Mmmm, Matcha!

With this post, I'd like to introduce you to a new guest blogger, Jenni. She has agreed to post this on the blog, and we hope to see more posts from her in the future. ~ Margie

It has been said that if green were a flavor, matcha would be that flavor. There is a distinctive freshness about it that cannot be duplicated. The taste is slightly sweet, somewhat grassy, and pleasantly addictive. Much has been said about the health benefits of green tea. Matcha is green tea in its purest form. The advantages of powdered matcha are multiplied many times over what can be obtained from an ordinary tea bag.

In addition to being exceptionally good for the body, matcha is good for the soul. The simple act of sipping a bowl of tea nourishes the spirit and provides respite from the mundane world. Matcha is the centerpiece of the Japanese tea ceremony. Full of ritual, prescribed movements and interaction between host and guest, the tea ceremony sets a beautiful scene to celebrate the most important element: Tea.

In a bowl of matcha, the properties of the entire high quality tea leaf are present. The tea bushes are covered weeks before harvesting which preserves the brilliant green color and allows for a high concentration of amino acids in the leaves. The hand-picked leaves are stone ground into a fine powder and whisked with hot water to produce a beverage which, in addition to tasting great, provides these benefits:

- Very high in antioxidants
- Gives a pleasant burst of energy
- Lowers blood pressure
- Fights cancer
- Boosts metabolism & the immune system
- Contributes to mental clarity and overall well-being

Even your dentist would approve - matcha has also been shown to reduce cavities!

Enjoying matcha is a simple and delicious experience. Although nothing can compare to the harmony and tranquility of the Japanese tea ceremony, matcha can easily be prepared at home to satisfy a craving for health, vitality, and the unmistakable flavor of green.

Premium matcha and other fine teas can be purchased at sweetpersimmon.com