You're drinking matcha wrong! Here's how the Japanese do it
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If you don't see a matcha latte on your Instagram feed once a day, are you even following anyone trendy?
The vibrant green powder has become the universally accepted superfood. People are drinking a matcha beverage every day - either homemade or from a chic local café.
But the trend hasn't stopped at tea.
We now have:
Fudgy brownies infused with matcha.
Crispy or chewy cookies mixed with matcha.
Creamy cheesecakes with matcha blended into the filling.
Not done yet!
Matcha panna cotta, matcha chiffon cake, matcha ice cream...
We have even managed to sneak matcha into a traditionally coffee-based dessert - tiramisu.
And, matcha drinks do not end at latte either. We have matcha lemonade, matcha hot chocolate, matcha bubble tea...
And how can I forget matcha pasta, matcha bread, and matcha salad dressing?
This is not a rant against matcha. But there's an important aspect most people overlook - how matcha is traditionally consumed in Japan.
You would assume the Japanese would have the best knowledge of consuming the superfood, considering they have been using it for centuries. They have refined the cultivation, preparation, and consumption of matcha, which is particularly linked to tea ceremonies (chanoyu).
The real issue: too much matcha
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The crux of the matter is that most people are drinking too much matcha. For the Japanese, matcha is ceremonial and seasonal. It is rooted in mindfulness and moderation.
In Eastern medicine - both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Japanese Macrobiotics - matcha is considered to be a warming food based on how it affects the Qi (body's energy).
It enhances circulation, digestion, and energy. But as with anything, too much of a good thing can backfire. The green tea variant is not as warming as spices like ginger or cinnamon, but still stimulates the body's internal heat.
The combination of caffeine and catechins in matcha can increase body temperature by stimulating metabolism. It also boosts blood circulation.
But, if these bodily functions are already optimal in your body, do you need matcha’s extra stimulation?
If you are already eating a spice-rich cuisine like Indian or Mexican, what does drinking matcha first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, do to you?
If you live in a hot and humid climate - Mumbai, Dubai, or Texas - drinking too much matcha can make you feel even warmer, especially in peak summer.
How do the Japanese drink matcha?
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Matcha looks aesthetically pleasing and has some health benefits. But, you should take some tips from the experts - the Japanese.
Not a daily habit
In Japan, matcha is not an everyday drink for most people. For that, they have sencha (regular green tea) or mugicha (barley tea - which is cooling). These are okay to be consumed more frequently.
The East Asian island nation reserves matcha typically for special occasions. It has traditionally played a role in chanoyu - the tea ceremony rooted in mindfulness and hospitality. It is a ritual with almost meditative qualities rooted in culture and Zen Buddhism.
The Japanese do drink matcha outside of these ceremonies as well, but only a few times a month. The idea of drinking matcha every day is a modern wellness trend rather than a traditional practice.
Never first thing in the morning
The tannins and caffeine in matcha are not the best for the stomach to receive in the morning.
Some people experience discomfort when matcha is consumed without food. The Japanese reserve matcha for mid-mornings or afternoons. It is also often accompanied by a light snack to balance its effects. In fact, the popular dessert wagashi, typically paired with matcha tea, changes seasonally to symbolically match the seasons.
Not a year-round drink
In Japan, matcha is not considered suitable for all seasons. One reason is that Japanese culture is deeply connected to nature. People often adjust their tea choices - even utensils and flowers used in it - to the weather.
In colder months, koicha (thicker matcha) is widely enjoyed. In warmer months, cooling and refreshing teas are preferred.
Japanese winter temperatures range from 2.2°C (36°F) in January to 4.7°C (40.5°F) in December. The summer averages around 20°C (68°F) in June and peaks at 25.2°C (77.4°F) in August.
Many cities like Dubai and Mumbai have much hotter summers.
How to drink matcha the right way?
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You do not need it every day.
Let's make drinking matcha a weekend ritual and try to adapt some of the philosophical aspects the Japanese associate with it. It can be a practice that elevates the quality of your life.
Unadulterated ceremonial-grade matcha is also expensive. A weekend ritual will allow you to make cost-effective decisions and keep your access to the real thing.
When you are drinking matcha in summer, make it cold. Iced matcha and matcha lemonade are your friends. You can also pair it with cooling foods like coconut pudding and watermelon slices.
Avoid matcha in peak heat hours (12 PM to 3 PM) and stay hydrated after drinking it.
So next time you crave matcha, ask yourself: Is today the right day for it?
