MATCHA - Japanese Green Powder Tea

Matcha has grown in popularity throughout the world in recent years due to it's undeniable health benefits. Traditionally, matcha was only consumed by the elite and used in formal tea ceremonies. Today, it is consumed daily like a regular tea and also used to flavor other foods and drinks such as desserts and lattes. 

There is an Irish company called "The Matcha Tea Company" and they sell a wonderful range of products including matcha porridge and matcha flapjacks (www.thematchateacompany.ie).

Here are some interesting facts about matcha:
- contains virtually no calories
- full of antioxidants which prevent cancer
- 10 times more concentrated that regular green tea
- delays the signs of ageing
- burns calories
- aids digestion
- relieves stress
- contains caffeine but unlike coffee energy is released slowly into the body
- energy booster 

HOW TO MAKE JAPANESE GREEN POWDER TEA

1. Put 1/4 tsp of green tea powder into a cup. 

2. Use a bamboo whisk (called chasen) to get rid of any lumps in the powder.

3. Pour a little hot water between 70°C(158°F)-80°C(176°F) into a cup and whisk. Do not use boiling water.

4. Pour the remaining hot water into the cup.

 

Tips:
1. Use more than 1/4 tsp of green powder tea depending on your taste
2. There are different grades of matcha, a good quality matcha will cost a little over 20 euro. 

Where I buy good quality matcha and traditional matcha utensils: 
Koyu Matcha sell different grades of matcha tea and the traditional utensils used to make matcha
http://koyumatcha.com/wp

Les Palais  Des Thes (Wicklow St Dublin 2) sell a range of different teas from around the world including matcha and other types of Japanese teas. They also sell beautiful tea canisters and traditional Japanese tea utensils.
www.palaisdesthes.com