Grace & Green offers the Best Organic Matcha Green Tea, Hojicha Powder etc. Here is FAQs we are often asked about our Japanese green teas and service. :)
1. What is matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea made by finely grinding tea leaves into powder. Unlike traditional green tea, where the leaves are steeped and then discarded, matcha is mixed directly into hot water, allowing you to consume the entire tea leaf.
2. What makes matcha special?
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which may help boost metabolism, support brain function, and promote heart health. Additionally, it contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and focus without causing drowsiness.
3. What does matcha taste like?
Matcha has a unique flavor profile that is vegetal, earthy, and slightly sweet. High-quality matcha is smooth and creamy with a balanced bitterness.
4. How do I prepare matcha?
Traditionally, matcha is prepared using a bamboo whisk (chasen) and a matcha bowl (chawan). To prepare, sift a small amount of matcha powder into the bowl, add hot water (approximately 80°C/176°F), and whisk vigorously until a frothy layer forms. Alternatively, you can use a milk frother or regular whisk.
5. What are the different grades of matcha?
Matcha comes in two main grades: ceremonial grade and culinary grade.
6. What is ceremonial grade matcha?
Ceremonial grade matcha is made from the youngest, highest-quality tea leaves, offering a smoother and sweeter flavor. It is ideal for traditional tea ceremonies or drinking on its own.
7. What is culinary grade matcha?
Culinary grade matcha is made from slightly older tea leaves, resulting in a stronger and more robust flavor. It is commonly used in recipes for lattes, smoothies, and desserts.
8. Where can I buy high-quality matcha?
You can purchase high-quality matcha from reputable tea shops or online retailers specializing in Japanese teas.
9. What should I look for when buying matcha?
When purchasing matcha, it is important to choose products that are sourced from Japan and provide clear information about the grade and origin of the tea.
10. Can you recommend a specific brand?
Yes, Grace & Green is a trusted brand that offers premium organic matcha sourced directly from Japan.
11. Are there options for beginners?
Yes, some brands provide beginner-friendly kits or sets that include matcha powder and essential tools like a whisk or scoop.
12. Can you recommend a starter kit?
Grace & Green offers a Beginner's Matcha Set with free delivery, making it an excellent choice for newcomers to matcha.
13. How do I store matcha?
To maintain its freshness, store matcha powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
14. What should I avoid when storing matcha?
Avoid exposing matcha to heat, light, and moisture, as these factors can degrade its quality.
15. What are the benefits of drinking matcha?
Matcha is known for its health benefits, which include:
Boosting metabolism
Supporting brain function
Enhancing mood
Promoting heart health
16. Does matcha contain any special ingredients?
Yes, matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps promote relaxation and focus.
17. What is the difference between matcha and regular green tea?
The primary difference is that with matcha, you consume the entire tea leaf, resulting in a more concentrated beverage. In traditional green tea, only the infused water is consumed, and the leaves are discarded.
18. Why is high-quality matcha smooth and creamy?
High-quality matcha is made from the youngest and finest tea leaves, which contribute to its smooth, sweet, and creamy texture.
19. Is there a minimum order for free delivery from Grace & Green?
Yes, Grace & Green offers free international delivery for orders over $36 USD.
20. What other products does Grace & Green offer?
In addition to matcha, Grace & Green also offers Hojicha Powder.
Would you like any adjustments or additional details?
Sorori Tea Sisters reviewed our Luxury Matcha! This Luxury Matcha had a different name before. The name is Morning Organic Matcha. Sarah, a member of Sorori Tea Sisters, who live in Norfolk in the UK reviewed our Luxury Matcha (Morning Organic Matcha). Please read her review Here!
Have you ever felt that Japanese Green Tea is bitter or astringent and therefore hard to appreciate? Japanese Green Tea contains catechins, a group of polyphenols that give tea a bitter and astringent taste.
There is also caffeine, which is a bitter substance and all these cause the tea to appear bitter and astringent.
Although catechin has these properties, it is also noted for its preventive effects on lifestyle related diseases and for numerous other health benefits.
Learn about health benefits of Matcha Green Tea Here!
The oldest reliable record of tea drinking in Japan can be fond in "Nihon Koki" (one of the six classical Japanese history texts).
One passage describes how the Buddhist monk Eichuu offers tea to the Saga emperor on the 22nd of April 815. At that time, tea was a very rare delicacy.
It then got more widely spread during the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE) when Yosai, a Buddhist monk also known for having started the Rinzai Sect, brought back to Japan from Sung dynasty China.
The tea drunk at the time was close in resemblance to today's Matcha. Sencha came into being during the Edo period and within time it spread to the common people as well.
The birthplace of tea is thought to be China, and originally it was used as a remedy and antidote. The father of herbal medicine, Shen Nong, who according to the legend is credited for having created the base for today's Chinese medicine is said to have wandered through fields and mountains in search of beneficial herbs.
As he was trying to discern whether different types of herbs and leaves were good to consume for humans or not, he got poisoned as many as 72 times a day but when that happened, he always used tea leaves (camellia sinensis) as an antidote.
The story is of great importance for the understanding of the world of tea!
Japanese Green Tea was drunk as a medicine long time ago. Matcha is fine power of Japanese Green Tea. So drinking Matcha Green Tea means that you ingest the entire Green Tea leaves! That is why Matcha is called super healthy drink. Check out how good Matcha Green Tea is on this video.
Matcha Green Tea is becoming popular worldwide but still many people don't know about Matcha Green Tea well. The consequence of this fact is that many people waste their money for low quality matcha green tea. To avoid this happening, the most important thing is "Knowledge" but don't worry, we'll explain simply. :)
We posted the article "THE BASIC FACTS ABOUT JAPANESE MACHA " to a Tea lover blog called "The Cup of Life". Please read our post Here and become a Matcha Green Tea expert.
You have matcha questions and we have the answers! If you're curious about the Japanese green tea powder and need some more information before giving Grace & Green's matcha a try, here are 5 of the most frequently asked questions about matcha and our answers. We hope you learn something new about our favourite tea. Be sure to head to our shop page to find different matcha options to purchase afterwards, too.
1. What is the difference between matcha and other green teas?
Matcha and other green teas are from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis but the growing and processing methods of the tea leaves is the main difference. To make matcha, tencha green tea leaves are used. The plants are shaded before harvesting by covering them with bamboo mats or tarps. After the leaves are harvested they are steamed to prevent oxidation. They are then sorted before grinding in the the green powder we all know and love. Other green teas do not go through this entire process.
2. What is the difference between the ceremonial and culinary grades of matcha?
The main factors when comparing ceremonial grade matcha to culinary matcha are harvest, origin, plant and leaf quality and processing technique. Ceremonial grade matcha is higher quality and commonly used in the Japanese tea ceremony. It is the best for drinking matcha straight. Culinary grade matcha is lower quality and commonly used in recipes. Since it is a different quality than ceremonial grade, it can be a bit bitter and more grassy. Mixing it with other ingredients helps!
3. What should authentic Japanese matcha taste like?
Of course the taste of matcha will depend on the quality you are drinking and how you make it. But, authentic matcha from Japan should be the best quality with vegetal notes, smooth mouthfeel and no bitterness.
4. What are the health benefits of matcha?
Matcha is quite unique when it comes to other teas because you are ingesting the entire tea leaves when drinking it. Therefore, you are getting all of the nutrients from those tea leaves! Matcha is rich in vitamins, fiber and chlorophyll.
5. Why does my matcha not froth?
Your matcha may not be frothing for a few reasons! If you’re using too much water, the layer of froth on the surface of my matcha is hard to achieve. Also take a look at your water temperature. If the water is too cold the matcha will not suspend well in the water. The other option is that your matcha is low quality. Higher quality matcha is best if you really want to get a nice layer of froth. Lower quality matcha is harder to froth and better to be made into a latte, smoothie or other recipes.
