The award-winning brand Matchateas has set the bar sky-high in the matcha industry! Their unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability has us hooked here at VCA. We're so grateful to have them as part of our community and can't wait to learn more about their award-winning products in our interview today!...
First, could you please give us a quick crash course in matcha for those who might not be familiar with it?
Matcha is a type of green tea made from the powdered leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Originally served at tea ceremonies in Japan, matcha tea is now widely available and used in the food industry and cooking. While matcha shares its botanical origins with green tea, it is cultivated in a distinct manner, resulting in a unique nutritional profile that will keep you intrigued and health conscious. The plants are shielded with bamboo mats, fostering the production of chlorophyll, which gives matcha its vibrant green hue and enhances its health benefits.
Made from the youngest, freshest part of the plant, matcha leaves are steamed to preserve their colour and nutrients, then dried using a specialist tencha-ro machine. The stems and veins of the remaining 'tencha'; are removed, and the leaves are ground to a fine powder. So, when we enjoy a cup of matcha, we consume the whole leaf rather than just an infusion of its leaves.
Regarding its flavour profile, let me share the words of your CEO, Louise Jane, who recently described our matcha: ‘Right away, you can tell it's in a league of its own. The flavour is incredibly fresh and velvety, with a delicate sweetness and zero bitterness.
How interesting! Thanks for sharing that with us!
Matcha is by far the most loved drink at the VCA office…When did you first fall in love with this vibrant green drink, and what inspired you to turn it into a business venture?
While seeking inspiration, I stumbled upon an intriguing article that shed light on the island of Okinawa in Japan, where the average lifespan reaches an impressive one hundred years. The Okinawan people's lifestyle and diet, particularly matcha consumption, captured my attention. Matcha, a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves, was a staple in the daily routines of the Okinawans and was believed to be one of the secrets behind their exceptional longevity and vitality.
As I delved deeper into the world of matcha, I found myself captivated by its rich history, numerous health benefits, and versatility. From boosting metabolism to enhancing concentration and providing a dose of antioxidants, matcha seemed to offer a holistic approach to well-being. Moreover, its richly smooth, earthy flavour and vibrant green hue added a touch of tranquillity to each sip, making the ritual of preparing and enjoying matcha a moment of mindfulness in my day.
Inspired by matcha's profound impact on my well-being, I deeply desired to share this ancient elixir with others. Thus, the dream of creating my own company dedicated to promoting health and wellness through matchateas began to take shape. It was not merely about starting a business but rather embarking on a mission to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals seeking a natural and nourishing path to vitality. The journey from a corporate leader to a budding entrepreneur in the health food industry has been challenging and rewarding. The transition required me to tap into my creativity, resilience, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of matcha. Every step, from sourcing premium organic matcha to crafting unique blends that cater to diverse preferences, has been a labour of love aimed at bringing a touch of Okinawan longevity to individuals worldwide.
In conclusion, the path from contemplating a career change to embarking on a mission-driven venture has been nothing short of transformative. Matcha, with its ancient wisdom and modern appeal, serves as not just a beverage but a symbol of holistic well-being and a testament to the power of following one's heart. Are you ready to fall in love with matcha and embark on your journey to health and vitality?
We are certain your superior matcha would make anyone fall in love with it! The exceptional quality is evident from the first sip. What would you say it is that sets your matcha apart from others, making it taste so much better? And why is organic matcha so highly valued?
In Japan, green tea for matcha is harvested up to four times per growing season. Eachharvest, also known as a flush, is used for a different type of matcha. This gives first, second, and third flush tea unique flavour properties. We only purchase organic matcha from the first harvest, which is considered the highest quality and most desirable.
Our matcha tea is sourced from the finest organic farms in Japan. Shade-grown, hand- picked and stone-ground, our tea is carefully processed to ensure the highest quality and purity. We take pride in adhering to strict quality standards and organic certification so you can enjoy a delicious cup of matcha tea while supporting sustainable farming practices. Organic matcha is produced without synthetic pesticides and fertilisers and is often grown more sustainably. Due to a lack of pesticides and chemicals, organic matcha is left to thrive naturally. It takes on pure nitrogen and can develop a different taste. Consequently, most people will agree that organic matcha tastes more earthy. It also looks brighter and is more healthy than non-organic matcha.
Absolutely, you can immediately notice the variance in taste and standard!
It's no wonder then, that Organic Matcha has gained international acclaim for its many health benefits. In your view, what are the top three advantages of making it a part of your daily routine?
Healthy Matcha organic green tea has the highest antioxidant rating of all significant superfoods. It has 137 times more antioxidants than green tea and 17 times more than blueberries. One of the most important known benefits of matcha is its amount of EGCg, an antioxidant that boosts the metabolism and helps fight cancer. This alone is an excellent reason to start your organic matcha tea drinking regime.
Firstly, it is high in protective polyphenols. Polyphenols are known to protect the body against disease and are essential to a healthy, balanced diet. Matcha tea is especially rich in these protective plant compounds.
Secondly, the amino acid L-theanine may benefit the nervous system. From a calming perspective, it helps increase the levels of the relaxing neurotransmitter GABA, which soothes and relaxes the mind. It has a fantastic stress-relieving effect. However, the effectiveness of your cup of matcha depends on the authenticity of its origin and the vital process of shading the plant during the growing stage, which increases levels of L-theanine. Traditional Japanese matcha is rich in L-theanine, with lower levels of caffeine and catechins.
My third is that it boosts brain health, function and alertness. Matcha is a concentrated source of polyphenols, chlorophyll, caffeine and L-theanine - all of which benefit brain function. As a stimulant, caffeine acts on the central nervous system, increasing energy metabolism through the brain and heightening alertness and memory performance. Caffeine also has antioxidant properties and, in conjunction with the catechins in matcha, may help prevent the occurrence or progression of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. It's worth mentioning that matcha has a gradual and sustained release of caffeine, whereas coffee delivers an almost immediate boost and then crashes. A cup of matcha has approximately half the caffeine in a cup of coffee.
Wow, it really is such an impressive product for both body and mind. And, the ritual of preparing and enjoying matcha is such a calming and meditative experience too.
For newcomers in the world of matcha, what equipment would you say is needed to make the perfect cup?
The traditional art of serving Japanese matcha tea is about its four main principles: Harmony, Respect, Purity and Tranquillity. It starts with the finest ceremonial organic grade matcha green tea, and then you’ll need some essential equipment: A bamboo scoop (Chashaku) is used to measure the matcha powder. A sieve is useful to eliminate any clumps you may have. The finer the powder, the better the tea. A bamboo tea whisk (Chasen) prepares the powdered green tea. When adding hot water, preferably not thoroughly boiled, whisk the tea in an M motion until well blended and frothy. A Japanese tea bowl (Chawan) for the tea. We use beautiful hand-made Japanese ceramic clay bowls. And of course, Matchateas Organic Matcha for guaranteed perfection every time!
While on the subject of making the perfect matcha… with the arrival of summer, iced matcha has become a popular choice. How do you prefer to enjoy your matcha during the warmer months?
Matcha is such a versatile product that you can add it to anything. Our Ceremonial matcha can be drunk in the summer months by using cooler water and adding ice cubes. Our Premium matcha is for smoothies, lattes, and shakes. My wife and I have two favourites in the summer: We make our own ice cream and add matcha—delicious, cooling, and healthy. Then there’s the Matcha and dragon fruit smoothie. Blend frozen bananas, organic matcha, kiwi, vanilla extract (or vanilla bean powder), and milk; we use coconut. Start with a small amount of milk and gradually add more as you blend. Enjoy the vibrant colours and health benefits – what’s not to like?
That sounds incredible!
As matcha enthusiasts, we are always eager to learn more about this versatile ingredient. Can you share any more unique recipes or uses for matcha that you particularly enjoy?
I’d have to mention the versatility of our Culinary organic matcha, which extends beyond beverages and opens a realm of culinary possibilities. From matcha-infused desserts to savoury dishes with vibrancy, this culinary gem enriches any meal with a creative twist. Each recipe transforms into a masterpiece, with matcha adding an element of sophistication and health benefits to every bite.
My personal favourite is the matcha bliss balls. Making these raw energy balls is effortless: Blitz everything together. 75g raw nuts, 30g desiccated coconut, 120g dried apple pieces, 2 teaspoons matcha powder, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, 25 g shelled pistachio nuts (or replace these ingredients with your favourites and consider any allergies).
Place all the ingredients, except the pistachios, into a food processor and blend to taste. Roll into balls about the size of a walnut and gently roll in the pistachios or alternative. Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes, and then enjoy.
Without a doubt, this recipe is now a must-have for our office snack lineup!
Before we sign off, looking ahead, what exciting developments can we expect from your brand? Is there anything new on the horizon?
We are passionate about our brand and our product, so we are looking at different ways to grow awareness of both through a multitude of channels and opportunities. We are starting a program of collaboration with similar-minded people and organisations to help create and build a more health-conscious nation.
We believe that organic matcha should be given greater focus in the healthcare sector due to the cost-effectiveness of this product and the numerous health-improving properties that it can offer. We have attempted to start a dialogue within this sector, but changing the current attitude is very early and challenging. We are a customer-oriented and focused organisation, so we will be conducting numerous feedback and focus group initiatives to understand people’s perceptions and awareness of this product and to help us identify future requirements. The matcha market is multiplying in the UK, and I don’t think it will be too long before we see the first-ever matcha TV advert.
We are absolutely on board with a Matchateas TV commercial! This amazing brand deserves all the attention it can get, and we're here to spread the word!
If you're curious to see for yourself just how fantastic they are, be sure to visit their website and social media profiles linked below.
Thanks for reading, VCA
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