This week I tested out matcha tea from DoMatcha. I wouldn’t consider this a vegan product, more of a health product, but for many others, including myself, both goes hand and hand. The last time I had matcha tea was at Starbucks a few years back. While I wasn’t thinking about the quality or the benefits of the matcha back then, it really got me interested when I was demoed the product at Kardish last weekend.
What is it. Matcha is a powdered green tea. Traditionally, matcha was reserved for Japanese Tea Ceremony but it’s slowly making it’s way to the Western Countries.
Availability. There was two size available when I was there; The Organic Ceremonial Tin (1 oz for $26.99) and the Organic Summer 2nd Harvest Tin (2.8 oz for $34.99). I bought the Organic Ceremonial Tin, which gives me 25 servings.
Difference. According to the website (www.domatcha.com), the difference between the two is simply when the tea leaves were picked, which impacts the flavour and the quality. The Organic Ceremonial is the new top leaves that are handpicked in the spring, have a smooth but strong flavour and is considered higher quality. The 2nd harvest matcha is harvested in August, which makes the leaves less fresh and gives a astringent flavour. They explain why the 2nd harvest has more than twice as many serving for not even $10 more. This one would be better used in a blended drink or in baking as opposed to the Ceremonial, which is better enjoyed in it’s purest form, blended with hot water.
Flavour. During the demo, the matcha prepared was very smooth; the natural foam made was rich and frothy. Then I was offered a bit of almond milk and it became this drink I would make myself each morning – a step up from coffee!
Caffeine. Speaking of coffee, matcha does contain caffeine. However the energy provided by matcha is mild and steady, lasting about 4 to 6 hours. During the demo, it was mentioned that matcha is perfect for when you got to focus on a tasks but you don’t want the jittery energy, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine like I am.
Benefits. According to the pamphlet I received at the demo, here are the benefits of matcha:
- Nature’s highest source of L-theanine
- up to 137 times more EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate) than all other tea
- 10 times more potent than steeped green tea
- 6 times more amino acid than common black and green tea
- bursting with chlorophyll
- source of dietary fiber
- offers vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
- alkalizing rather than acidic
I also read that matcha a great to boost your metabolism and help with weigh loss.
Preparation. The instruction given with the product indicates using a bamboo whisk and bamboo bowl. Combine 1/2 to 1 tsp of matcha with 60 – 90 ml of warm water (boil water that isn’t too hot to the touch or if you have a thermometer it should be 175°F/80°C).Whisk until frothy, dissolving all the chunk of powder. Add more water, almond or any other nut milk until you get the desired taste.
Recipe. Matcha almond milk Frappe. Combine 1 cup of vanilla almond milk with 1 tps of matcha and blend until smooth. Add 1/2 cup of ice and blend for an additional 5 second. Pour into a chilled glass, sprinkle with cinnamon and serve. More recipe on the DoMatcha website.
Have you ever tried matcha tea? Let me know how you prefer to make it below in the comments.
Thanks for reading!
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