What is matcha? Why has it gained so much popularity across the US over the last several years? We’re glad you asked because we’re doing a deep dive into this luminous and delicious green tea powder plus sharing some of our favorite matcha recipes for you to try. Buckle up and welcome to Ingredient School 101 with Copina Co!
What is matcha?
Matcha is different than any other green tea you’ve had. It’s made by taking whole green tea leaves and grinding them into a bright powder that, when combined with hot water, allows you to consume the tea in its whole form. Its origins date back to the 15th century when it was the primary drinking tea in traditional Japanese and Chinese cultures. The green tea plants used for matcha are traditionally grown in the shade for three to four weeks where the leaves are able to develop the natural caffeine that even many die-hard coffee lovers are starting to sip on. By depriving the leaves of their normal sunlight levels, farmers are able to increase the chlorophyll levels in the leaves and create a vibrant green which makes for a rich and flavorful tea. Only the finest and most mature leaves are chosen for the matcha before being laid out flat to dry. The leaves are then de-veined, de-stemmed, and stone-ground into a beautiful and bright green tea powder known as matcha.
The difference between matcha and green tea
Matcha green tea has been deemed by many as one of the healthiest beverages out there, outweighing all other white, black, or green teas. What makes matcha so incredible is that while traditional tea is only consumed after steeping the leaves it in water and discarding them, matcha is consumed in its whole leaf form. This is, along with its special methods of cultivation, is why it boasts more flavor and antioxidants than any other type of tea. Matcha is also far less processed than regular tea as it is never heated or grown in full sunlight. The process of making
matcha allows for its natural nutrients to be preserved and for them to be consumed at their most potent level.
The superfood benefits of matcha
Matcha is one of the most antioxidant-rich foods that exist and is said to have nearly 14 times more antioxidants than blueberries, 6 times more than dark chocolate, and 12 times more antioxidants than regular green tea.* And that’s just in one teaspoon! Antioxidants are essential to our body's health for their role in fighting against free radicals. Free radicals consist of toxic chemicals that, because of their chemical instability, can be very harmful to our bodies. They, in moderation, are normal and necessary to our body's repairing process. * It’s when we’re exposed to high amounts of free radicals that do the most damage and when our
bodies are less to fight against them. *
Matcha contains 137 times more EGCG which is an antioxidant found in regular green tea. EGCG has been researched and linked to improved signs of aging.*
Matcha's naturally-occurring caffeine provides a clean and sustained energy boost without the mid-day coffee crash. It, in fact, has about ¼ the caffeine of coffee, making it the perfect morning drink or afternoon pick-me-up. *
Matcha is also rich in L-Theanine, an amino acid that works to promote a brain function, concentration, and sense of calmness without the nervous energy or jitters.* L-Theanine can also work to reduce anxiety because of the high and raw amounts that are found in matcha.*
Matcha contains high levels of chlorophyll, a green pigment found in the plant that promotes clear and healthy skin, hair, and joints.
What matcha tastes like
Matcha, because it is consumed as a whole leaf green tea, has a unique richness and bold flavor that steeped green tea does not achieve. Matcha has been described as being rich, creamy, full-bodied, earthy, and sometimes slightly sweet. Our creamy and delicious plant-based Matcha Collagen Powder delivers on all these flavors and works to enhance matcha’s natural skin-boosting properties.* All of our vegan collagen boost blends are formulated with research-backed botanicals like tremella mushroom extract, amla berry, bamboo leaf extract, grape seed
extract, and hyaluronic acid. Each serving works to promote collagen synthesis and skin hydration for healthier hair, skin, joints, and nails.* We believe you shouldn't have to consume animal by-products to achieve glowing skin and hair so our Matcha Collagen Beauty powder is always vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free.*
How to make and prepare matcha
USE A BLENDER OR HAND FROTHER
Copina Co. Matcha Beauty Collagen Powder is formulated with plant-based botanicals like coconut, tremella mushroom, and hyaluronic acid and works best when blended with a hand rother or blender.
STORE MATCHA IN A COOL AND DRY PLACE
If matcha is your daily go-to like us, we recommend storing it in a cool and dry place. Just like the growing process, when exposed to humidity matcha powder can become hard to dissolve and lose its beautiful bright green color and creamy flavor.
MIX WITH HOT WATER
We always recommend mixing matcha in hot water to enhances the sweet and aromatic flavor and also ensures the powder fully dissolves.
Iced, with other anti-inflammatory and skin-boosting benefits: Iced Turmeric Latte
With a sweet and refreshing layer of crushed fresh strawberries: Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
In a gluten-free and vegan muffin recipe that’s perfect for breakfast or on the go: Matcha Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Easy and simple for those busy mornings and afternoons: Easy Cold Brew Matcha
With some more greens in a simple and beauty-boosting breakfast: Matcha Banana Pancakes
In a raw, vegan, and gluten-free on-the-go snack: Matcha Beauty Lemon Energy Balls
In a trendy and totally decadent vegan drink: Vegan Whipped Collagen Matcha Dalgona
In a creamy and refreshing plant-based energy smoothie: Matcha Tahini Smoothie Bowl
Have more questions about matcha or interested in learning more about what it tastes like? Check out our latest blog posts where we’re sharing more on this trendy and nutritious powder.
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