12 Matcha Tea Myths: Truths and Half-Truths
Matcha tea is definitely the “it” drink of the moment. Even if you're not a big fan of drinking matcha, you've probably seen it pop up all over Instagram and Pinterest in recent years.
With its intense green color and fresh flavor, it's easy to see why this infusion has become so trendy. However, like all good things, matcha has its fair share of myths and rumors floating around.
Can matcha help you lose weight? Can it really give you more energy than coffee? In this post, we'll dispel some of the most common myths and give you the real scoop about matcha. So, read on to learn the truth!
But first, why is matcha so popular?
These days, it seems like matcha is everywhere you look. This bright green tea powder has become a popular ingredient in everything from matcha lattes to ice cream, and its popularity shows no signs of waning.
But what exactly is matcha, and what makes it so popular?
This drink is a type of green tea that is made from finely ground tea leaves and comes from Japan. Unlike other types of green tea, when you drink matcha, you are consuming the actual tea leaves. This means that each drink made of pure matcha is packed with concentrated nutrients and antioxidants, making it a powerful health drink that can increase energy, help with focusing while staying calm, protect the immune system, and even aid in weight loss.
Its unique flavor that is the perfect balance between earthy and sweet, and its almost too-good-to-be-true health benefits have made matcha green tea a go-to drink favored by influencers and celebs all around the world!
12 Matcha Facts and Myths
For centuries, this Japanese tea has been prized for its unique flavor and health benefits. But despite its popularity, there are still some myths about matcha that persist. Here are the most common:
1. Matcha tastes bitter and kind of grassy
Half-truth
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. While it is true that matcha can taste bitter and kind of grassy, it is also true that this is not always the case. It all depends on the quality of the matcha powder and how it is prepared. If you are using high-quality matcha powder, it should have a well-balanced complex flavor profile, with notes of bitterness, sweetness, and umami.
So make sure to always get matcha green tea made of high-quality tea leaves if you want to get the best out of this delicious drink.
2. Matcha powder is the same as green tea
Another half-truth!
Ah, the age-old question: is matcha powder the same as green tea? And, like all great mysteries of our time, the answer is...it depends. Matcha is made from green tea leaves that have been ground into a fine powder. So, in that sense, yes, it is the same as green tea powder because it comes from the same plant.
However, matcha powder is often considered to be like “green tea on steroids” because it contains the entire tea leaf which is shade or solar-grown and hand-picked, which results in a more vibrant color and flavor. In addition, thanks to this process, matcha is more concentrated than green tea, meaning that it has more antioxidants and other nutrients.
In contrast, regular green tea is steamed or pan-fried before they are dried and rolled into small pellets.
3. It’s super difficult to prepare
Myth!
Despite its popularity, there is a common misconception that matcha is difficult to prepare. In fact, the only equipment you need to make a perfect cup of matcha is a bowl and a bamboo whisk if you want to prepare it in the traditional Japanese way or a measuring spoon and an electric mixer if you want a frothy, silky drink!
To prepare matcha, simply add the desired amount of powder to the bowl and whisk it with hot water until it is dissolved. Finally, use the electric mixer to create foam. This simple process can be completed in just a few minutes, making matcha one of the easiest ingredients to work with.
Looking for the best tools to prepare the perfect Japanese green tea at home or do you just want a starter kit to prepare drinks on the go? We have what you need!
4. Matcha is a weight-loss miracle
Half-truth
Tea has been revered as a medicinal drink for centuries, and matcha is no exception. This bright green tea powder is packed with antioxidants and amino acids, and it has been linked to a number of health benefits, including weight loss. However, this is a half-truth.
Matcha does contain some ingredients that could promote weight loss. For example, the tea is high in fiber, which can help you feel full and reduce your food intake. Additionally, the caffeine in matcha can boost your metabolism and help burn more calories.
Nonetheless, it's important to note that these effects are relatively small. So while matcha green tea may assist with weight loss, it's probably not going to be a miracle cure.
If you're looking to shed some pounds, you'll need more than just drinking matcha. So, yes, the drink will help you to achieve your goals, but you’ll need to also make some lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
5. Matcha is packed with caffeine
Truth!
If you've ever found yourself wondering "is matcha caffeinated?" then you're in for a treat. Not only does matcha have caffeine, but it’s also better than coffee!
The reason the myth exists is that people think that matcha is just green tea powder. Green teas have caffeine, but matcha also has another ingredient that makes it more caffeinated. That ingredient is called L-theanine.
L-theanine helps to counteract the jitters that come with caffeine, making matcha a more balanced drink than coffee or other caffeinated beverages. Plus, matcha can give you 6 hours of energy versus the 1.5 hours of energy that a shot of espresso can give you, all of this without the energy crash!
6. Matcha is the queen of healthy drinks
Truth!
These days, it seems like every other drink is claiming to be the new "superfood" or "healthy alternative." But what about the OG of healthy beverages?
Matcha has been used for centuries in Asian cultures for its many health benefits, and today it is seen as the queen of healthy drinks for good reason!
Unlike other powdered teas, this bright green powder is full of antioxidants, chlorophyll, and other nutrients that offer a host of benefits. matcha has been shown to boost brain function, lower blood pressure, and even fight cancer.
So yes, matcha is definitely the “it” girl of healthy beverages!
7. Ceremonial-grade matcha is better
Truth!
When it comes to matcha, there are all different types and grades. So, what's the difference between ceremonial grade and other grades of matcha?
First of all, ceremonial-grade matcha is made from the youngest tea leaves that are solar-grown, resulting in a higher concentration of chlorophyll and amino acids. The leaves are then grounded into a fine powder, which is why ceremonial grade matcha has a brighter green color and smoother texture than other types of matcha.
Usually, this powder is composed of 100% organic and pure matcha, which actually tastes sweet and tasty without any added sugars.
So, is ceremonial grade matcha worth the extra money? If you're looking for the highest quality matcha possible, then yes, it's definitely worth it!
8. Drinking matcha hot kills the nutrients
Half-truth!
As any tea lover knows, there’s nothing more delicious and relaxing than drinking one of these Japanese green teas hot during the morning. However, some people believe that drinking matcha hot kills the nutrients in the tea.
While it is true that heat can damage some of its nutrients, most of matcha’s health benefits remain intact when heated. For example, its antioxidants are not affected by heat, and the Japanese tea also contains other beneficial compounds, such as catechins and amino acids.
In fact, research suggests that hot water may actually help to release more of these compounds from the leaves.
9. Matcha will give you sleepless nights if drank late
Truth!
Did you know that if you drink it too close to bedtime, it can actually keep you up all night? That's because matcha contains caffeine, which is a stimulant.
So if you're looking for a good night's sleep, make sure to enjoy your cup of matcha earlier in the day. Otherwise, you might find yourself tossing and turning all night long!
10. Culinary-grade matcha is better than ceremonial-grade matcha
Myth!
There are two types of matcha: ceremonial and culinary. Ceremonial matcha is made from the youngest, most tender leaves and is meant to be enjoyed on its own. It has a delicate flavor, beautiful emerald color.
Culinary matcha, on the other hand, is made from lower-grade leaves and has a stronger flavor. It's perfect for baking, cooking, and making lattes. While it doesn't have the same bright color as ceremonial matcha, it does have a more robust flavor that can really stand up to other ingredients.
So which is better? That depends on what you're looking for. If you want a delicate, nuanced flavor, then ceremonial matcha is the way to go. But if you're looking for something with a little more kick, then culinary matcha is your best bet. However, when it comes to matcha grades, the Ceremonial-grade matcha is better than the culinary-grade one.
11. Organic matcha or nothing!
Truth!
Not only does organic matcha have a higher concentration of antioxidants and nutrients, but it also tastes fresher and more flavorful. Plus, when you drink organic matcha, you can be sure that you're not ingesting any harmful chemicals or pesticides.
12. Matcha contains lead
Truth!
Does matcha contain lead? Yes, even organic matcha has lead.
Lead is a heavy metal that can be toxic if ingested in large amounts. However, while the tea leaf matcha comes from miniscule traces of lead, it’s still not enough to cause side effects.
In addition, most of the lead in matcha is bound to calcium, making it less bioavailable and less likely to cause harm. Therefore, while there is some concern about the lead content of matcha, it is generally considered safe to consume in moderate amounts.
What is the best matcha I can buy?
After spilling the tea about the most common matcha tea myths, it’s time for you to begin with your matcha addiction!
If you’re ready to ditch coffee and start drinking the queen of healthy beverages, we have the best ceremonial-grade, organic, 100% pure matcha on the market! So, go ahead and get everything you need to switch to the green side!
