Meet Matcha’s Perfect Pairing

If you’ve taken an interest in flower tea, odds are you’ve dipped your toe into the world of teabags, iced varieties and the ever popular powder-based beverage - matcha. Made from finely ground green tea leaves, matcha is popularly served in latte-form and found in sweets like mochi and ice cream. Some like their matcha dressed up, but the nourishing super powder can simply be whisked into hot water and enjoyed on its own. While you may not be able to make it to the renowned tea houses of Uji, Japan, you can have a nourishing and transformative sipping experience all from the comfort of your cozy home. 

What is matcha?

A version of green tea, matcha oriignated in China where it was customary to steam and form tea into bricks for easier transport and storage. This process of pulverizing leaves into powder also involved mixing in salt before forming tea bricks. When a person wanted tea, they would simply break off a piece of the brick, grind it into powder and whisk it into hot water. While innovative for its time, it’s likely that matcha from this period was really bitter — something tea connoisseurs still caution against when purchasing the powder today. 

Grown in the shade, ​​matcha comes from the same plant that all true teas come from — camellia sinensis. While it’s a type of green tea, its taste is different from any loose leaf or bottled tea drink you're likely familiar with. Matcha is earthy, umami-flavored, fresh and vegetal. It even has a slight slight astringency depending on its variety and quality. It’s both savory and rich, while still providing a delicate sweetness. The result — a creamy texture that leaves a velvety sensation lingering on the tongue. If it wasn’t clear, matcha is complex and that’s why we love it. 

There’s a lot to learn about this special powder typically found in tiny tins and there are many other reasons we drink it. For newbies and matcha lovers alike, there's always something new to learn about the super drink. 

Benefits:

1. It’s antioxidant rich

Matcha packs a punch with its high amount of catechins — an antioxidant that fights free radicals in the body. The most potent catechin in matcha is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) which has been linked to reducing inflammation, boosting metabolism, and even preventing certain chronic diseases.

2. It helps enhance mental clarity and focus

Matcha contains the amino acid, L-Theanine, which works to make you feel relaxed, without causing drowsiness. This compound works synergistically with the caffeine in matcha to provide a calm, focused energy that lasts longer than the energy spike from coffee. A matcha can have anywhere from 25-70 mg of caffeine compared to coffee which has 85-200 mg. But, it's higher in caffeine than both a regular green or black tea so it can really give you that extra oomf to start your day.

3. It boosts metabolism and aids weight loss

Rich in antioxidants and high in caffeine, matcha can act as a natural appetite suppressor. L-theanine’s calming effect can also help curb cravings and reduce stress-related eating.

4. It dexotifies the body

Matcha is rich in chlorophyll, a natural detoxifier that helps remove heavy metals and chemical toxins from the body. Because the tea leaves are grown in the shade for several weeks before harvest, matcha is particularly high in chlorophyll. It also works to supports the liver — the body’s primary detox organ — as it processes and eliminates harmful substances.

5. It’s linked to heart health

The catechins in matcha have been shown to reduce LDL or “bad” cholesterol that leads to clogged arteries and an increased risk of heart disease. Regular matcha drinkers also record lower blood pressure for the tea’s ability to relax blood vessels, improve blood flow and reduce inflammation.

6. It’s a natural immune booster

Next time you’re scanning a nutrition label, consider that you could be drinking your vitamins. Matcha is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as potassium, iron, and calcium. These nutrients, along with the antioxidants, help to stave off infections and fight pesky illnesses like flu viruses and colds. 

7. It enhances mood

Matcha is known to promote calmness and alertness. The mighty L-theanine is  known to increase the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation.

8. It improves digestion

Match is fiber-rich, helping to keep things moving and aid in proper digestion. It  also promotes a healthy gut microbiome, which impacts everything from your immune system, skin and mood. 

9. It supports supple skin

Speaking of skin, matcha can help soothe and reduce inflammation on your face, making it especially beneficial for conditions like acne and rosacea. Antioxidants in matcha also help protect the skin from damage caused by UV rays and environmental pollutants, both leading contributors in the cause of wrinkles and fine lines.

10. It Supports Oral Health

Matcha’s catechins can help reduce the growth of bacteria in the mouth, improving oral hygiene and reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. A cup of matcha can even help freshen your breath by neutralizing odor-causing bacteria.

Match(a) Made in Heaven

We love matcha and we love flower tea. Why make us choose? We’ve created the ultimate mood-boosting combo we think you’ll love. Like matcha, rose tea is also rich in antioxidants, containing flavonoids and polyphenols to help protect the body from oxidative stress. This kind of stress can lead to inflammation and has been linked to mood disorders, depression and anxiety. While we can't control everything in our lives, we can take small steps to support and soothe ourselves in the day-to-day. We recommend starting with brewing an antioxidant-rich Rose Matcha. We can't help but love the look, essence and taste of this combo. Roses are known for their uplifting, mood-boosting properties. When paired with matcha, something  softer and sweeter emerges to compliment the tea's rich umami-flavor.

Ingredients:

-Matcha powder of your choice (we recommend Ippudo)

-Hot water

-Matcha Whisk

-1 Shangri-La Rose and/or Rosebuds

-Sweetener (optional)

Directions:

1. Simply start by heating your water. In the meantime, sift your matcha into a small bowl or mug to fully get rid of clumps. 

2. Then, pour in a small amount of hot water and whisk. Whisk vigorously from side-to-side in a zigzag pattern to fully create a foamy infusion. 

3. Top it off with more hot water and stir in a sweetener of your choice. 

4. Add one Shangri-La Rose or Rosebuds and let them soak to release rose flavor. Enjoy!