Matcha Tea

Matcha is arguably the most revered green teas in the world. It is a finely ground powder of specially grown green tea, with vibrant emerald colour and delicately sweet taste. Matcha is the most potent of all green teas because the entire leaf is consumed in powder form.

 

Traditional Matcha

In Japan "cha" means tea and ''ma" means powder, thus the word 'matcha', it literally translates to powdered green tea. It is famously used in the Japanese tea ceremony, which is an important part of the culture with roots in Zen Buddhism. The key focus of drinking this powdered tea centres on the preparation, serving and drinking of Matcha, which is more than just a drink in Japan. Interestingly, and as part of the unique tradition, Matcha is drunk in just three gulps.

 

Unique Matcha

The smoothness of Matcha is created by stripping all the fine stems and veins from whole leaves before drying and careful grinding with granite mill wheels. This creates a very fine powder which completely dissolves when well whisked

 

Wellness Matcha

One reason for Matcha tea's popularity is its proven health benefits. The concentrated green tea powder is full of nutrients and is said to contain ten times the number of antioxidants of a regular cup of green tea. It is said to improve the brain's function, assists with liver cell regeneration and can help with a whole host of other things.

 

What makes Matcha different from other teas?

Matcha tea is made from shade-grown tea leaves. Shading creates a broader leaf with a deeper green colour as well as stimulating the production of chlorophyll. It is delicately prepared starting several weeks before the tea plants are even picked.

There is a strict hand-processed method for producing Matcha, and only the finest shade-grown leaves are picked. The leaves are then laid out flat to dry, then de-stemmed and deveined leaving only the finest leaf. The leaves are ground into a fine powder using traditional stone mills. It can take 1 hour to grind just 30g of Matcha! The process is time-consuming, intricate and highly specialist making Matcha a rare and sought-after product.

If you’re ready to try Matcha or are a fan already, we have a small, yet expertly selected range of Matcha teas to choose from!

 

Matcha Horai - Organic

Our organic Matcha Horai is a mild and sweet matcha that is soft and pleasant in taste.  The fine and vibrant powder is created from a hand-picked spring-time harvest that offers maximum flavour. 

Our customers say, "A very nice Matcha! I’d give the colour a 4 out of 5, but the Matcha itself 5 out of 5. It’s the smoothest Matcha I’ve ever tried with zero bitterness. I will be ordering again!"

https://www.cupoftea.co.uk/ronnefeldt-matcha-horai-organic/p1384

 

 

Matcha Midori - Organic

Our organic Matcha Midori is a mild and fruity Matcha. It is gentle, delicately tart, sweet and very tempting.  This Matcha has an edge of natural fruitiness that is like no other. 

The cup is a stunning emerald green and the nose, green and floral.

 

https://www.cupoftea.co.uk/ronnefeldt-matcha-midori-organic/p1732

 

 

Matcha Premix

For Matcha on the go, we have an instant premix. The flavour is a sweet and creamy mix of Matcha and sugar for delightfully delicious (and easy) instant drinks or for making Matcha cocktails. We would recommend drinking it in a tall tea glass.

https://www.cupoftea.co.uk/ronnefeldt-matcha-premix/p1476

 

 

How to Brew Matcha

Matcha is traditionally made in a bowl and a bamboo brush for perfect dilution and froth. You can easily use a fork or mini whisk and a small bowl.

 Method

• Sift half a level teaspoon of Matcha powder in a warm bowl
• Add freshly boiled water, ideally at 80c-90c
• Froth using a bamboo whisk for around 15 seconds
• Once a fine foam appears on the surface, the tea is ready to drink
• Enjoy!

 

And if you’d like to experiment with Matcha, we’ve got just the refreshing drink for you! Our recipe for a Mint and Cucumber Cooler is a thirst-quenching pick-me-up, perfect for a warm and sluggish afternoon. 

 

Mint and Cucumber Cooler

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 2tsp Matcha Midori Organic
• 180ml hot water
• 1 unpeeled cucumber, roughly chopped
• ½ cup mint leaves
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• Ice
• 355ml chilled soda water
• Lime wedges for garnish

 

Method

• Place the matcha in a small bowl, and with a fork or small whisk gradually whisk about 15ml hot water until a smooth paste forms
• Gradually stir in remaining hot water and set aside to cool to room temperature
• Use a blender to blend the cucumber.
• Strain the liquid and you should have around 250ml cucumber juice
• Discard the solids in the strainer
• In a large pitcher, add mint leaves and mash with a wooden spoon
• Stir in the lime juice, cucumber juice and matcha tea
• Refrigerate for at least 1 hour
• Fill 4 glasses with ice, extra mint leaves and a couple of lime wedges
• Strain the chilled matcha mix into the 4 glasses to around a third full
• Top with soda water and serve
• Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

 

Posted by cup of tea admin
5th August 2020

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