Matcha vs Green Tea, The Difference
Matcha is actually a form of green tea. However, Matcha is distinct from green tea in a number of ways:
1. Matcha Shade-Grown
Matcha are shade-grown than most green tea. By blocking 90% of sunlight, it slows the growth of the leaves and increases the production of the amino acids that give matcha its unique taste. With an increase in chlorophyll it increases caffeine levels and thus provide more detox power.
2. Matcha Dissolves
With green tea, you steep the tea leaves into hot boiled water at about 212° Fahrenheit then discard them. With Matcha, the buds are hand picked and ground by certified tea artisans in a stone mortar. The end product is an extremely fine powder that can be dissolved in warm water by whisking, under 180° Fahrenheit, which means you’re actually consuming the whole leaf. A high temperature will destroy most of the green teas nutritional benefits. When you drink Matcha, you ingest oil soluble constituents (Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Beta-carotene, etc.), which are not extracted into water when brewed.
3. Antioxidants in Macha
Nutrition wise is where Matcha tea powder really outshines the green tea. Since it contains more caffeine, polyphenols, and antioxidants, including EGCG, and more L-Theanine than average green tea, you’d have to drink 10 to 15 cups of green tea to equal the nutrients in one cup of matcha. In this regard, research suggests Matcha to have greater fat-burning capabilities, cancer preventing powers, and to provide more mental stimulation and clarity. Matcha is said to contain 137 times more antioxidants than green tea.
Breakdown of Antioxidants per each cup;
Catechins: ECGCs – helps in metabolism and free radicals for healthy body
Matcha – 134 milligrams
Green Tea – 63 milligrams
Polyphenols: Tannins – natural occuring nutrients in plants
Matcha – 99 milligrams
Green Tea – 7 milligrams
Amino Acids: L-Theanine – brain food for memory, learning and creativity
Matcha – 45 milligrams
Green Tea – 3 milligrams
4. Matcha uses
Due to its powered form, Matcha is very easy to add into dishes and is more commonly used in baking, cooking, and to make desserts (eg ice-cream, muffins), lattes, smoothies and shakes than green tea. Plus it gives a really nice green color to whatever it’s added to.
5. Matcha costs
Green tea tends to be more affordable than Matcha given the uniqueness of its production. But there is a range of Matcha from cooking grade to ceremonial grade that you can consider before purchasing for your use.