If you’re a tea lover, then you’ve likely heard of Matcha. It’s a type of powdered green tea originating in Japan. This tea’s allure lies in the unique process of its creation. Unlike other teas, Matcha powder comes from shade-grown tea leaves that are ground into a fine powder. But how exactly is this tea made? Join us on a journey from harvest to cup as we delve into the fascinating world of Matcha.
The Art of Growing Shade-Grown Tea
The initial step in creating Matcha powder is to grow the tea plants in shade. This involves enveloping the tea plants with black cloth or bamboo screens for up to four weeks before harvesting. The shade slows the growth of the tea leaves, leading to a higher concentration of chlorophyll and amino acids. This process imbues Matcha with its vibrant green colour and distinctive taste.
The Steaming Process
After the tea leaves have been harvested, they are steamed to avert oxidation. This step halts the enzymatic activity which would otherwise degrade the delicate flavours and aromas of the tea leaves. Additionally, steaming softens the leaves, making them easier to handle.
Drying, Sorting, and Grinding
The steamed tea leaves are then dried and sorted. The stems and veins are discarded, leaving only the young and tender leaves. These leaves are ground into a fine powder using traditional stone mills. It can take up to an hour to grind a mere 30 grams of Matcha powder.
The Kato Matcha Collection Difference
Not all Matcha powders are created equal. The Kato Matcha Collection stands apart from other Matcha powders due to its use of only the highest quality tea leaves. These leaves are picked at their peak ripeness and are shade-grown for up to 6 weeks, leading to a sweeter, more delicate flavour than other Matcha powders. Kato Matcha is also ground using a modern air jet mill which produces an ultra-fine powder, resulting in a smoother texture and no grittiness.
Preparing and Enjoying Matcha
To prepare Matcha, one simply whisks a small amount of the powder with hot water in a bowl until frothy. The resulting drink is smooth, creamy, and bursting with flavour. Plus, it's incredibly healthy. Matcha is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It’s also been shown to boost metabolism, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function.
Appreciating the Journey of Matcha
Creating Matcha powder is a labour-intensive process, but the results are worth it. The unique flavour, vibrant green colour, and health benefits of Matcha make it a popular choice among tea enthusiasts and health aficionados alike. The Kato Matcha Collection takes this tea to the next level by using only the choicest tea leaves and modern milling techniques to produce an ultra-fine powder. So, the next time you savour a cup of Matcha, take a moment to appreciate the journey from harvest to cup.
