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Matcha’s popularity is growing super fast—not just among green tea purists, but also with less fanatical tea drinkers who are becoming more and more aware of its profound health benefits. Considering how costly it can be compared to conventional green tea, however, some may question if it is worth it. For so many reasons, the answer is a resounding yes.
To start, matcha is made from the Camellia sinensis tea plant, grown exclusively in the mountains of Japan where the soil and climate lend themselves to growing green tea of the highest quality. The plants are shaded before harvest, and only the smaller, top leaves are handpicked for matcha tea.
After being deveined and de-stemmed, the leaves are dried in the shade or indoors to prevent heat from changing the nutritional properties of the tea. Slow, stone grinding also protects the tea’s potent nutritional benefits. This selective approach to cultivation, harvest and processing contributes to its oftentimes lofty price tag.
Unlike conventional green tea, which you steep in hot water, you actually drink the matcha tea leaves themselves in the form of a finely ground powder. It provides a lush and earthy flavor, along with a healthy dose of the unique and powerful EGCG antioxidant.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable qualities of matcha green tea is that it gives you a natural boost of energy while at the same time calming your mind and body. It accomplishes this balancing act with two naturally occurring compounds that work together harmoniously: caffeine and L-theanine. Matcha’s mild caffeine content (about 16mg per serving) helps you to sustain focus, while the amino acid L-theanine promotes serenity.
Navitas Organics Matcha Powder is premium-grade green tea powder that is rated only second to ceremonial grade, which we believe is sacred and should be reserved exclusively for ritual use. It's the same matcha powder used in Navitas Organics Matcha Latte Mixes. Clear indications of our matcha’s premium grade are its very fine and silky texture, along with its intense, bright green color. You’ll also notice its fresh green scent, for which we can thank L-theanine! The flavor itself is clean and easy to drink, offering a nice balance between natural sweetness and vegetal elements, without any chalky or bitter characteristics. We preserve its natural flavor by packaging it in carefully crafted bags that protect it from oxidation.
It is ideal for preparing traditional matcha green tea or matcha lattes, but it is also versatile enough to use in smoothies or recipes for a boost of green nutrition.
