FAQs
What is Matcha?
Matcha is powdered green tea made from shade-grown tea leaves, which are then dried, ground into a fine powder, and used in a variety of beverages and foods. Unlike regular green tea, which is brewed and then discarded, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf, providing more nutrients. Since you consume the whole leaf, you get more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. In fact, matcha contains 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea.
How is Matcha made?
1. Shading the Plants: About three weeks before harvest, the tea plants are shaded from direct sunlight. This boosts the levels of chlorophyll and L-Theanine in the leaves, giving matcha its rich colour and smooth taste.
2. Harvesting: Only the youngest and freshest leaves are carefully handpicked to ensure the highest quality.
3. Steaming: The leaves are immediately steamed to prevent oxidation, preserving their vibrant green colour and fresh flavour.
4. Drying and De-veining: After steaming, the leaves are dried, and the stems and veins are removed, leaving just the soft, tender leaf parts.
5. Grinding: The remaining leaves are stone-ground into a fine, bright green powder. This grinding process is slow to prevent heat from damaging the delicate nutrients in the leaves.
How do I prepare Matcha?
1. Sift 2-3 scoops (2g) of matcha into your ceramic bowl.
2. Add 40ml of warm water (70°C–80°C). Make sure not to exceed 80°C, or your matcha powder may burn and affect the flavour.
3. Whisk in a Z or M motion until frothy and free of clumps.
4. Pour in your milk of choice.
What is the origin of Matcha?
Matcha originated in China during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) but gained its true cultural significance in Japan during the 12th century. Buddhist monks embraced it for its calming, meditative effects. Over time, it became central to the Japanese tea ceremony, where the preparation and consumption of matcha evolved into a respected art form.
What are the benefits of Matcha?
Rich in Antioxidants
Matcha is a powerhouse when it comes to antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). These potent antioxidants help combat free radicals in the body, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells. By fighting these free radicals, matcha supports your body’s overall health, helping to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and promoting longevity.
Boosts Energy & Focus
Unlike coffee, which can provide a quick energy spike followed by a crash, matcha delivers a more consistent and sustained energy boost. This is due to its unique combination of natural caffeine and L-theanine. While caffeine stimulates the nervous system, L-theanine promotes relaxation and reduces stress, leading to improved mental clarity and focus without the jitteriness typically associated with caffeine. It’s perfect for staying energized and productive throughout the day.
Supports Metabolism
The catechins in matcha, particularly EGCG, have been shown to increase the body’s ability to burn fat and improve metabolism. This makes matcha an excellent addition to any weight management plan. By helping the body burn calories more efficiently, it supports your efforts in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
Promotes Calm & Relaxation
Matcha’s calming benefits come from the L-theanine content, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. It helps to lower stress levels and counteracts the overstimulation that caffeine can sometimes cause, resulting in a peaceful state of mind. Whether you're looking to de-stress after a long day or enhance your meditation practice, matcha provides a perfect balance of alertness and calm.
Supports Heart Health
Regular consumption of matcha can have a positive effect on cardiovascular health. Studies suggest that matcha can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL), reduce blood pressure, and improve blood circulation. This, in turn, can reduce the risk of heart disease and promote overall heart health. By adding matcha to your daily routine, you’re taking an active step towards supporting your cardiovascular system.
Detoxifies the Body
Matcha is packed with chlorophyll, the green pigment that not only gives it its vibrant color but also helps detoxify the body. Chlorophyll helps remove toxins and heavy metals from the body, making matcha an excellent choice for those looking to cleanse and purify their system. By incorporating matcha into your diet, you’re supporting your body’s natural detoxification processes and maintaining optimal health.
What makes our Matcha so special?
Origin
Miyu Matcha is sourced from the highest quality tea leaves, grown in the fertile, mineral-rich soils of Kagoshima, Japan. We work directly with a small, family-owned farm who cultivate their matcha with the utmost care, ensuring the leaves are hand-picked and harvested at the peak of freshness.
Quality & Purity
Our matcha is made from 100% pure, shade-grown green tea leaves. We don't add any fillers, sweeteners, or artificial ingredients, so you get the full, unadulterated benefits of matcha. We also ensure it’s stone-ground to preserve all the nutrients, resulting in a smoother texture and richer flavour.
Flavour Profile
Unlike some matcha that can be bitter or astringent, our matcha has a naturally sweet, umami-rich flavour with a smooth finish. This is due to the specific variety of tea leaves we use and the careful cultivation process, which enhances its flavour without any harshness.