Matcha Power
It has earned an exalted place in the wellness world, but does the lime-hued tea really live up to the hype? Live Gorge investigates and tries a few new matcha guises out for size
Here at Live Gorge HQ there’s a lot of mocha mainlining going on. And the weaning process needs to happen, fast. Because while we love that kick of chocolate, it’s laden with clean eating’s everyday nemesis; sugar.
So, we’re making the switch. They may only have two letters difference phonetically, but the mightiest of all green teas is light years ahead of our beloved mocha. This potent antioxidant powerhouse will not only help you stay focused for longer, it also gives you extra energy when you’re working out and boosts your metabolism. In essence, it’s pure, clean energy in a cup.
Matcha has only garnered attention in the west over the last few years, but has been drunk by Buddhist monks in Japan for centuries. They used it to stay alert and calm during meditation; and this is the key. One cup will give you increased focus, helping you fly through your to-do list, but with a relaxed, zen-like edge. No coffee shakes or manic post-macchiato moments in sight. Sounds like caffeine utopia to us.
So, what’s so special about matcha? The Japanese native leaves are grown in the shade to preserve their rich green colour. As a result they retain a high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll is a natural detoxifier, so first off it’s a body cleanser. It has a pretty unique taste, too; with a grassy fresh flavour that’s less bitter than other green teas, and a subtle hint of umami.
Matcha also differs from other teas in the way it is produced. Leaves are handpicked and steam dried. Next, the entire leaf is milled into a fine powder. So, ultimately you are ingesting the nutritional benefit of the whole leaf, way more than with regular blends.
But how does it boost your metabolism? And can a tea really help you deadlift better or seriously up the reps at Crossfit? Well, yes, if you drink it daily before exercise. It’s all down to catechins – heart healthy antioxidants – that kick-start and regulate the metabolism. Matcha also naturally increases the heat production process in the body (thermogenesis) during cardio, HIIT or resistance training and can help the body burn up to four times more calories as a result. That’s impressive credentials for the insta-fit squad and any of us who enjoy getting their sweat on.
On the flip side, matcha can also help you relax. Packed full of polyphenols that are high in antioxidants, it also contains L-Theanine; an amino acid that helps relax and centre the mind without making you drowsy. Not only that, it can also help you stay focused for longer. Unlike coffee, matcha releases a steady stream of caffeine, which gives you a slow, regulated energy supply. Think of it a little like low GI foods, which eliminate those post sugar slumps. With matcha you’re body is consistently fuelled with a low level of caffeine, so there’s no need to reach for a second or third cup.
So, how do you go about choosing the best matcha? Go for a premium, ceremonies grade, and if you can, organic. And make sure it’s stone milled. Stone milling gives a superior flavour and texture.
Lalani & Co make artisan small batch teas and supply some of London’s most exclusive restaurants. (including Restaurant Story, Umu, Koya and Lyle’s). Invest in their Matcha Gold, £29 (lalaniandco.com); handpicked in Kyoto, this organic matcha is milled using granite stones for a super smooth and mellow taste. It’s the Maserati of the matcha world, that’s for sure. And for best results, prepare it with a matcha whisk. Made from bamboo, these compact whisks will help you whip up the right balance of froth to cream. What you’re looking for is a thin, light green layer of froth on the top.
And how should you make it? Jameel Lalani, Founder of Lalani & Co, explains the process in three simple steps:
- “Place one teaspoon of good quality matcha into a bowl. Add a tablespoon of cold water.
- Mix the powder and water together with a matcha whisk, so it forms a thick paste.
- Add 75ml of hot but not boiling water. (75° C) Whisk the matcha back and forth in an ‘M’ shape until its frothy.”
Fancy your matcha fix out and about? Here’s Live Gorge’s top five matcha lattes in the capital
- Hemsley + Hemsley Café at Selfridges’ Body Studio
- Story Coffee – 115 St John’s Hill, London SW11 1SZ
- Store Street Espresso – 40 Store Street, London, WC1E 7DB
- The Good Life Eatery – 20 Motcomb Street, SW1X 8LB
- Little H – 276 New Kings Road, Parsons Green, SW6 4RB
Want to mix up your matcha? Here’s five new matcha guises to try in London this summer:
Virgin Mojito Matcha
Longing for a cocktail but stuck in the office with the air-con down? Take ten minutes out and hit your reboot button at Amanzi Tea (24 New Cavendish Street, W1G 8TX). Order a Mint and Cucumber Matcha Fizz; a refreshing blend of cucumber, mint, sugar and matcha topped up with lots of sparkling water.
Ice, Ice Matcha
Cool off and treat yourself to one of the exquisite cones at quirky boutique bakery; Cutter & Squidge (20, Brewer Street, W1F 0SJ). The Matcha Green Tea, Raspberry and Rose is a sublime blend of Madagascan vanilla ice cream, matcha and white chocolate crackle sauce. Topped off with a sprinkling of raspberry pieces and edible rose petals, it looks as good as it tastes. Oh, and in a health-conscious homage to the classic Cornetto, there’s matcha at the bottom of the cone.
Post Workout Matcha
Pollen & Grace (at Planet Organic, Daylesford, FRAME and independent coffee shops) put gluten, wheat, dairy and refined sugar firmly off the menu. Their breakfast and lunch pots and boxes are perfectly portable solutions for healthy, balanced eating, when you’re on the go. Their Matcha Bliss Balls are excellent after your morning yoga or Kobox. Handmade using a base of cashews and coconut, mixed with matcha powder and honey-filtered water, they may well become as addictive as your HIIT sessions.
Afternoon Tea Matcha
We love Cutter & Squidge (20, Brewer Street, W1F 0SJ) so much we couldn’t resist giving them a second mention. Meet the biskie- a small but perfectly formed- cookie, cake and biscuit hybrid. This is their OMG It’s Green; one of the bakery’s first signature flavours. It’s creamy and indulgent fusing Matcha, white chocolate and raspberry with a matcha truffle core.
Take-Home Dinner Date Matcha
At Pan de Vie, (5, New Row, WC2N 4LH) matcha is the main headliner on the menu. The Sesa-Matcha Mousse is our current obsession and works excellently for impromptu dinner parties or when you fancy impressing your other half with an upscale at home dinner date. This six-layered dessert is sumptuous, unctuous and looks pretty seductive on the plate. Fusing black sesame mousse, matcha panna cotta, matcha cake and a black sesame base, it’s sure to impress.
Matcha Beauty
Matcha is starting to make its way into skin and bodycare, too. And we’re anticipating matcha mania to hit beauty boutiques worldwide pretty soon. Here’s a few of the current trailblazers:
- Nails Inc Grow Treatment Powered by Matcha, (nailsinc.com) This gel basecoat promotes healthy growth for long, strong, beautiful nails. Matcha is rich in antioxidants and chlorophyll, which revitalize and protect nails. Microbeads of Vitamin A&E hydrate the nail bed.
- Faerie Organic Matcha Green Tea Skincare Kit (faerieorganic.com) is formulated to treat acne prone or oily skin. Housing a compact sized cleanser, toner, acne treatment and serum, this is ideal for travelling. Using high levels of the polyphenol antioxidant ECGC (matcha contains 137 times more ECGC than regular green tea) these products soothe, calm and reduce inflammation.
- Bitchinskin Original Matcha Body Scrub (getbitchinskin.com) This small Australian owned and sourced company uses Matcha Maiden in its hero and only product. This is a Japanese organic and source-certified matcha from Kyoto. Catechins (a potent antioxidant) regulate acne causing bacteria. ECGC antioxidants reactivate and revive skin cells for smooth, glowing limbs.
