Matcha is a traditional Japanese tea made by whisking together finely ground powder and hot water with a bamboo whisk. Traditional green tea is made by steeping tea leaves in water for some time, then removing the leaves and drinking the remaining tea. These steps should be performed when preparing matcha. Consuming matcha is nearly identical to consuming the entire tea leaf, except that it is in powder form.

All types of tea are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, which is the origin of tea. The Camellia sinensis plant's leaves are processed in numerous ways to produce black, green, and matcha tea. The leaves are ground into a very fine powder for matcha tea.

Matcha's caffeine keeps you alert and energized, but it contains less caffeine than coffee, so it won't make you jittery like coffee. Matcha is composed of green tea. The matcha powder's vibrant green color indicates that the tea leaves are rich in antioxidants. Consequently, matcha powder has numerous health benefits. Matcha has a creamy and full-bodied flavor, with a sweet nuttiness and bitter undertones, when served hot. Cold matcha is often described as having a more mellow and refreshing flavor.

What is Uji Matcha?

If the matcha is of high quality, the powder will be a vibrant shade of spring green. This is one of the most obvious indicators that the matcha is of superior quality. This characteristic not only indicates that the tea has a pleasant flavor but also that it contains more antioxidants than other types of tea. Antioxidants help get rid of potentially dangerous free radicals. This protects the body from inflammatory conditions and diseases often linked to them. The antioxidant in matcha green tea can also assist dieters and body cleansers.

Uji matcha, made from tea leaves that are only a few years old, is thought to be the best matcha powder in Japan. Because it comes from the Uji region of Japan, which is on the southeastern edge of Kyoto, this is the region's name. The region surrounding the small city of Uji is believed to be the best place to obtain the highest quality matcha. Uji can cultivate the finest green tea leaves due to its location and climate, which features hot, sunny summers and extremely cold winters. This is possible due to the relationship between these two elements.

In the 13th century, a Japanese Zen Buddhist priest, Myan Eisai, went to China. He brought tea seeds and the technique for making powdered green tea to Kyoto, the presumed birthplace of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. People also believe that the tea ceremony in Japan originated in Uji.

Origin of Uji Matcha

According to legend, Emperor Ojin founded Uji in the fourth century and constructed a palace there. During his reign from 1358 to 1408, the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu did much to encourage tea cultivation and production in the city's surrounding region. That contributed to the city's rise to prominence. Since then, the region has gained a reputation for its exquisite flavor and is home to some of the oldest tea shops in Japan.

What does Uji Matcha taste like?

Drinking matcha when served hot, matcha has a creamy, full-bodied flavor, sweet nuttiness, and bitter undertones. People often say that matcha tastes smoother and more refreshing when served cold. Our Everyday Uji Matcha is more robust and bitter than our higher grades. This makes it an excellent option for those who wish to prepare beverages with matcha. It produces a delicious matcha green tea latte and a refreshing green tea lemonade.

What is Uji Matcha made of?

In a bowl, add between one and three teaspoons of matcha powder. This is the initial step in preparing matcha. After adding 2 ounces of simmering hot water, whisk the tea for several minutes or until it becomes foamy. Matcha tea can be consumed directly from the bowl it was prepared in, as the Japanese do, or it can be poured into a mug first.

Combining green tea powder with hot water achieves the classic matcha flavor. However, adding steamed milk to matcha improves the flavor for many individuals. This milk can be made from dairy or a non-dairy ingredient. If you want to improve the taste, you can also add sweeteners. Even if you intend to add milk to your matcha, combine the matcha powder with water. When milk is added to the powder, it becomes more difficult to combine thoroughly.

What is the difference between Uji Matcha and other Matcha?

Uji tea leaves are subjected to a lengthy, meticulous process from the farm to the cup to obtain the quality required for Uji matcha powder. Before the leaves of Uji's tea trees are harvested, they are covered for two to six weeks to prevent overexposure to the sun. This inhibits photosynthesis and increases the chlorophyll in the leaves required to produce tea. The "first flush" leaves, the youngest and most vibrant, are then hand-picked to ensure superior quality.

It takes less than a day to pick the leaves and 15 to 20 seconds to steam them. This prevents the oxidation process, which makes green tea what it is, and preserves the leaves green hue and aroma. Before the final and most important step, the leaves are ground into a bright green powder using a traditional stone mill. The leaves are air-dried, stripped of their stems and veins, and deveined.

Uji matcha, a drinkable green tea, is so popular that it has been added to various foods and beverages. Matcha-flavored bread and creamy matcha pudding are two examples. You can order an uji matcha latte or uji matcha bubble tea at any cafe in Japan, or you can attempt to make one at home.

Health Benefits of Uji Matcha

Numerous tea benefits will impress you. Matcha is superior because the tea leaves themselves are edible. If you are not already a matcha drinker, here are five compelling reasons to start right away:

1. HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS
   Matcha is a potent antioxidant. They contain EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), a powerful anti-cancer antioxidant in green tea.

2. RELAXES YOUR MIND
   The Way of Tea was traditionally an art of relaxation and meditation. Matcha contains a high concentration of L-theanine. This helps reduce stress and promotes relaxation.

3. PREVENT HEART DISEASE
   Antioxidants, which are abundant in matcha, have properties that aid in preventing several heart-related diseases.

4. ENHANCES COGNITIVE FUNCTION
   Matcha has been shown to enhance memory, reaction times, focus, and attention.

5. WEIGHT LOSS
   Matcha has metabolic-boosting and fat-burning properties. It contains no calories and helps burn them.

ICED MATCHA GREEN LATTE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

• Uji matcha powder

• your preferred milk

• honey or syrup to taste

PROCEDURE

1. Combine the matcha green tea powder in a glass jar with just enough water to form a paste. Mix it thoroughly until no lumps remain.

2. Add milk and syrup.

3. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and vigorously shake until everything is thoroughly combined. Allow resting for one minute so that any remaining clumps sink to the bottom.

4. Carefully pour into a glass filled with ice, and enjoy!

RECIPE YOU MUST TRY USING UJI MATCHA POWDER

• Matcha Cookies

• Iced Matcha Latte

• Matcha Latte

• Matcha Frappe

• Matcha Waffles

• Matcha Doughnut

• Matcha Yogurt

• Matcha Mochi Yogurt Pops

• Matcha Brownie

FAQs

Is Uji Matcha ceremonial grade?

Uji matcha powder is the best matcha in Japan because it is crafted from the youngest tea leaves. So, yes, Uji Matcha is a ceremonial type of powder. Matcha of ceremonial grade is intended to be whisked with hot water and consumed independently. In contrast, culinary-grade matcha is intended for lattes, baked goods, smoothies, and more.

Where to buy Uji Matcha?

You can find Uji matcha tea powder on Amazon, Walmart, and Target, among other retailers. Matcha originates from China and Japan, so you should be able to find it in other supermarkets, such as Costco or Publix, and ethnic markets selling Chinese or Japanese cuisine. And if you don't have any stores on the list, you can try any Asian supermarket, convenience store, or grocery store.

Is it okay to drink matcha everyday?

Yes, matcha can be used daily. Remember that matcha contains a significant amount of caffeine, the most important consideration when determining how much to consume. As with coffee, you should consume matcha (or eat it!) in moderation, pay attention to your body, and avoid caffeine after 3 p.m.

For safety, only consume a small amount of matcha at a time. To obtain all the matcha's health benefits without becoming ill, consuming 1–2 cups per day of certified organic matcha is best. There are numerous ways to prepare matcha so that you can choose your preferred method.

If you consume matcha daily, your energy will be sustained throughout the day, and your mood will improve. Additionally, you may lose weight, improve your heart health, lower your blood pressure, maintain a healthy metabolism, and even fight cancer.

Can I use any type of milk in making a matcha drink?

Do not add milk to high-quality matcha, especially if you drink it to maintain health. The milk adheres to the polyphenols, which reduces the bioavailability of the matcha, thereby decreasing the body's ability to utilize it. This means that every good thing is flushed down the toilet. Traditional matcha green tea is made with only green tea powder and water, but a latte can be easily prepared by adding steamed milk at the end. Matcha lattes made with coconut or almond milk are a good place to start (or even oat, just less sweet). Both kinds of milk complement matcha without altering its flavor.

Do Japanese people drink matcha everyday?

Japanese individuals begin their day with a cup of green tea. In addition to drinking it during their afternoon break, they serve it to their guests as a sign of hospitality. They add hot water and tea leaves to a small teapot multiple times per day and allow it to steep for a few minutes. Matcha has a long history of use in Japan, where people typically consume three, four, or even five cups daily.

How do you know if matcha is high quality?

A quality Matcha should have a fine, powdery texture, similar to eye shadow or baby powder. Each particle measures between 5 and 10 microns, which is smaller than baby powder. Matcha of inferior quality will have larger particles that are rough to the touch. Matcha should be a deep, rich shade of green. Generally, the darker the shade of green, the higher the matcha's quality. The bright green hue of ceremonial-grade matcha is well-known, whereas culinary-grade matcha is utilized for cooking and baking.

Experiences by Japan Crate : Uji Matcha Tea Experience Set

Due to its fragility, matcha retains its flavor and antioxidant properties if stored properly or for too long. If you can read and write Japanese, you should order matcha directly through the manufacturer's website. Suppose you live outside Japan and wish to purchase Uji matcha green tea. Get your Uji Matcha Tea Experience Set at Japan's Crate website now. This set includes Organic Uji Matcha, a whisk, a spoon, a hook, a tea bowl, a whisk holder, a tea bowl, and 3 pieces of mochi. The Uji Matcha Tea Set will let you feel the fun and excitement of making your personalized matcha recipe at home.

TAKEAWAYS

The leaves used to produce Uji tea are gathered by hand, not machine. After selecting the youngest leaves, they are steamed for approximately 20 seconds to kill bacteria and prevent browning. This new method preserves the leaves' flavor, color, and nutritional value. Do you want to purchase our Uji Matcha Tea Experience Set? Visit our website now and get our exclusive deals and promos. Order the product you want now, and take advantage of the chance to purchase it while it is free shipping worldwide.