Matcha

Matcha is finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea especially loved in Asia. It is special in two aspects of farming and processing: The green tea plants for matcha are shade-grown for about three weeks before harvest, and the stems and veins are removed in processing. During shaded growth, the plant Camellia Sinensis grows more theanine as well as caffeine. Theanine together with caffeine is considered to account for the calm energy people might feel from drinking matcha. Matcha as in the powder form is consumed differently compared to tea leaves or tea bags. It is to be dissolved with some form of liquid, typically water or mil. 

Health benefits: 
- Is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGC
- Boosts metabolism and burns calories 
- Detoxifies effectively and naturally 
- Calms the mind and relaxes the body 
- Is rich in fibre, chlorophyll and vitamins 
- Enhances mood and aids in concentration 
- Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium 
- Prevents disease 
- Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar 

Why I love it: 
Simple put; it is delicious! Is it so versatile. I use it when making shakes with almond milk in the morning. Mix it through my soy yogurt as a dessert. Even when I experimented with new popcorn flavours, attempting to make new and exciting combinations I came across a new discovery; pairing matcha and wasabi powder. The flavour combination of sweet and spicy is one of my favourites. But there are so many possibilities with this products I have not been able to try yet. You could use it as a flavour for your pudding, custard, ice-cream, you name it! So I really recommend giving it a try.