Ceremonial Matcha

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What Is Ceremonial Matcha?

1 ounce tin

Ceremonial Matcha green tea powder is the highest grade of matcha available. It contains all of the health benefits of Culinary Grade Matcha but it has more umami (subtle sweetness), and it’s ground into a finer powder (ideal for drinking straight cups of tea).

The History of Ceremonial Matcha

The history of Ceremonial Matcha can be traced back to China during the Tang Dynasty. During this era, tea leaves were steamed and made into bricks so the tea could be easily stored and traded. These tea bricks were then prepared by roasting and pulverizing the brick and mixing the resulting powder in hot water. This method of preparing powdered tea became popular during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Matcha made its way to Japan in the 12th Century, when Zen monk Eisai brought tea seeds back from China. This powdered form of tea was commonly used at Chinese monasteries and was highly regarded for its health benefits.

Traditional Matcha Ceremonies

The ceremony requires precision in every aspect, from the ceremonial matcha production to the equipment used, the food served, and the kimonos worn by the host. In fact, many of the physical movements of the tea ceremony came about because of the kimono, highlighting the billowy sleeves of the garment.

The choice of formal (chakai) or informal (chaji) tea ceremonies allows for some wiggle room in terms of what food is served, but strict adherence to the ceremony is expected. Some ceremonies will serve a full meal, where each course is handed out individually to guests. Informal ceremonies will typically only provide traditional Japanese sweets.

Steps of the Japanese Tea Ceremony

• Washing the ceremonial matcha utensils.
• Making thick tea for the first batch that everyone will drink. Use triple the amount of matcha for this tea.
• Present tea bowl to first guest and exchange a bow.
• The guest admires the bowl, turning it around before taking a drink.
• Pass the bowl to the next guest where the same admiration is performed and sip taken.
• When each guest has had a drink, the host cleans utensils while the guests inspect them.
• The host takes a bow and exits, while the food and thin tea are laid out.

There are many components to the traditional ceremony. You can enjoy the precision and spirituality of the ceremony without the pomp and circumstance.

Ceremonial Matcha vs. Culinary Matcha

How to Choose The Best Ceremonial Matcha Powder

With all the different brands of matcha available, choosing the best Ceremonial grade matcha tea powder can be overwhelming. Here are some things to consider:

Is your matcha powder 100% organic? It’s important to choose a matcha that is organic, so you’re not ingesting pesticides. This superfood is PACKED with health benefits, but if it contains harmful pesticides, you might be doing more harm than good.

Has your ceremonial matcha powder been tested by a third party lab? Anyone can market their matcha as “100% pure, organic matcha,” but unless you can see the lab tests for yourself, you can’t really be sure that’s what you’re getting. We get all our matcha tested by a third party lab to ensure it’s fresh and free from radiation, heavy metals and harmful chemicals and we have the test results to prove it!

Health Benefits of Ceremonial Grade Matcha

Amino Acids Help Repair & Protect Tissue

Ceremonial matcha undergoes a long production to allow the fine leaves atop the Camellia Sinensis to transform to a rich green color. One of the benefits of this lengthy process is a high concentration of amino acids.

Amino acids are organic compounds, which are the ‘building blocks of life.’ Meaning that when they are combined, amino acids create proteins, which the human body needs to function. Amino acids may also be used as a source of energy, but the most important function of amino acids is protein production. Proteins help the body digest food, grow and regenerate, transport & store nutrients and remove waste.

Perhaps one of the most astonishing benefits of the amino acids contained in ceremonial matcha is their ability to help the body heal and recover quickly. Amino acids can actually help speed up the healing process of muscle tissue that was damaged during an aggressive workout or because of an injury. But amino acids also support a healthy immune system which contributes to a speedy recovery. The healing and recovery benefits of amino acids extend beyond the gym; drinking Ceremonial Matcha regularly can also help strengthen and repair bones, hair and skin.

L-Theanine Helps Reduce Stress

Green tea in all its forms powdered or leaf has potent stress-reducing benefits. This is largely due to an amino acid called l-theanine. Although l-theanine is present in all green tea, matcha contains more of it than brewed green tea, so the effects are stronger. The main benefits of l-theanine include stress reduction and focus. L-theanine also offsets the high levels of caffeine found in matcha, so you’re left with a clean energy boost without any of the negative effects of caffeine. When L-theanine and caffeine are combined, they create a compelling effect that gives you more energy and increased focus without those negative side effects that leave you feeling anxious and jittery. Instead, this dream team works together to keep you focused and relaxed.

Provides Long-Lasting Energy

Ceremonial Matcha is a great alternative to coffee because the effects of the caffeine are tamed, so you don’t experience the side effects associated with a cup of coffee. A cup of ceremonial matcha gives you the energy you need without the jitters, irritability and inevitable caffeine crash. Ceremonial matcha does contain caffeine, but the combination of L-Theanine + caffeine works in harmony to boost your energy while keeping you focused.

How to Use Ceremonial Matcha & How to Keep it Fresh

If you’re new to the world of matcha, make a mental note that you’ll get the best (frothiest) cup of this delicious green stuff if you prepare it using a bamboo whisk.

What sets Ceremonial Matcha apart is its refined flavor (no bitter aftertaste), and vibrant green color. So you’ll want to take your time with the preparation and relax while you zenfully sip every last drop from your cup.

Tips for the Frothiest Ceremonial Matcha

1. Start by bringing filtered water to a boil.
2. Remove from heat and pour some into your mug (or bowl), leaving it there for a couple of minutes (this will heat the bowl).
3. Whisk the plain water for a few seconds (to wet your whisk), then pour the water out of the bowl and dry it thoroughly.
4. Add 1 teaspoon of Kiss Me Organics Culinary Grade Matcha to the clean, dry, large mug (or small bowl).
5. Add a cup of water and whisk vigorously (with your wrist, not your arm) using a bamboo whisk.
6. Savor every sip!

• Pro-tip: If you like it sweet, add honey, stevia, or agave syrup to taste.

To get the nicest froth (kind of like the “crema” you get on a perfect espresso), you’ll want to whisk your matcha by rotating your wrist vigorously. At the same time, move the matcha whisk across your mug in a “V” or “W” pattern. Finish by raising the whisk to the surface as you’re whisking as this will get rid of any larger bubbles on top and give you a creamier texture.

Kiss Me Organics Ceremonial Grade Matcha is rich in antioxidants and EGCG (a potent anti-aging catechin), containing up to 137x the concentration present in brewed green tea. 100% customer satisfaction guarantee.