Japanese Green tea and matcha

I will introduce you to Japanese Green Tea 緑茶 and Matcha 抹茶, which are traditional, rich in antioxidants, and very popular teas you can drink in Japan and overseas!

🌱 What is Japanese Green Tea 緑茶

Green tea originated in China and was brought to Japan in the 16th century, along with Buddhism. It quickly spread into the upper class, and today, it’s consumed daily by Japanese people.

Japanese green tea is made from the camellia sinensis plant. Leaves are usually steamed or pan-fired. The leaves are then used to make the tea by infusing water.

What is peculiar about Japanese green tea is the process of steaming or pan-firing the leaves. This process prevents oxidation, which stops it from turning brown, so it keeps its green color because it's quickly steamed after it's picked.

🍵 What is Matcha 抹茶

Matcha is a powdered green tea that originated in Japan. This is why you get almost the same amount of caffeine as with matcha: you are consuming the whole leaves.

It’s used in ceremonies, cooking, and sweets preparation.

😋 How to enjoy them at their best

🌱 Japanese Green tea:

• Water should be at 60-80 degrees
• Infuse the leaves for 1-4 minutes
• Use fewer leaves to lighten the flavor

🍵 Matcha:

• You can enjoy it mixed with smoothies or in sweet recipes
• You can drink it by dissolving 1 teaspoon in hot water

Your Sensei,
Hikari 👩🏻‍🏫