Are matcha and green tea the same product?

2024-10-15 17:15:20, Shëndeti CNA

Green tea is one of the most popular beverages consumed around the world, and it's not hard to see why.

It offers a unique blend of stimulation and relaxation, with a mild herbal flavor and is increasingly recognized for its health benefits.

There are different types of green tea originating from different parts of the world, harvested at different stages of growth and processed using different techniques.

A special type of green tea in powder form, originating from Japan known as matcha tea, has gained a lot of popularity recently.

Matcha tea comes from the same plant as all other green teas, but there are some differences in how it is grown and produced.

In this article you will find a closer look at the differences between matcha tea and green tea. Including their origin, health benefits and nutrient profile.

Green tea and its health benefits

Green tea is made from the leaves and buds of the Camellia Sinensis plant.

The seeds of C. sinensis were first brought to Japan and then to China in the 8th century, where a rich tea culture developed.

Today there are many types of green tea, which is mainly produced in China and Japan.

Although they all come from the same species, these types of tea have unique characteristics. They are affected by the climate where they are grown or the way the leaves and buds are harvested and processed.

Research suggests that the caffeine in green tea increases concentration, improves mood, reaction time and memory.

Green tea is rich in a diverse group of plant micronutrients known as polyphenols.

Studies have suggested that polyphenols may provide some protection against cancer, heart disease, liver damage and neurological problems, but there is still no conclusive evidence in humans.

Also, the main polyphenol found in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, has anti-atherosclerosis, anti-diabetes and anti-inflammatory effects.

Matcha tea and its health benefits

Matcha tea is thought to have originated in China and is said to have been introduced to Japan in the 12th century by the Buddhist monk Eisai.

This tea became deeply embedded in Japanese culture, being widely used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Some of the factors that distinguish matcha from other green teas are: the way the plant is grown, how the leaves are processed, and how the tea itself is made.

This tea plant should be grown in partial shade, causing the leaves to produce more chlorophyll in response to lower levels of sunlight.

This turns the leaves a darker green, increases the concentration of some nutrients and slightly changes the taste.

The young leaves are hand-picked, steamed, dried and ground to a powder form.

To infuse matcha tea, this fine, yellow powder is shaken in water.

This mixture of matcha tea with water contains more antioxidants and polyphenols than ordinary teas, including green tea.

This is because you are consuming the leaves in powder form.

Also, the caffeine in matcha tea is higher than in green tea./ AgroWeb