What is MATCHA?

WHAT IS MATCHA? I want to give you a little background on matcha. This green tea powder was first produced in Japan in the 1100s, and it is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Made from shade-grown green tea leaves that are ground to a fine powder, matcha is known for its high levels of antioxidants. Because you consume the whole tea leaf when you drink it, it also contains more caffeine than regular green tea, though still often less than a cup of coffee. Generally, you’ll find matcha designated as one of two grades. Ceremonial grade matcha tends to have the most vibrant green color and a balanced earthy, nutty flavor. It works nicely in lattes and can also be whisked into hot water to make green tea. Though a fraction of the price, culinary grade matcha has a stronger, more bitter taste and is best suited to baking recipes. Want to learn more? Check out my What Is Matcha blog post!