Matcha green tea is much more than a hot trend. The science backs up why this ancient Japanese secret has taken the food world by storm—in everything from lattes to cupcakes to smoothie bowls. A trend that’s fun, energizing, and nourishing? Count us in.
MATCHA GREEN TEA VS. REGULAR GREEN TEA
People often wonder what makes matcha so different from other green teas. For starters, matcha is specially shade grown in Japan with great care based on ancient traditions rooted in Buddhism. The delicate leaves are hand-picked, sun-dried, de-veined, de-stemmed, and ground into a bright green fine powder using ceramic stone-tipped mills, like it’s been done for centuries.
Our Organic Matcha Power® is grown on a small, pristine family farm at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan. These folks have been stewards of the land for many generations and are highly skilled at the art of matcha. We feel privileged to be the only US company with access to this truly authentic ceremonial-grade matcha.
In contrast, regular green tea is simply made from dried tea leaves that are steeped in hot water and then discarded (versus ingesting the whole leaf). This makes the flavor and experience of genuine matcha quite different, not to mention the distinct health benefits that come from drinking the whole leaf. Based on antioxidant value, you would need 10-15 cups of regular green tea to equal one cup of matcha green tea!
The nutrients in matcha have been shown to support cell protection, healthy heart function, uphold healthy lipid and blood sugar levels, foster lasting memory, and promote a healthy weight. Many of these superb benefits are attributed to one of matcha's star players, an antioxidant gem in the catechin family called Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG).
FOCUSED & CALM ALERTNESS
Matcha is famed for bringing a “focused state of calm awareness” that makes it a nice choice for those looking for the effects of caffeine without all the jitters. Along with its modest amounts of natural caffeine, matcha contains a compound called L-theanine that promotes healthy alpha wave activity in our brains. This is the brainwave beneficially associated with relaxation and stress relief. The result is a balanced synergy of the yin (L-theanine) & yang (caffeine) that helps with concentration, focus and overall productivity.
So to sum it up, matcha gives you all this and more!
• Promotes concentration, focus and productivity
• Provides a balanced, natural, “soft” energy lift for 4+ hours
• Supports a state of calm awareness and alertness
• Nourishes healthy memory and cognitive function
• Supports healthy metabolism and body weight
• Brings antioxidant support for healthy aging
Here are 3 simple recipes to incorporate our pure, potent, antioxidant-rich Organic Matcha Powder so you can maximize your enjoyment of its unique health benefits:
Matcha Mule
We’re big fans of the mocktail. And as good as this recipe tastes, it’s also a powerful digestive aid. Both kombucha and matcha have the ability to support the healthy bacteria living in our guts for healthier, happier digestion, skin, immune health, and more. Cheers!
Makes 4 servings
1 12 oz. bottle of ginger kombucha (we like Rowdy Mermaid – Living Ginger)
6 oz hot water
2 tsp Organic Matcha Power powder
2 limes, one juiced, one sliced for garnish
Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Ice for serving
Whisk hot water and matcha powder. Set aside to cool. Pour kombucha into a glass and stir in the juice from the lime. Stir until well mixed, then add the matcha into the kombucha and stir together. Pour the kombucha mixture over ice and garnish with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge.
Minty Matcha Coconut Nice Cream
There are endless ways to make “nice cream”, but we think you’ll love our unique superfood spin on this healthy dessert trend. Organic Matcha Power® powder provides a beautiful color, a light green tea taste, and health benefits galore. In fact, this nutritious treat also makes a delicious breakfast addition for your morning matcha boost!
Makes 4-6 servings
4 ripe frozen bananas
1 can full-fat coconut milk
2 tbsp Organic Matcha Power powder
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
3 tbsp raw honey (or more to taste)
1 tsp vanilla extract
Chill the can of coconut milk upside-down in the refrigerator overnight, or if short on time, freeze for 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside the liquid from your canned coconut milk, leaving you with the coconut cream.
Add the coconut cream to your blender with the rest of the ingredients (using remaining coconut milk liquid for desired consistency) and mix until creamy. Enjoy immediately or freeze and thaw for 5 minutes at room temperature before serving. Scoop and enjoy!
Matcha Power Energy Bites
Matcha on the go! These paleo, vegan-friendly and gluten-free treats are quick, easy and tasty too. Whip up a batch of these delightful energy snacks to power through your weekdays.
Makes about 10 balls
1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
4 tbsp almond flour
1 tbsp Organic Matcha Power powder
2 tbsp raw honey (or more to taste; use maple syrup or an alternate sweetener to make 100% vegan)
1 tbsp coconut oil
Blend all ingredients together in a food processor until it forms a doughy consistency. Shape into 1” balls and enjoy! Best when stored in the refrigerator.