Matcha is a finely ground vibrant green tea powder made from the highest quality Japanese tea leaves. Clearspring Organic Premium Matcha comes from Uji, a region high in the hills around Kyoto, famous for producing the finest Japanese teas. Only accessible by foot, this remote area is unpolluted and rich in friendly insects such as spiders, ladybugs, praying mantises and dragonflies to keep pests under control (it is best to use organic matcha as non-organic matcha is grown using excessive amounts of agricultural fertilizers and pesticides). Shade grown during the last few months to allow the leaves to fill with chlorophyll, the best young tea buds are picked, dried and ground in a granite mortar.
Matcha is grown in a granite mortar
History of Matcha
Matcha is a finely ground green tea leaf powder and is the most prized among Japanese teas. It has been drunk as part of the tea ceremony for 900 years, as well as by Buddhist monks during long days of meditation.
Matcha is a finely ground green tea leaf powder and is the most prized of Japanese teas
Different grades of Matcha Growing conditions, harvesting time and processing techniques have a direct effect on the grade and final taste of Matcha:
Ceremonial grade matcha uses the finest and smallest shaded leaves from the tip of the tea bush, giving it a very vibrant green color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
Matcha ceremonial grade uses the finest and smallest shaded leaves from the tip of the tea bush, which gives it a very vibrant green color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor
Premium grade matcha is ideal for both drinking and baking at home, it can add unique flavor and incredible color to food and beverage recipes.
Basic grade matcha is slightly bitter, less expensive and generally only used for cooking.
How to make a cup of Matcha
Traditionally, Matcha is drunk shaken in hot water as a mild green tea. Take ¼ teaspoon (1 g) of Matcha powder and add hot water from a kettle that has not fully boiled to maximize the health benefits. Whisk well with a traditional wooden whisk or a hand-held electric milk frother to avoid lumps of powder at the bottom of the cup.
Mix well with a traditional wooden whisk or a hand-held electric milk frother to avoid lumps of powder at the bottom of the cup
