Matcha seems to be increasingly popular at the moment with more and more people drinking it, especially as they get older.

This may not come as a surprise, as it contains all the antioxidants to help boost metabolism, improve mood and concentration and prevent degenerative diseases. (This is more thoroughly explained in article on “5 reasons you should make matcha a daily habit in your 60s”)

Considering all the benefits, today we’re shining the light on how to make the perfect cup of matcha green tea, so you can consume all the goodness of this amazing superfood.

Let’s dive deeper into what makes matcha a great addition to your daily diet.

What Is Matcha Green Tea?

Matcha is a type of green tea. While standard green tea contains loose tea leaves that are steeped in water, matcha tea is made from dissolving matcha powder in water.

That means that a cup of matcha green tea typically contains only matcha powder and water, which explains why it’s imperative to choose the right matcha powder.

There are various types of matcha powder on the market, so here are 7 things to be looking out for:

Sourced from Japan

Matcha originates from Japan, and there are strict farming standards here to ensure optimal growing conditions. In turn, this produces some of the highest quality matcha across the globe.

Source your matcha from a supplier that works directly with Japanese farms. At Zen Green Tea we source our matcha from sustainable, family-run tea farms in Kyoto, Japan.

The Flavor

Good quality matcha should taste a little sweet with a hint of earthy bitterness. You can thank the amino acid L-theanine for this unique flavor.

The Smell

The same can be said for its smell. You will notice the earthiness shine through in its scent as well.

The Colour

What would matcha be without its familiar green color? The brighter, the better we say. Look for a matcha tea that is vibrant looking which indicates it is bursting with chlorophyll – a natural plant pigment with fantastic health benefits.

The Consistency

Good quality matcha will combine well with liquid due to its finer consistency. You will notice this in its texture as well. If it feels a little gritty, it may not be the best quality matcha.

Make Sure There Are No Additives

As with any tea, ensure the one you are purchasing is free from all unnecessary additives, sugars or nasties.

The Price

Premium quality green tea comes with a premium price tag. This is due to the quality of the soil and growing conditions from local farmers who respect the land. A good indication of poor quality matcha is a low price, and if the matcha is low quality, you won’t receive the full health benefits.

The Grade

There are three grades of matcha green tea, with varying factors of price, quality, taste and use. Ceremonial matcha is a superior quality and is typically used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It’s the most expensive with 60g often costing $80+.

Culinary matcha is the cheapest grade and is often used in cooking due to it’s slightly more bitter taste. For a classic cup of matcha tea, we’d recommend the mid range premium grade which contains the full health benefits as ceremonial but is much more affordable for everyday use.

The Best Matcha Green Tea Recipe

For this recipe, we are using Premium Grade Matcha Tea Powder from Zen Green Tea . This matcha is sourced from family-run matcha farms in Kyoto where the matcha process has been passed down through many generations.

The farming practises are sustainable because the tea farmers ensure the land is treated correctly, and the matcha contains the full health benefits, non-bitter taste and vibrant green colour.

Here are two ways that you can prepare a cup of matcha green tea, both with or without a bamboo whisk. They are as follows.

Without a Bamboo Whisk

If you don’t have the special bamboo whisk tool:

• Begin by sifting your desired amount of matcha green tea.
• Choose your favorite mug and add the matcha powder with 1 tablespoon of hot filtered water. Ensure that it isn’t boiling water.
• Use a teaspoon to combine until the powder is fully dissolved, and free of lumps.
• Finish with some more hot water or your choice of milk and enjoy!

Bamboo Whisk Method

In case you bought the bamboo whisk, the steps are these:

• Fill a bowl with warm water a third of the way to prepare it for the matcha.
• Soften your bamboo whisk by submerging it into the hot water. Discard the water and dry the bowl entirely.
• Sift desired amount of matcha powder (we recommend using a ¼ teaspoon) into the bowl. Before adding in hot water or milk of your choice, use the bamboo whisk to loosen up any lumps.
• Add liquid of choice.
• Whisk vigorously using a W motion until your reach a creamy consistency
• Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy!

Whichever way you choose to enjoy matcha tea, know that you are consuming one of Mother Nature’s most potent ingredients trusted for centuries across Asia. Enjoyed with milk or hot water – and a slice of tea cake – we believe matcha is an excellent addition to any pantry!

Have you heard of matcha tea’s amazing benefits? Have you tried this wonderful drink? What was your first impression? Do you have any favorite matcha recipes? Please join the conversation and share the love in the comments below.