If you wonder what the difference is between matcha tea powder and green tea, you’re not alone.
While these two superfoods seem similar and both come from green tea leaves, they have distinct flavors, textures, colors and preparation methods.
However, the greatest difference between matcha powder and green tea can be found in their unique nutritional profiles. Learn what separates the two drinks below, and choose the right superfood for you.
COLOR
Matcha tea powder appears brighter green than ordinary green tea, which can look brown and dull. The vibrant color comes from the high levels of chlorophyll, a powerful polyphenol.
TASTE
Most people agree that premium grades of matcha taste better than green tea, which has a tendency to taste bitter.
Ceremonial grade matcha needs no added sweetener or dairy products to make it palatable.
TEXTURE
Matcha powder is a fine, velvety powder that feels smooth to the touch, like talc. Green tea feels gritty, like crushed-up leaves.
PROCESSING
Only the finest green tea leaves are used to make matcha tea powder, and they are always harvested by hand. The stems and veins are removed from the leaves, which are then stone ground into matcha powder.
Standard green tea is made from steeping parts of the leaf in hot water.
PREPARATION
Matcha powder is best mixed with water under 175° Fahrenheit.
Regular green tea is often boiled to 212° Fahrenheit, which destroys its nutritional benefits.
NUTRITION
Nutrition is where matcha tea powder really shines when compared to green tea.
In fact, you’d have to drink 10 to 15 cups of green tea to equal the nutrients in one cup of matcha.
Because Matcha is made by grinding the entire tea leaf into powder, instead of steeping the leaves in hot water, none of the nutrients in the leaves is tossed out with a used tea bag.
Take a look at the breakdown of antioxidants per serving of each type of tea:
Catechins: ECGCs
ECGCs (or epigallocatechin-3-gallates) are catechins – powerful antioxidants with numerous health benefits, including increased metabolism and physical endurance. Antioxidants help your body get rid of free radicals and toxins, which make you susceptible to weight gain, illnesses, cancer and other chronic conditions.
Matcha – 134 milligrams
Green Tea – 63 milligrams
Polyphenols: Tannins
Tannins are naturally occurring micronutrients that come from plants, and are found in many teas and wines.
Matcha – 99 milligrams
Green Tea – 7 milligrams
Amino Acids: L-Theanine
L-theanine is an amino acid that improves creativity, learning and memory. It offers many of the same energy-boosting benefits of caffeine, without the corresponding crash.
Matcha – 45 milligrams
Green Tea – 3 milligrams
Altogether, matcha contains 137 times more antioxidants than green tea.
Taste for yourself the difference between matcha tea powder and green tea.
If you are searching for something to enhance your energy, calm your mind and relax your body, Matcha green tea powder may be the perfect choice for you.
Matcha is not a fluffed-up trend; it is a thousand-year-old superfood secret.
Where To Buy Matcha?
Have a Good Matcha Morning!