If you are a health-conscious individual who reads a lot of articles on a healthy lifestyle, you already know a lot about the health benefits of green tea. There are different types of teas enjoyed all over the world. This article covers the difference between green tea and matcha tea. If you check the website of a matcha tea company, the company also makes claims about the benefits of matcha tea.
There are some similarities and differences between matcha tea powder and green tea. Both have the same source, the Camellia sinensis plant. However, they don’t have the same flavor profiles. Their cultivation and preparation methods are also different. Not all health benefits offered by these teas are the same. Shall you buy matcha tea from a matcha tea company or order green tea online?
Green Tea vs Matcha Tea
Matcha powder and green tea have a vegetal, earthy or grassy taste. These are the only similarities.
Flavor
Matcha tea has a richer flavor that is more intense than green tea. People create matcha lattes with a blend of matcha tea, sweetener and milk. This tea gives a sweet taste and velvety texture.
Green tea is fresh, delicate and light. Green tea may have different tastes such as nutty, fruity or floral. This depends on the processing method and herbs added to the tea. It can also have notes of ginger, citrus, peach or honey.
History
The story of the origin of both teas is the same. Both teas originated in China nearly 5000 years ago. The elite members of the society used green tea as a medicine for hundreds of years. The Classic of Tea by Lu Yu wrote the first book on tea. This book covers the Chinese art and culture of green tea.
Buddhist monks used to drink a blend of hot water and green tea leaves crushed into powder. The Japanese learn about this practice from the Zen monk Eisai. Samurai warriors also adopted this practice. It becomes a part of their free pre-battle ceremony.
Cultivation
China is the largest supplier of green tea in the world (up to 80%). Japan is the largest supplier of matcha tea. Green tea grows in the sun. Matcha grows in the shade during the final weeks. Tea leaves become darker due to chlorophyll levels increased in the shade.
Green tea is either processed using modern methods such as dumpling, steaming or oven-drying or using artisanal methods such as pan-firing, basket-firing or sun-drying. As a result, all the bitter components are removed from the team. In the end, the tea retains its natural flavors.
On the other hand, matcha tea leaves are deveined after destemming. This is followed by steaming to halt oxidation. This is how this tea gets its emerald color. Leaves are then stone-ground. In the end, you get matcha tea green powder.
Health benefits
Green Tea
- Prevention of several types of cancer including breast cancer, bladder cancer, skin cancer, prostate cancer etc.
- Heart health
- Reduces bad cholesterol
- Reduces risk of stroke
- Lowest risk of type 2 diabetes development
- Weight loss
- Good for skin
- Enhances working memory
- Reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Matcha Tea
- High in antioxidants
- Liver protection
- Cancer prevention
- Improved brain function
- Improved heart health
- Weight loss