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Matcha Green Tea - What is it?

Matcha is a very finely ground green tea. Originating in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) it was bought to Japan by Zen missionaries, who use it during monastic rituals, in 1191. The tea quickly became popular there, particularly amongst the higher classes, and Japan remains the biggest producer of quality Matcha tea. The tea is made from the finest, hand picked, tea buds. These leaves are allowed to dry before being de-veined and de-stemmed and ground into the the fine powder Matcha tea. It can take upto 1 hour to grind just 30g of Matcha tea.

Matcha Green Tea - What are the benefits?

Researchers have conducted many human clinical trials to assess the ability of Green Teas to prevent or treat cancer and other systemic diseases, as well as its effectiveness in enhancing convential treatrments for these debilitating diseases. According to 'Better Nutrition Magazine' Green Tea received an A rating a in its effects against prostate cancer, as well as several B ratings in relation to other types of cancer.

A team of scientists from Taiwan have recently completed research that suggests the antioxidants in Green Tea may help to protect against the DNA damage that can cause cancer. They found that the tea could reduce the risk of lung cancer in smokers and non-smokers 5 fold. However the most impressive results were found in regular smokers. It was found that those drinking just 1 cup of Green Tea per day were 12 times less likely to contract lung cancer.

The journal of Medicinal food found that Matcha Green Tea slows the progression of Kidney failure found in those suffering from type 2 diabetes. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition released a study in 2009 showing that green tea consumption reduced symptoms of depression in a 1000 strong study group of the elderly, including severe depression.

Match Green Tea is loaded with antioxidants, and if any of these findings are true then we should be certainly drinking this wonderful brew everyday.

Matcha Green Tea - Directions for use.

You should keep your Matcha Green Tea in an air tight container in the freezer to preserve its freshness. Take it out well ahead enough of time so that it is able to warm to room temperature before you start your preparation.

Matcha is a traditional Japanese drink, and you will enjoy your Match Green Tea experience far more if you use traditional Japanese Matcha utensils and methods for preparing your tea.

Utensils Needed:
• Chawan - A Matcha bowl
• Chasen - A bamboo Matcha whisk
• Chashaku - A bamboo Matcha scoop
• Chakin - A linen tea cloth
• Furui - A Matcha sifter
• A bowl for boiling water
• A thermometer to measure water temperature.

Step 1.

Preheat the chawan (Matcha bowl) and chasen (bamboo whisk) with hot water. Once they are thoroughy heated empty the water and dry the chawan (Matcha bowl) out (preferably with a Chakin), so that it is completely dry. Set the chasen (bamboo whisk) aside, and retain 70ml of the water in a seperate bowl to cool.

Step 2.

Use the chashaku (bamboo scoop) to measure about 1.5 - 2 scoops of your Match Green Tea into the furui (Matcha sifter) and sift into the chawan (Matcha bowl) to prevent any lumps from forming.

Step 3.

Once the water from Step 1 drops to 70°C (158°F)- 80° (176°F) pour it into the chawan.

Step 4.

Take the chasen (bamboo whisk) and whisk the Matcha Green Tea and water briskly in a W motion, using just the wrist (not arm). Continue to whisk until the Matcha Green Tea has a thick frothy surface with lots of tiny air bubbles. Your traditional Matcha Green Tea is now ready to drink! Drink it down right away before the powdered leaves have time to settle. Traditionally nothing is added to Matcha Green Tea, no cream, milk, sugar or lemon.