What is matcha?
Matcha is a variety of green tea from Japan, which is used to prepare matcha tea which is characterized by many anti-planting properties . This food, in fact, is used in eastern countries mainly used during the traditional tea ceremony, and has a very elaborate preparation.
The characteristics of this fantastic green tea is due to the leaves, which in the first 20 days of the harvest are covered with darkening sheets to further stimulate the production of chlorophyll . This great presence of chlorophyll makes catechin, a powerful antioxidant, present within our matcha. The quality of the matcha depends on the area of cultivation, with strict respect for tradition and the quality of raw materials. The matcha is sold in different varieties : > matcha grade A + is the superior quality product obtained from the first leaves of the harvest, the higher ones ground, according to tradition in a stone mill; > matcha grade A is the product of excellent quality, obtained from the highest leaves; > matcha grade B the best quality for daily consumption, obtained from the leaves of the whole plant > matcha of grade C is an excellent quality of cooking matcha, with which you can prepare desserts, ice cream and various types of dishes.What are the properties of the matcha? As stated previously this very useful product is rich in antioxidant properties. Matcha powder contains an important category of antioxidant elements: the catechins among which there is the very important EGCg molecule epigallocatechin gallate which is known for its anticancer properties . But this fantastic product not only has a very powerful anti-oxidant property; in fact there are further properties:> it is able to accelerate the metabolism and, therefore, it can increase the quantity of calories burned; > has a draining and therefore detoxifying effect, helping the body to expel harmful substances; > an excellent remedy against gastric hyperacidity ; which is a common problem that distinguishes many people; > excellent as a "helper" for the well-being of the cardiovascular system, managing to keep cholesterol levels low ; > is able to increase concentration and can also stimulate good mood; > relaxes the body and above all "relaxes" the mind.
Where does the matcha come from? What are its origins? This famous type of green tea comes from China . The first data we can trace back to is in 618 AD when the Tang dynasty began to steam the leaves and place them under bricks to store and trade them. The preparation of this drink began by drying the leaves, and then they crumbled to obtain a powder that was boiled with hot water and salt. Subsequently, thanks to the Song dynasty, this drink became very popular throughout China and in the following centuries the product spread to Japan where it became a fundamental element of tradition.
The uses of Matcha in addition to tea
This exotic product can also be used as a spice or as a natural colorant for the preparation of dishes such as mochi or soba, green tea ice cream or a large amount of wagashi. Furthermore, recently a new beverage that is taking hold is that of matcha latte : a latte coffee with matcha as the main component. The taste of matcha is very particular: in fact having a taste very different from the western types, its taste can resemble that of henna.Preparation: First you need to start by preparing the matcha tea by heating the water to a temperature of 75-80 ° C along with a teaspoon of matcha powder. Afterwards, to taste, milk (cold or hot) must be added to prepare and taste a very healthy matcha latte.
