdered tea cannot be used with individual intolerance to the product. And since an allergic reaction to raw materials is rare, matcha is advised to be consumed at any age. One has only to exclude its use before bedtime - 5-6 hours before bedtime due to tonic properties. You can limit the consumption of the drink in the diet of the elderly, suffering from insomnia, high blood pressure. But emerald tea is the best suited for teenagers, students, people facing increased physical and mental stress.

In addition to nutrition, Japanese matcha green tea is used in cosmetology. For example, you can make a rejuvenating mask for any type of skin from a powder:

• Mix ½ teaspoon powder with 1 tablespoon crushed avocado pulp.
• Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lemon juice to the ingredients.
• Mix all ingredients, add 1 tablespoon of honey.
• Apply to cleansed face, leave for 15 minutes, wash off the mask with warm water.

By regularly adding emerald tea with unusual properties to the diet, one can notice an improvement in well-being after a short time. Matcha will become your indispensable assistant in weight loss, immunity strengthening and even skin care.

Matcha tea will be a great find for those who are looking for something that can improve mood, speed up metabolic processes in the body, recharge with strength and energy. This is a green variety of tea, which, unlike its "relatives", differs both in the method of cultivation and processing and in the way of use.

What is a matcha?

This is the name of the tencha leaves that grew in the shade. This type of tea among the Japanese is one of the most common and sought after.

The crushed foxes of this tea are used as an additive in cosmetics, desserts and various dishes.

What does matcha powder look like?

This variety of green tea is highly valued among the Japanese. They are confident that it is he who gives them the opportunity to stay healthy and young for a long time.

Collection and processing

Tea leaves begin to be harvested 90 days after the first day of spring. Pr first collection you can get the youngest leaves. It is generally accepted that it is from them that you can get the highest quality drink. Fans of this tea can easily distinguish tea from the first leaves by taste, smell and color.

Collection and production of matcha tea

After the castings have been collected, they are steamed so that all antioxidants are preserved and there is no oxidative process. After that, the stems are very carefully removed. Tea is dried in a room that is well ventilated. The leaves are then used for grinding into powder.

The tea has a delicate, rich taste, the aftertaste is slightly sweet. If you purchased this tea and it gives off even a little bit of bitterness, then this indicates two things - either very hot water was used for brewing, or you chose a poor quality product.

Beneficial features

Due to the fact that tea leaves completely dissolve in water, green tea saturates the body with a large charge of strength. That is, when you completely absorb the tea leaf, and do not throw away the tea leaves. Your body is fully absorbing the beneficial antioxidant components.

Studies have been conducted in which it was found that this drink contains 7 times more antioxidants than dark chocolate, 60 times more than spinach.

Composition of matcha tea compared to green tea

You can list the beneficial properties of this tea for a very long time.

• Prevents the development of cancer. The composition of this tea contains catechins, the most powerful antioxidant components that successfully fight free radicals. The strongest catechin is epigallocatechin gallate. If you drink a cup of matcha, you will get 130 times more of this component than when drinking plain green tea.
• Slows down the aging process. Surely everyone knows that among the Japanese there are a large number of centenarians. It is worth noting that the average life expectancy of people who live in the place where this tea grows is much higher than in other regions of Japan. This is due to the regular intake of matcha.
• Prevents the development of heart disease. Recent studies have shown that regular consumption of a green drink can significantly reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream.
• Provides weight loss. With regular intake of green tea, the process of thermogenesis is accelerated. This means that the rate of energy burning increases. A study was also conducted that found that if you drink this drink before starting a workout, it will ensure fat burning by about 30%.
• Acts as a detoxifier. Since this variety of tea grows in the shade, it contains a significantly higher concentration of chlorophyll than other varieties. This component provides detoxification of the body. That is, this component is able to cleanse the body of dioxins, complex metabolites and other bad substances.
• Eliminates stress, improves brain activity. This tea contains much more (5 times) L-theanine than regular green tea. This amino acid has a psychoactive effect. It eliminates stress and provides relaxation, while reducing blood pressure.
• Source of energy and dietary fiber. The leaves of this tea contain a large amount of fiber, which is very easily absorbed by the body. Dietary fibers provide cleansing of the body of toxins, they also stabilize the level of sugar in the bloodstream.
• Benefits for the skin. The polyphenols and antioxidants found in this drink increase the skin's ability to fight environmental damage, reduce UV sensitivity, and neutralize free radicals.

How to choose the right matcha?

When purchasing matcha powdered teas, there are a few factors you need to pay attention to.

1. Choose a product that was not grown in China, but in Japan. Matcha from Japan is a very high quality product that grows in more suitable conditions.
2. Do not be fooled not a cheap product. If the matcha is real and of high quality, then it cannot be cheap. Often on the shelves you can see crushed sencha leaves, which are sold under the guise of matches. And it is much cheaper.
3. Choose an organic product that has been grown without the addition of any chemicals.
4. The color of real tea is bright green.

Contraindications for use

• Although green tea has a lot of useful properties, and matcha as well, you need to remember that all drinks that contain caffeine should not be consumed 4 hours before bedtime. As for the tea variety in question, there is a certain problem. Studies have shown that the composition of the leaves, expressed without the addition of chemicals, contains lead. This is especially true for tea, which grew in China.
• It is there that the level of air pollution is much higher than in Japan. The leaves of this tea absorb lead from the air. If you brew a different kind of tea, then most of the lead remains in the leaves, which you simply throw away after brewing. And when you use this type of tea, lead enters your body, along with the leaves.

How to brew and cook?

In order to properly brew matcha and get all the benefits from this drink, you need to be able to brew it correctly.

So, first you need to get a dish. A measuring cup is required to help determine the exact amount of water. You also need a bowl of tyavan, directly for the brewing itself. It must be chosen either porcelain or ceramic.

You will also need a measuring spoon to stir the powder. It is made of bamboo and has the name - tyasaka. In this spoon you need to put the powder in the amount of 1 g. A teaspoon is also suitable, but be aware that 2 measuring spoons of bamboo is 1 tsp.

Also, from the “tools” you will need a strainer, through which you will sift the tea powder to rid it of various lumps. Also a mandatory attribute is chasen - that is, such a broom made of bamboo, without which you will not be able to make tea.

• Preparing weak tea. It has the name usutya. Take tea leaves in the amount of 2 g (these are 2 measuring spoons), pour into a bowl, warmed up earlier and well wiped from moisture. Fill it all with hot water (not boiling water). Mix everything with a whisk to get a completely homogeneous mass. Weakly brewed tea can be slightly bitter, the color is light green. The consistency is thick.
• Preparing strong tea. First you need to heat the dishes, wipe the vessel. Take 4 scoops of the powder and add 50 ml of water. Stir the mixture with a rotating motion, slowly. If you did everything right, then the koitha will come out tart-sweet, it will be a viscous and thick mixture, with foam on top.

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