Everything You Need To Know About Matcha

First, what is matcha?

Matcha is a finely milled powder made from dried green tea leaves. Nutty and grassy in flavour, it was developed in Japan, but over the past decade has become extremely popular, infiltrating drinks menus around the world. It’s similar to other teas, but the key difference is the way in which the leaves are processed. “Like black tea, oolong, white tea and other green teas, matcha comes from the evergreen shrub camillia sinensis,” explains Nadia Rawjee, health coach & founder of Casa Cura. “Matcha is lightly steamed and dried, whereas black and oolong teas are oxidised.”

What are the main health benefits?

“The minimal processing of matcha preserves its naturally occurring antioxidants, making it a nutritional powerhouse. Its antioxidants are on a par with berries, spinach and broccoli. It also contains chlorophyll, which is known to make your skin glow, and contains high levels of an antioxidant known as EGCG, which is believed to have anti-cancer properties.” – Nadia

How does it boost your energy levels compared to other drinks?

“Matcha contains more caffeine than other green teas – between 19 and 44 mg/g. The difference in caffeine content varies significantly depending on the quality of the matcha, water temperature, brewing time and freshness. However, the main difference between matcha and coffee is that matcha provides energy for four to six hours without a crash, whereas coffee gives you a burst of energy for one to two hours, followed by an energy lull. This comes down to an amino acid in matcha called L-theanine, which offsets the jitters and provides a uniquely mellow caffeine buzz. If you’re switching from coffee to matcha, use one teaspoon of matcha per serving for a similar caffeine hit.” – Bean Bindloss, registered nutritional therapist 

Can it ease stress and anxiety?

“If you struggle with coffee and find it gives you the jitters, matcha is a great alternative. It has a calming effect and can help improve your emotional and mental state, decreasing the risk of panic, stress, nervousness and even mitigating the symptoms of anxiety. It increases mental clarity, too.” – Clementine Campbell, nutritionist

What is the best way to drink it for nutritional purposes?

“Chances are you’ve spied a pretty matcha latte at your local café, but studies suggest you’re better off drinking it with warm water to reap its antioxidant benefits. When combined with cow’s milk, the antioxidants in matcha combine with the protein in milk, which can reduce their potency. At the same time, drinking dairy with matcha may reduce how much L-theanine you absorb as the protein in the milk may compete for absorption. From a nutritional perspective, you’re better off mixing matcha with water or a low-protein plant milk, and away from food.” – Bean 

“Matcha tea bags are a gimmick. They are mostly a blend of green tea and contain minimal amounts of matcha. Genuine matcha tea comes in a powder that’s sold in an airtight container for it to remain fresh. When you brew green tea, a lot of its goodness remains in the tea bag when you remove it from the cup. On the other hand, powdered matcha gives you goodness from the whole leaf – ten times the antioxidants of brewed tea from a tea bag, in fact.” – Nadia

If you’re new to matcha, you can’t go wrong with an iced latte. Creamy and cooling, How Matcha!’s version is the ideal pick-me-up drink for a slow-release energy boost. 

47 Blandford Street, Marylebone, W1U 7HQ

Follow @HOWMATCHAOFFICIAL

Cool-girl coffee haunt Blank Street has just released two new drinks: Watermelon Matcha Spritz⁠ and ⁠Mango Passionfruit Matcha – both instantly refreshing in the summer heat. 

22 Noel Street, Soho, W1F 8GS & other London locations 

Follow @BLANKSTREET

Matcha energy drink brand PerfectTed has partnered with bakery Crosstown, famed for its doughnuts, on a summer-long pop-up. Top tip: swing by on a Monday between 10am and 2pm for £1 matcha. 

5-6 Picton Place, W1U 1BL

Follow @PERFECTTEDENERGY

To get your matcha fix in the evening, try Bar Antoine’s Soulful Sip. Fragrant and fresh, the cocktail mixes matcha No. 3 Gin with jasmine liqueur, cherry blossom vermouth, grapefruit, sudachi and rice milk.

Hamilton Place, Park Lane, W1J 7DR

Follow @BARANTOINE

If you’re partial to a pudding, make Chin Chin your go-to. The ice-cream shop is constantly coming up with new, matcha-themed treats, including its mouth-watering tiramisu. 

54 Greek Street, Soho, W1D 3DS 

Follow @CHINCHINICECREAM

Want different flavours to choose from? Get Jenki on your radar. There’s Rose & Collagen for a glow boost, Ginger & Turmeric to support your immune system or for a sense of calm, try its Lavender & CBD blend. 

Spitalfields, 43 Brushfield Street, E1 6AA & other London locations 

Follow @JENKIMATCHA

For more matcha advice, join in the discussion at the SL COMMUNITY