What is Matcha?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from a special variety of green tea leaves. With an incredibly rich content of antioxidants, matcha has been prized for centuries for its outstanding nutritive benefits. 

Health Benefits of Matcha

Loaded with antioxidants, chlorophyll and amino acids, the health benefits of matcha powder include enhanced concentration and focus, improved energy and immunity, increased metabolism, and elevated mood with an inner calm. Our favourite quality of matcha powder is that it provides enhanced mental alertness but without the jitters that commonly accompany coffee consumption. That's why we love swapping out a morning coffee for a creamy matcha latte – an ideal start to the day!

Similarly to the way we consume matcha in modern day, traditionally, Japanese monks were known to sip matcha tea to help ease their mind and create focus for meditation. It's no wonder it's been around for so long in Japanese culture (and beyond), with one cup of matcha reported to have the nutritional value of up to 10 cups of regular green tea and over 100x the antioxidants!

Why is Matcha So Expensive?

1. Matcha is a distinctly different form of green tea

Matcha green tea leaves are shade grown before harvest, significantly increasing their chlorophyll and amino acid content well above that of standard green teas. The full production process of matcha powder also requires more care and skill than average green tea.

Loose leaf green tea or green tea leaves in a tea bag are just components of the leaves that are steeped in hot water to make a cuppa. Matcha, however, is the entire leaf stoneground into a very fine powder. That powder is blended, not merely steeped. When you drink the whole leaf, none of the goodness from the plant is going to waste and the antioxidant power and caffeine content is increased.

2. Matcha is only grown in specific areas of the world, primarily Japan

This is where it has been grown for years and is where you want to ideally be getting your matcha from… So be sure to do your research before buying!

3. You're paying for a certain "grade" of matcha based on its flavour

There are two main quality grades for matcha: ceremonial grade and culinary grade. Ceremonial grade is top quality that is brighter green in colour and should not have bitter or harsh notes in flavour. This grade is used for drinking green matcha ideally made with hot water, Organic Matcha Powder and a Bamboo Matcha Whisk to make it nice and frothy. The culinary grade can be slightly duller in colour with a bitter edge and this will make it less expensive so better for baking and popping a teaspoon in drinks like smoothies. When choosing your matcha, keep an eye out for added ingredients like sugar and powdered milk, instead opting for pure green matcha powder.

How can you reap the benefits of Matcha?

In matcha powder, all the nutrition from the tea leaves can be ingested, not letting any of the goodness go to waste. This means that you can gain a whole lot for your health just by supplementing a little matcha powder.

Matcha is super versatile and just 1/2-1 teaspoon can go a long way. Whisk up a teaspoon of matcha with hot water to make a paste, then heat with your choice of milk into a delightful matcha latte. Our recipe here for a creamy, superfood Matcha Latte is ridiculously easy and makes the perfect morning energiser drink.

Matcha powder can also be scooped into smoothies and chia puddings, or this Basil Seed Trifle with Matcha & Berries that goes down just as well for dessert as it does breakfast! Matcha powder can even add a brilliant green, nutrient-rich dose to raw and baked treats, like this Coconut Ice treat that combines a sweet, coconutty flavour with a yummy crumbly texture.

Get creative with matcha powder, adding it to both sweet and savoury foods as you desire!

Shop at GoodFor for pure green organic matcha powder here, and start feeling those positive effects! Remember, we deliver nationwide!