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Matcha Explained: Origins, Taste, Making Process, Health Benefits, and Where To Find Authentic Japanese Matcha Powder

Created 11/2/2023 4:54:57 PM in green tea | japan | food & drink |

Matcha - sometimes called Japan's precious green gold is well known for being a healthy alternative to many of the other everyday drinks out there. Matcha fans have made it a ritual of their day. Mariam finds out why.


 

Introduction

Think of Japanese beverages, and your mind will most likely paint a vivid picture of green Matcha. The way people treasure this 'green gold' in Japan and around the world makes you think it's the most sacred ritual of their day. And honestly, it should be yours too!

 

Japanese matcha follows a sophisticated making process that preserves its vibrant green color and locks in all that nutrient-packed goodness. From the leaf-shading technique to the careful hand-picking, followed by the precise processes of drying and grinding into that velvety powder, and finally, being gently scooped into your cup for that unmistakable taste. 

 

That said, keep reading to gain a deeper insight into why Japanese matcha reigns supreme globally and to find out exactly where to get authentic matcha powder, proudly made in Japan, for that perfect cup!

 

 

Matcha: Japan's Precious Green Gold

A wooden plate filled with matcha powder.

Matcha (抹茶) is a type of powdered green tea that is highly regarded for its unique flavor, vivid green color, and deep-rooted importance in Japanese culture. Long before Red Bull, Zen Buddhist monks sipped on this green potion to fuel their meditation marathons thousands of years ago, and it's still keeping folks alert and healthy to this very day.

 

 

Matcha's Flavor Profile

A cup of Matcha with simple latte art seen from above

Matcha boasts a one-of-a-kind and unmistakable flavor. It's often characterized by its rich, vegetal notes and a subtle sweetness, complemented by a touch of bitterness. This flavor profile can differ based on the quality of the matcha and how it's prepared. High-quality matcha is celebrated for its velvety, umami-laden taste, while lower-quality varieties may lean towards a more pronounced bitterness.

 

In general, matcha is known for its creamy and earthy undertone, alongside a fresh, grassy aroma. The flavor can also be affected by factors like the tea's place of origin and the specific processing methods used.  

 

 

A Sun-Free Leaf Journey 

Close up of green tea plant with water drops on the leaves.

Matcha, the superstar of the green tea world, owes its glory to the carefully shade-grown tea leaves from which it derives its essence, typically from the Camellia sinensis plant. 

 

These leaves are shielded in the shade away from the harsh sun for several weeks before harvesters finally pluck them, boosting the chlorophyll levels in the leaves and resulting in a brilliant green hue and a flavor so exquisite it's worth its weight in gold.

 

The Final Transformation

A small pile of bright green dried matcha leaves on a black surface

Once Matcha leaves have enjoyed their sun-free vacation, they go through a real makeover. The leaves are carefully hand-picked, steamed, and dried, and then they're finely ground into the velvety powder that we all know as Matcha. 

 

This entire process is incredibly labor-intensive and time-consuming, and that's exactly what makes high-quality Japanese Matcha a lavish indulgence that justifies every penny spent.

 

A Cup of Complete Well-Being

A cup of matcha latte with heart shaped latte art

 

Beyond the fact that Japanese Matcha tastes like a green dream, it is the potion of well-being people swear by for a healthy kick, giving you yet another compelling reason to join the matcha fan club. 

 

Matcha is your daily dose of antioxidants (like EGCG), it kickstarts your metabolism, a heart's best friend, melts stress away, and even keeps your breath minty fresh. Matcha may also have potential in cancer prevention, detoxification, and skin protection. It's like a complete wellness spa in a cup!

 

Order Premium Matcha Powder from Japan! 

A woman in kimono sitting on a tatami floor holding a green tea cup and participating in a tea cermony.

Matcha is one of those products that has to be high-quality and authentic for a truly satisfying experience. To savor the real deal, you've got to ensure you're getting the genuine stuff straight from the country of origin. 

 

Luckily, you don't need to set foot in Japan to secure the world's finest matcha—all you have to do is visit the giant e-commerce platform ZenPlus, order their premium Japanese matcha powder, and kick back as it swiftly makes its way from Japan right to your doorstep! 

 

With a track record of industry success spanning nearly a decade, ZenPlus boasts an extensive catalog of over 5 million Japanese products, each carefully handpicked from over 3,000 Japanese retail shops. It's like having a vast Japanese marketplace right at your fingertips, allowing you to fill up your own cart as if you were strolling through a bustling shop in Japan.

 

With the freedom to add virtually every Japanese product your heart desires, you can seize the opportunity and toss in a traditional matcha set along with your matcha powder to take your matcha-making ritual to new heights. And from there, you're faced with a choice: either exercise your iron will and proceed to make your order, or let the shopping spree roll on, venturing into the unknown depths of Japanese retail therapy. Who knows where it'll lead?

 

 

About The Writer

Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.

11/2/2023
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