Matcha Powder

Matcha is a finely milled green tea powder that is a special type of green tea grown and produced exclusively in Japan. Unlike traditional green tea, which uses steeped leaves, matcha is made from the entire shade-grown tea leaf that is stone-ground into a fine powder. Because you consume the whole leaf, you get 100% of the tea's nutrients.

Matcha contains a rich profile of antioxidants, including the compound EGCG. It also naturally contains the amino acid L-theanine, which is known to promote a state of calm and focus. The unique blend of caffeine and L-theanine provides a source of energy that is often described as a steady boost, helping you feel alert without the rush associated with coffee.

Ceremonial grade is made from the first harvest of young, shade-grown leaves. It has a smooth, rich umami flavor with no bitterness and is best for traditional preparation with hot water. Culinary grade is a more economical choice, made from a special blend of first and second harvest leaves. It has a more robust, slightly more astringent flavor, making it ideal for lattes, smoothies, and other recipes where it will be mixed with other ingredients.

A single serving size is typically 1 to 2 teaspoons of powder. The exact amount depends on your personal preference and whether you are making a traditional cup or a latte. You can experiment with the ratio of tea to water to find the perfect taste for you.

To make a traditional cup, begin by sifting a small amount of matcha powder into a bowl. Add a small amount of hot water (65°C to 77°C) that is just below boiling and mix the powder and water into a paste. Then, add more hot water and use a bamboo whisk to mix the tea using a back-and-forth motion until a frothy layer forms on top.

The primary difference is that matcha is a powdered green tea that you consume in its entirety, whereas regular green tea is made by steeping the leaves and then discarding them. This is why matcha is more concentrated in both flavor and nutrients. Additionally, matcha leaves are shade-grown for several weeks before harvest, which increases their chlorophyll, caffeine, and L-theanine content.

For best results, store your matcha powder in a sealed container in a cool place, away from sunlight. It's best to consume it as soon as possible after opening to ensure maximum flavour, aroma, and color.

While generally safe, overconsumption of matcha can lead to side effects. Due to its high caffeine content, excessive intake may cause anxiety, jitters, or sleep issues. Its high levels of tannins can also cause digestive discomfort or stomach upset, especially on an empty stomach. It is recommended for most adults to consume 1-2 cups per day (about 2g of powder) to minimize risks.

The high cost of authentic matcha is due to its meticulous, traditional production process. This includes shade-growing the tea leaves for weeks before harvest, hand-picking only the youngest leaves, and then carefully stone-grinding them into a fine powder. This time-consuming and labour-intensive process makes it a high value product.

Online health food retailers like us (Aussie Health Products) offer a range of high quality matcha powders (listed above) that we ship throughout Australia. Whilst it has significantly grown in demand in Australia and can be difficult to find, you can usually also find matcha at quality health food stores.

Most matcha products have a shelf life of around 36 months from the date of manufacture. However, once a package is opened, it is a "near future" tea, meaning you should consume it relatively soon to experience its best flavour, colour and aroma.

No, the simple answer is that matcha will not break a fast.