IT’S A MATCHA MARATHON!
Matcha was introduced to Japan during the 1100s by way of China and has advanced and progressed into a commonly consumed tea used by individuals worldwide. Matcha is a powdered green tea that provides people with over 100 health benefits ranging from better quality skin, hair, and nails to helping to prevent cancer. Matcha is usually tested for authenticity through its: color, aroma, texture, flavor, and stroke method (dragging/stroking matcha along a piece of paper using your finger…the longer the matcha color stretches the more authentic it is). The tea was given the name “matcha” by combining the Japanese words matsu (to rub/paint) and cha (tea).IT’S A MATCHA MARATHON!
For the American people, matcha has been taking them to another dimension of morning must-haves. Matcha, unlike coffee, tends to stabilize our blood sugar and reduce our cholesterol levels. To put it in simple terms, matcha provides more beneficial antioxidants than coffee does. Companies are making matcha-specific menus and stores that sell all things green. Kettl Tea with locations in Williamsburg and Bowery Market is a US-based Japanese tea business that was integrated entirely from Japan. The most important thing about Kettl is their attention to their authenticity and their classes that provide an introduction to what matcha is. Tea Master of Little Tokyo, located in Los Angeles, also prides itself on its authentic matcha levels with their matcha soft-serve being an absolute hit with customers. Authenticity is the most important factor when getting matcha in the U.S., don’t be fooled.
Matcha has not only started businesses but it has taken social media by storm. Many influencers are taking their love for matcha and making it into worldwide companies. From global celebrities like, Emma Chamberlin, making matcha for her brand Chamberlain Coffee to YouTuber, Ashley Alexander, starting her Nami Matcha business, which has recently gone worldwide. Matcha is now becoming a global sensation with new flavors, syrups, and milks added, as we speak…well write.
There are many types of matchas to be consumed but we are focusing on the best ceremonial grade matchas. Ceremonial-grade matcha is known to be the highest form of matcha when used in Japanese Tea ceremonies. Ceremonial-grade matcha is made from the softest part of the leaf and that makes it the sweetest, which leads to many people using the grade matcha for baking and making delicious drinks. Many companies don’t use the term “Ceremonial grade” for their matcha as they see it as a marketing name, but their matcha is always top quality.
Ippodo
Ippodo is known for its matcha due to its textures, balances, and flavors, they do not use the term “ceremonial grade” but it is very highly rated. This specific matcha is named Ippodo Tea- Wakaki Matcha, priced at $13 for 40 grams on their website. This matcha is great for baking and drinking as it is, or made into a dazzling latte.
Hibiki-An
Hibiki-An is known for its Japanese Ceremony teas for all their flavors and deeply smooth tastes. This specific matcha is named Hibaki-An Matcha Pinnacle, priced at $37 for 30 grams on their website. This matcha is the best when it is drunk alone, the deep flavor of the leaves seeps beautifully when the powder is mixed only with water.
Kimikura
Kimikura is known for its flavors and accuracy when using the stroke test. This specific matcha is named Kimikura- Matcha Kagoshima, priced at $18.79 for 30 grams on their website. This matcha is a more dry-tasting matcha as it has a moderate astringency with a subtle taste. This could be used in mocktails, coconut bites, and smoothie bowls.
Marukyu Koyamean
Marukyu Koyamean has been taking Tiktok by storm, it is sold out at the moment. This specific matcha is named Marukyu Koyamean- Wako Matcha, priced at $26.68 for 40 grams on their website. This matcha is sweet and smooth and pairs well with syrups’ and milks’ of your choice.