Matcha is a premium green tea powder used for drinking as tea or as an ingredient in recipes. The tea leaves are shielded from sunlight when grown for several weeks before harvesting. Then the tea leaves are carefully picked, dried, and ground into a fine powder.

Matcha is rich in EGCg, fiber, chlorophyll, vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium. It is also known to contain L-theanine, an amino acid that can help relax the mind. There are some Buddhist monks who drink matcha to help aid their meditation, as the amino acids it contains, together with caffeine, can help sustain a calm alertness over time. Matcha has a unique rich taste, an initial vegetal, astringent taste, followed by a slight sweetness.

How to Prepare Matcha in a Bowl:

1. To brew a cup, scoop 1½ teaspoons of Matchaworks Matcha Green Ceremonial Tea powder into your strainer. *This will ensure there are no clumps, so your tea will be smooth.
2. Add 4oz hot water. For best results use water just under a boil.
3. Whisk vigorously (10–15 seconds) in a zigzag or “M”-shaped motion until the tea is frothy or bright green.
4. Enjoy your matcha tea!

How to Prepare Matcha in a Cup:

1. Add a few drops of hot water to 1½ teaspoons of Matchaworks Matcha Green Ceremonial Tea powder and mix into paste with a spoon.
2. Add more hot water and stir. *Try 1½ teaspoons to 6 ounces of water.
3. Enjoy your matcha tea!

Additional Tips:

1. Using a bamboo whisk will achieve the best results.
2. Matcha is best enjoyed right after you've prepared it — some of the powder will settle at the bottom.

Traditionally, Matcha is served without milk, honey or sugar. However, an easy way to introduce yourself to powdered green tea is to serve it with milk, sugar, and over ice. Find what works best for you.