Try authentic Japanese matcha tea with Neokyo!
Matcha tea is becoming increasingly popular for its healing benefits and for its inimitable taste in both drinks and cakes. But have you ever tried real Japanese matcha tea?
Matcha tea, a drink like no other.
Consumed for centuries by Buddhist monks, matcha has an exceptional history marked by the Zen spirit. Originally dedicated to the emperor and the elite, this rare commodity has gradually spread to Japan and become part of its customs and traditions.
With its intense green color, this Japanese tea finely ground in powder is a drink symbolizing harmony, serenity and purity. With a unique taste, it is usually consumed during the famous tea ceremony, but is also used in cooking and baking.
Much more than a tea, matcha has always been considered as a remedy with many virtues. Miracle elixir, superfood, powerful antioxidant… It provides a host of benefits. Not only is it known to strengthen the immune system, but it also fights against cholesterol. It also slows down the appearance of wrinkles, prevents cancer as well as degenerative and inflammatory diseases.
The different grades of matcha tea.
Classified in different grades, matcha tea has different properties depending on the use for which it is dedicated. Although no official classification exists, we will present the different grades of Japanese matcha tea to help you in your research.
The “culinary” grade.
As its name indicates, matcha tea for cooking, also called “kitchen grade” or “cooking grade”, is intended for culinary preparations. Generally used to color or flavor dishes, this variety does not necessarily provide the detox qualities of matcha.
Made from the leaves of the second harvest, this tea has a rather bitter taste and an nile green color sometimes turning yellow.
The « drink » grade.
With a taste sometimes strong and slightly bitter, matcha powder is used to prepare hot drinks such as Matcha Latte as well as cold drinks like milkshakes, smoothies or cocktails. You can also enjoy it with tasty cakes for breakfast or a snack.
The « classic » grade.
This high quality matcha can be consumed in the traditional way without milk and even without sugar. Feel free to indulge in the ritual when preparing and tasting. Use a bamboo whisk or a spatula to mix the powder with hot water until you get a fine foam.
The « ceremony » grade.
This very good quality grade of matcha is consumed in the traditional way without milk and even without sugar. Feel free to indulge in the ritual when preparing and tasting the tea. Use a bamboo whisk or a spatula to mix the powder with hot water until you get a fine foam.
The “ceremony” grade is without a doubt the traditional matcha tea par excellence. Made from leaves from the first harvest, this excellent stimulant is the one intended to honor the tea ceremony. It is not very bitter and has a bright green color.
If you want to try a tea ceremony session at home and appreciate the full range of flavors of the ceremony grade, we also invite you to purchase the accessories!
The « Prestige » grade
This type of matcha tea has no bitterness and is of very high quality. Both smooth and almost sweet, it develops exceptional and unique flavors. Much more expensive than other green teas, it will nevertheless offer you a unique taste experience.
So which Matcha will you fall for?
