Have you ever tried “matcha”, a traditional Japanese drink？
Unlike regular green tea, matcha is a powdered tea.
Rather than dissolving it in hot water, you whisk it and drink the entire powdered tea leaves.
It has a rich, full-bodied flavor with a delicate balance of bitterness and sweetness.
Higher-quality matcha tends to be less bitter, with a more pronounced and mellow umami flavor.
It also has a distinctive aroma reminiscent of nori seaweed.
Types of Matcha
There are two main ways to drink matcha thin tea and thick tea.
①Thin tea (Usucha)
A small amount of matcha is whisked with hot water using a bamboo tool called a chasen.
This type of matcha is commonly enjoyed daily and has a smooth, mild flavor.
When people generally say matcha, they are usually referring to thin tea.
②Thick tea (Koicha)
A small amount of hot water is poured over a lot of matcha and the tea is whisked.
It has a thick, rich flavor and is traditionally served during formal occasions, such as tea ceremonies.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is highly nutritious as it uses the entire tea leaf.
①Catechin
It is rich in antioxidants, which are believed to help prevent aging and lifestyle-related diseases.
②Theanine
An amino acid that has a relaxing effect and enhances concentration.
③Vitamins
Rich in vitamins C and E.
④Dietary fiber
Promotes healthy digestion and gut health.
⑤Caffeine
It helps improve alertness and concentration but is said to have a gentler effect compared to coffee.
How to drink matcha
Matcha can be enjoyed at sweet shops, restaurants, temples, and shrines.
When you order matcha, it is typically served as a set with a sweet treat.
There are many ways to enjoy it, but let’s start by following the simple and easy Japanese method.
（1）First, instead of using your hands, cut the sweets into bite-sized pieces with a short wooden stick called a “kuromoji”, and use it to pick up the pieces.
※Kuromoji is made from a tree called Kuromoji, has a unique fragrance and is said to have antiseptic properties and ward off evil.
（2）Next, hold the side of the matcha bowl with the palm of your right hand and place the bowl on top of the palm of your left hand.
（3）While holding the bowl with your right hand, rotate it 90 degrees clockwise twice.
（4）At that time, make sure that the front of the container is facing away from you.
（5）Then, while still holding the matcha bowl with both hands, bring it to your mouth and drink it.
（6）You can sip the matcha in several portions, enjoying the sweet treat in between.
（7）Once you have finished drinking the matcha, wipe any droplets from the rim of the bowl with your thumb and index finger.
（8）After wiping the bowl, rotate it 90 degrees clockwise twice more with your right hand, returning the front of the bowl to face you.
