It is a drink that fills you when you drink it, that caresses the palate and gives off sweet notes and round to later discover very subtle and pleasant bitter notes. Live the experience of drinking authentic matcha tea, which is not simply ground leaves, but the fruit of a delicate crop. As well as the art of elaboration knowing that it is something sensitive that brings pleasure and great benefits to health. If you still don't know it, don't run, find out without haste and enjoy the pleasure of reading this article.
His story, from Japan
Were the japanese buddhist monks that they were going to study and improve their techniques in China that led to the cultivation and elaboration of matcha tea to the Japanese country. In this way, it was introduced in Japan and established in its culture. The wealthier classes introduced him to the ceremony where they drank these types of infused drinks. The word "matcha" refers to powdered tea in both Asian countries.
En China, this product had another evolution and the trend was ferment the leaves and use them whole instead of grinding them. However, in Japan They adopted these techniques and improved them to make a more careful elaboration and seek the excellence of the product.
Its cultivation and production process
El culture of the plant of this tea is done laboriously and carefully. For this the fields are protected under the shade of some special tarpaulins. All this increases their levels of L-theanine and chlorophyll and that its properties are very active.
Also the tea leaves are covered with fabrics before harvesting. This slows its growth and increases its content in amino acids. It is at this point that a sweeter taste in the tea.
Once harvested, the stem and veins of the leaves are extracted. The matcha tea, Unlike the rest, it is not fermented but only goes through a few steam shower. With this it manages to preserve its nutrients and properties almost intact. Then a very gradual drying and they are ground delicately and slowly. All this so that erosion and the temperature of the grinding do not damage the properties of the product.
In the market you can find countless offers of matcha teaBe wary of cheap options as they are usually ground green teas, actually. There are also them ground in a more industrial way, even if it is matcha tea. There are them from different times of the year too, those from the beginning of the year are the best unlike the spring ones that have a lower quality. Also from different countries and areas of Japan. Without a doubt, Japanese is the most high quality.
There are different types and cultivation techniques, such as organic or integrated crops. This is important since the leaves are so tender and delicate they are prey to many insects. This means that, depending on which crops, pesticides are used that are not advisable. It is best to be advised by a good tea shop Make it trustworthy and try until you find the one you like the most.
The benefits of drinking matcha tea
The cultivation of matcha tea it is done with extreme delicacy and the leaves are protected from the sun. All this makes the chlorophyll level in the leaves very high. For that reason we can see the beauty of vivid green of matcha tea.
The tall ones chlorophyll levels help detoxify the blood. It also maintains the alkalinity of the blood and tissues by removing heavy metals, toxins chemicals and hormone disruptors.
Prevents cancer
Recent studies indicate that the presence of catechins and polyphenols in this drink eliminate free radicals from our body. All this helps reduce the risk of rectal, prostate and breast cancer, according to studies from the University of Illinois.
Energizing
El matcha tea has in its composition a type of caffeine known as theophylline. Its peculiarity is that maintains energy levels much longer. This compound helps the functioning of the adrenal glands and maintains the correct hormonal levels.
Help to relax
Buddhist monks used this drink as it helped them in their meditation process. It is no coincidence since the matcha tea has in its composition L-theanine, an amino acid that helps stimulate alpha waves in the brain and is used as an anti-anxiolytic. These waves help relaxation, prevent arousal and produce a calming effect. All this helps the production of dopamine, improves memory and concentration without entering a state of drowsiness.
Strengthens defenses and intestinal health
The aforementioned amino acid L-theanine, as well as the antioxidants that it has in its composition make it a powerful stimulator of the immune system. Currently it is said that in the intestine we have our second brain and that taking care of our microbiota is essential. The matcha tea like many green teas, helps the bioactivity of the intestine. Its antioxidant and stimulating properties help a good balance that favors immunity and fights against diseases.
Good cholesterol ally
Consuming two or three cups of matcha tea up to date lowers LDL cholesterol known as bad cholesterol and increases HDL cholesterol levels. All this occurs since the regular consumption of this tea reduces creatinine levels that are, in part, responsible for the absorption of this cholesterol.
Weight loss
Although it has practically no calories if it can, it becomes a good ally for losing weight. The matcha tea It has properties thanks to the catechins present in its composition that help the metabolism to Burn calories. Also to decrease the formation of fat cells. Also has satiating properties.
A 1999 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (AJCN) showed that consuming matcha green tea increases the body's calorie burning rate from 9% to 41% of daily energy expenditure.
The preparation of matcha tea
To obtain it in infusion you need three simple utensils. First a ceramic bowl, second a small teaspoon -preferably made of wood or bamboo- and finally the so-called chasen or bamboo whisk.
The preparation is so easyYou just have to follow a few simple steps. You should take the teaspoon with about 2-3 grams of matcha tea for a cup of about 200 centiliters of drink.
Then you must add the water at about 80º-90º C and beat with the chasen until you get to froth the drink and you already have your matcha tea ready to drink it.
We can also incorporate tea into a multitude of pastry recipes. In this case, look for a matcha tea for confectionery since it will not be necessary for it to be of high quality, since it will be subjected to a high temperature during cooking. You choose how you want to consume this product of the wise for all the benefits it brings you.
