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I hope no coffee lovers had a heart attack from that title! Don’t worry, coffee isn’t going anywhere, but let’s not deny the undeniable rise of matcha as a global sensation.
So, What is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha allows you to consume the entire leaf in powdered form. This means more nutrients, a rich flavor, and a beautiful vibrant green color that’s almost too pretty to drink (but you’ll want to anyway).
Why Matcha? The Benefits
Matcha isn’t just pretty—it’s packed with perks:
- Sustained Energy: Matcha contains caffeine, but unlike coffee, it delivers a calm, focused energy thanks to an amino acid called L-theanine.
- Antioxidant Powerhouse: It’s loaded with catechins, a type of antioxidant that helps fight free radicals.
- Boosts Metabolism: Matcha has been shown to help with fat burning and overall metabolic health.
- Calming Ritual: The preparation of matcha is meditative, making it more than just a drink—it’s an experience.
Where Can I Get a Matcha Set?
If you’re new to matcha, a good set is a must to experience the full ritual of preparation. Sure, Amazon is a convenient go-to, and that’s where I started my Matcha journey. This is the matcha set I personally have and I LOVE IT!
For unique, creative, and often handmade matcha sets, Etsy is a fantastic option. Many small artisans offer beautifully crafted bowls, whisks, and spoons that make the experience feel extra special. Plus, shopping small means you’re supporting independent creators rather than large corporations.
Key notes
- Matcha is loved for its taste and health perks.
- Ippodo and Marukyu Koyamaen are great matcha brands.
- A complete matcha set helps you make it right.
Recommended Matcha Brands
Although I haven’t tried them personally (yet!), I did some research, and according to many matcha lovers, two of the best brands are Ippodo Matcha and Marukyu Koyamaen Matcha.
Both are renowned Japanese brands with a long history of producing high-quality matcha. They offer a variety of options tailored to different tastes and uses, whether you prefer ceremonial-grade matcha for traditional preparation or culinary-grade for lattes and desserts.
A couple of things to keep in mind about these brands (and matcha in general):
- Price Point: High-quality matcha can be pricey, often costing a dollar or more per gram, especially when purchased in bulk.
- Availability: Due to the growing popularity of matcha, some variations may be out of stock—ahem, Marukyu Koyamaen!—and you might need to wait until the next growing season for fresh stock.
Whether you’re curious about trying matcha for the first time or looking to deepen your journey into this vibrant green world, there’s something magical about this centuries-old drink. Let’s raise a whisk to that!