White Matcha?
“White matcha” products have recently appeared on the market, some coming from Kenya, others from China. They are the ground, dried leaves of white tea, a minimally processed type made from unopened buds and immature leaves. Silvery hairs on the unopened buds account for its name, although when steeped in hot water, the color of the liquid is light yellow. These products have nothing to do with genuine matcha green tea made in Japan by a centuries-old traditional method.
Matcha in Japanese means "Powder tea"
The Japanese word matcha means “powder tea.” Any dried tea leaves can be ground into powder and called matcha, but the real thing is prepared from high-quality tea plants, heavily shaded in the weeks leading up to harvest. The leaves are meticulously cleaned, trimmed, steamed, dried, and ground between grooved granite stones to produce the vibrant green, richly flavored powder that is true matcha.
What exactly is matcha green tea?
Compared to other teas, matcha is the only tea in which you consume the whole tea leaf. And because matcha is only produced from hand-picked, top quality young green tea leaves with great care that have been heavily shaded, there are a significantly higher amount of healthful compounds in matcha compared to other green teas. Matcha tea is rich in catechins — compounds with high antioxidants that offer protection against various chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Catechins have also been shown to lower bad cholesterol, help regulate blood pressure, and improve the body’s overall immunity.
The marketing hype around “white matcha” emphasizes its higher content of polyphenols, compounds in tea with known health benefits. It is true that white tea, because it is less oxidized than green tea, has high levels of polyphenols, but green tea has plenty more, and its association with good health has a solid evidence base. Real matcha green tea is much more than polyphenols. It is esteemed for color, aroma, flavor, and tradition, as well as for the feeling of relaxed alertness it provides.
In addition to “white matcha,” you will see “black matcha,” “oolong matcha,” “pu-erh matcha,” and other such products for sale. All are pale imitations.
Are you looking for a white chocolate matcha latte recipe?
Then we've definitely got you covered!
- 1 tsp Ceremonial Matcha powder
- ¼ cup hot water
- 2 tb white chocolate
- ¾ cup dairy or non dairy milk
- Optional (cinnamon) as a topping
Tools: A bamboo or electric frother, microwave or stovetop with small pot, & a bowl.
- First, pour in one cup of hot (not boiling) water with Ceremonial Matcha powder. Be sure to use a milk frother, electric whisk, or bamboo whisk to mix the matcha until you create a frothy surface. (Using a conventional spoon or fork often leads to clumps.)
- You can then use a microwave or a small pot on the stove to melt white chocolate until smooth and mix into matcha mixture. Around 2 tablespoons adds great sweetness, but the amount is up to you.
- Warm milk on the stove or in the microwave, then using a electric whisk or frother create a soft foam. Combine with matcha mixture. Top with a little bit of cinnamon. Enjoy!
Bottom line: No other powdered tea is comparable to real matcha green tea.
Matcha tea is a unique type of green tea that is visually beautiful and gives most people a general sense of well-being. In fact, the process of making matcha tea has long been the focus of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, with the simple ritual of preparing being both meditative and enjoyable.
Matcha is a vibrant, bejeweled-green powder that is whisked with hot — not boiling— water in a bowl to make a sweet, vegetal frothy beverage full of a range of health benefits.
Team MatchaKari
