Matcha is a type of green tea that comes in a powdered form. Unlike other teas, it doesn't come in loose leaf or tea bag form. The matcha powder is whisked directly into hot water or other ingredients to make tea or recipes.

To maintain the quality of your matcha powder, it is important to store it properly. Heat, light, moisture, and excessive air exposure can quickly compromise the quality of matcha. To ensure longevity, store matcha in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated or frozen until use.

Matcha is traditionally consumed as a hot, frothy beverage by mixing a few grams of matcha powder with near-boiling water in a cup or bowl. The powder-to-water ratio can be adjusted to create different matcha preparations, which can be thinner and thicker in consistency respectively.

Matcha is versatile and can be used as a flavoring in various dishes, including pastries, chocolates, candies, and ice creams. Additionally, many health supplements incorporate matcha powder as an ingredient due to its abundance of nutritionally rich antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

This bright green powder is a traditional Chinese and Japanese tea, used in formal ceremonies as well as everyday enjoyment. Matcha is loaded with nutrients and boasts a distinct, delicious flavor. In its whole leaf form, it's called "tencha," while the finely ground powder is prized for its premium quality and vibrant color.

If you're wondering what sets matcha apart from other green teas, the answer lies in the cultivation and processing methods. Unlike loose-leaf green teas, matcha is finely ground into a powder, which gives it a unique texture and flavor. While unpowdered matcha is called tencha or gyokuro, they share many similarities in cultivation and production techniques. In other words, tencha and gyokuro are like the unpowdered versions of matcha.

Matcha is a highly nutritious tea, abundant in antioxidants, catechins, polyphenols, and chlorophyll. The smooth and sweet taste of premium matcha is due to its high amino acid content. As a shaded green tea, matcha also contains high levels of L-theanine and caffeine, which work together to energize and improve mood. Studies indicate that matcha tea can help with digestion and weight loss, boost energy levels, reduce stress, and prevent cancer growth. Additionally, it may help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, among other health benefits.

Brightly Labs® offers Ceremonial Grade AAA Matcha, a high-quality Matcha suitable for drinking and cooking purposes. Our Matcha is grown and processed in China, in regions with micro-climates that are highly conducive to Matcha cultivation. We ensure that our Matcha is of premium quality, with a rich and distinct flavor, perfect for those looking for an authentic Matcha experience.

Matcha is produced by cultivating Camellia sinensis plants in large fields, which are then shaded to decrease sunlight exposure. This slows down plant growth and alters the chemical properties of the leaves, giving them a distinct flavor and dark green color. After harvesting, the leaves are washed, dried, and stripped of stems and veins. The remaining leaves are then stone-ground into a fine, vivid green powder, resulting in a wonderful flavorful matcha tea.

When it comes to matcha green teas, not all are created equal. The production process of matcha is intricate, which leads to a high degree of variability in the product. Matcha can be classified into three grades: Ceremonial, Culinary, and Industrial. Ceremonial grade (which all our Brightly Labs® teas are made of) is of the highest quality and is intended for tea consumption, while culinary grade is best used for cooking and baking. Industrial grade matcha is astringent and not suitable for tea brewing, but is commonly used in supplements and beauty products.

The quality of matcha can be determined by its color, aroma, and taste. Premium matcha is characterized by its vibrant emerald green color, grassy aroma, and smooth, sweet, and savory flavor. Lower quality matcha is often yellowish in color and bitter in taste.