Matcha Madness
The past two years have ushered in the popularity of a game changing caffeine source: matcha tea. But why the hype around matcha? Let's break it down.
What is Matcha?
Matcha, which translates literally to "powdered tea," is made by grinding green tea leaves into fine powder which is mixed into drinks instead of steeped like traditional tea. By consuming the whole tea leaves in this powder form, matcha has up to three times as much caffeine as steeped tea. Here is a caffeine scale:
- Matcha: 80 mg (10 oz)
- Green Tea: 25-40 mg/cup
- Espresso: 90-100 mg/shot
- Red Bull: 80 mg per can
- Coffee: 120-150+/cup
Differentiated by grades, matcha can be used in many culinary capacities. Hence, lower grade "culinary" matcha is meant to be used outside of traditional tea making. Culinary matcha is considered of a lower grade because it is not as carefully harvested and may lack the levels of caffeine and L-Theanine that make matcha particularly attractive. Matcha is made using only the tips of the plant and is harvested using a technique that requires shading the plant in order to trick it into entering survival mode. Fearing death due to a lack of sunlight, the baby leaves that grow while the plant is shaded have higher levels of chlorophyll and antioxidants from this shade-induced survival mode. Culinary grade matcha puts less emphasis on this process— making it cheaper—and lacks the full benefits of higher grade matcha.
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Why is Matcha so Expensive?
As previously discussed, the matcha harvesting process can be highly specialized and time consuming in order to maximize matcha's health benefits. The more refined the matcha-harvesting process, the more expensive the matcha. However, this doesn't mean that a capitalist society is not taking advantage of its consumers. When purchasing matcha be sure to recognize its grade. Ceremonial grade is considered the highest quality of matcha. Termed ceremonial grade because it is intended for traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, make sure any matcha you purchase with the intention to consume as tea is considered ceremonial grade. At local cafes too, don't be afraid to ask the barista what kind of matcha they use, because it might not be worth your while to drink that beloved matcha latte if the matcha being used isn't high quality matcha.
Why Matcha Over Coffee or Other Tea?
The caffeine in matcha is considered to produce an extended caffeine release period. Matcha leaves produce larger caffeine molecules than coffee or energy drinks, which increase the time the caffeine breaks down in the bloodstream and increases the time caffeine remains active in the body. As a whole leaf tea, it contains a very concentrated source of antioxidants. To be clear about the benefits of antioxidants, these are molecules that function as their name suggests to prohibit or even prevent oxidation of other molecules. This is beneficial to the body as it neutralizes and removes free-radicals from the bloodstream, in essence acting as a purifier for our blood by counteracting harmful molecules. Lastly, matcha contains L-Theanine, an amino acid recognized as possessing stress-relieving and relaxing effects without onsetting drowsiness. Overall, matcha keeps you energized longer than coffee, has greater antioxidant concentration, and helps relieve stress instead of inducing caffeine jitters or shakiness.
Woah, So Where Can I Get Matcha?!
Sawada Coffee Military Latte
On Campus at UChicago visit the Grounds of Being coffee shop in the basement of Swift Hall (the Divinity school). They offer matcha lattes, plain matcha tea, and military lattes—matcha lattes with a shot of espresso. You can also stop by Te'Amo for matcha tea with boba. In Chicago, visit Sawada Coffee, which is by far the most prominent matcha source in the city. Located on 112 N Green St., Sawada in a converted warehouse, the rustic interior compliments the aesthetic of their signature military latte. They also infuse matcha in their green tea latte, cortado, and americano.
If you're a purist or want to prepare matcha yourself at home, visit Chinatown for affordable ceremonial grade matcha. Every grocer in Chinatown has matcha on their shelves and their prices are consistently the best bang for your buck.
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If you're looking for matcha to grab and go, visit Whole Foods to pick up MatchaBar's bottled matcha. Founded by two brothers in NYC, expect MatchaBar to be a future matcha powerhouse. With four flavors, their matcha is not to be missed.
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