Understanding the craze behind matcha
Matcha has become a popular and trendy choice now. Its vibrant green color and unique texture have captivated people's attention, leading to the availability of matcha-infused options ranging from coffees to desserts in numerous coffee shops and bakeries. Several brands have even introduced their versions of matcha tea to cater to customers. Let us delve deeper into this trend to gain a better understanding.
What is matcha?
Green tea leaves are powdered to make matcha which is steeped in hot water to brew an earthy tea that is popular in Japanese tea rituals. The art of making matcha originated in Japan, and the word "matcha" literally translates to "ground tea" in Japanese. It has gained popularity worldwide for its unique flavor profile and potential health benefits.
How is matcha made?
Specialty green tea leaves are stone-ground into a fine, vivid green powder to create matcha. It is then whisked in hot water to create a flavorful tea. Take two gms of matcha powder in a small bowl. Add 80-100 ml of hot water. Use a bamboo whisk to blend this. And it is ready. You can add milk and sugar as well.
Matcha blends well with other drinks
There are many different recipes on the internet that start with a cup of matcha tea. To produce unique flavors, you can mix in different syrups like caramel, vanilla, and others. To make a more filling beverage, you may also top it with bubble tea, strawberries, or blueberries. Matcha can also be mixed with soda, lemonade, or ginger ale to make cool summer beverages.
How does it taste?
Matcha tea has been enjoyed by Buddhist monks and nobles for many centuries and has a history dating back more than 800 years. It has long been consumed in Japan, but now that the world is beginning to realize its health advantages, it is progressively gaining popularity everywhere. Matcha has a vegetal flavor with some nuttiness, slight sweetness, and slight bitterness.
Matcha vs green tea
When you drink matcha, you are consuming actual green tea leaves. When you drink green tea, the leaves are brewed, infused in the water, then removed. Matcha has a higher concentration of nutrients than green tea. It has a naturally sweet vegetal flavor, while green tea has a mild earthy flavor that pairs well with other flavors for tea blends.
Why is matcha so popular?
Due to matcha's eye-catching green hue, it is frequently used as an ingredient in visually appealing drinks and desserts. As a result, many users post photos of their matcha-based creations on Instagram and other social networking sites. The distinctive flavor of matcha is another factor in its popularity. Due to matcha's adaptability, it is now also used in non-culinary items like skincare.
