Matcha is rich in antioxidants and nutrients. It’s loved for its gentle energy boost and multiple health benefits. We look at this superfood, from its origins to its use in cooking, as well as all the stages of preparing it.
Where Does Matcha Come From?
Matcha is a powder of finely ground green tea leaves. Like all teas, it comes from the tea plant (Camellia sinensis), a shrub native to Asia. In the 4 to 6 weeks before leaf harvest, shrubs are covered with shade cloth or netting to reduce their exposure to sunlight. This method, called shade cultivation, improves the qualities of the tea. It increases the content of chlorophyll and amino acids, such as theanine, and intensifies the taste.
How to Prepare Matcha Tea in 3 Steps
1. Sift the Matcha Powder
It is recommended to sift matcha powder before using it to prevent lumps from forming. This makes it easier to emulsify with hot water. The result: a smooth and homogeneous drink.
2. Add the Hot Water
Water that is too hot, or even boiling, can intensify the bitterness of the tea and degrade the nutrients. A temperature of 160°F to 175°F (70°C to 80°C) is ideal. It preserves the aromas of the matcha and protects the nutrients.
3. Whisk the Mixture
A traditional bamboo whisk, called a chasen, is used to disperse the powder, which remains suspended in the water. This essential step in the emulsion enhances the taste experience. The air is incorporated in a “W” or “M” movement. This gives the drink a velvety texture and creamy foam, in addition to releasing the aromas and balancing the flavours.
Maintaining Your Matcha Whisk
The chasen is delicately carved from a single piece of bamboo. To extend its life, it is suggested to soak it in warm water beforehand, which has the advantage of softening the strands.
Cooking Matcha
Tea powder is not only used to prepare the traditional hot drink, it is also used for a latte (with milk or a vegetable drink). In cooking, it is added to smoothies, cake mixes, cookie mixes and other pastries.
Matcha seduces our taste buds with its umami flavour combining sweetness and bitterness, and pleases with its energizing and definitely “zen” effect, in keeping with the Japanese spirit. Here are a variety of recipes that allow you to enjoy all its benefits:
