Everything to Know About Matcha

Why is everyone suddenly raving about matcha? This bright green drink has gained all sorts of popularity in recent years, but it is worth asking what for. You may have seen the matcha latte around on social media, where the fine powder is used in a multitude of new, innovative ways. This tea, however, had a humble beginning. Matcha began as a very broad term for finely ground tea leaves whisked with hot water. Originating in China, matcha quickly found its way to Japan, where it became a staple in Zen monasteries. At the time, though, it was far from what you may see today. Only when the plants were grown specifically under shade and narrowed down to a single plant species, did this tea gain its signature bright green color. This preparation also brought the tea its unique umami flavor.

While the color may have some appeal, there are quite a few other reasons why you should be convinced to indulge in matcha. This tea is packed with antioxidants, since it is so highly concentrated. It also contains a notable amount of an amino acid called L-theanine which reduces mental and physical stress in the body. This acid does more than just that, it actually releases caffeine at a much more steady rate than other caffeine sources would. While caffeine is not appealing to everyone, coffee drinkers may definitely see the appeal in a longer lasting, steadier flow of caffeine rather than the sudden high and then low from coffee. If that wasn’t enough, matcha is also proven to aid digestion, improving metabolism so it becomes a great tool for weight loss. 

Despite the numerous health benefits, you must beg the question: why is matcha getting popular now? The rise in popularity of this Japanese drink is not a unique case. It is easy to see that matcha is not the only Japanese product “blowing up” recently; a trend can be seen in the rise of East-Asian products. This is seen with bubble tea, Korean barbeque, sushi, and even more recently Korean corn-dogs. While the geographical trend is a definite contributing factor, the eye-catching color and trendy appeal of this drink has led to a crazy spike in popularity, and the market for matcha has skyrocketed. It quickly became hard to miss. Especially in big cities, people have said it is hard to walk a block without stumbling upon a matcha shop. This exposure, combined with increasing exposure of its health benefits, creates a deadly combo that is taking the market by storm. 

I myself have become a willing victim of this matcha uprising, if my bias wasn’t clear enough by now. As a caffeine addict myself, I find myself held up by just a simple cup of this tea. Whether I grab a matcha latte from Starbucks, or I make my own at home, something about the bittersweet flavor and bright color have me hooked. Honestly, the health benefits are just the cherry on top for me; the taste is right up my alley. A drink is not the only way that this powder can be used, though. The fine matcha powder is often used in sweet treats as a way to create both visual appeal and add a healthy touch. Often seen in mochi or pancakes, this versatile ingredient is a perfect way to spice up a recipe. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a new drink to love, or maybe as a replacement for coffee, this drink can be enjoyed by your taste buds and your body’s health.