Matcha green tea has finally made its way to the Western wellness world, and it’s definitely not going anywhere.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea that provides a focused-kind-of energy. It was first used over 900 years ago in China. Its preparation was used as a ritual by Zen monks to prepare for long meditations. The Zen monks would drink this tea to stay energized yet attentive to their practice. The plant is grown in the shade so the plant is forced to produce more chlorophyll—which creates that deep green color. The leaves are stone ground into a powder, instead of being packaged in tea bags, and mixed into liquid so that you’re consuming the whole leaf. This provides a well-rounded supply of benefits: a boost in metabolism, immune system function, energy, and supports fresh, clear skin. There are tons of ways to incorporate your daily matcha, all of them brightening and amazing for you.
RWM’s Tips
For the picture above, we went with a matcha latte—our favorite! In your favorite mug, it should be silky, creamy, and a little bitter. We recommend using “ceremonial grade” from Japan because that ensures you are getting the highest quality for drinking. To stay true to matcha’s origins, your daily drink should be accompanied by a moment of mindfulness. Breathe in the earthy aroma and be thankful for the quiet moment, even if just for that breath!