Matcha is a trendy new green tea which is finely powdered, and traditionally mixed with hot water, whisked and drunk.

The matcha tea is manufactured in a delicate manner to preserve their texture and flavour. They are dried and aged before being stone-ground into fine powder. It has about the same amount of caffeine as found in coffee, along with a natural substance called l-theanine, which induces an ‘alert calm’ in the body, a kind of relaxation without drowsiness.

• Matcha Tea has long been associated with ancient Zen tea-drinking ceremonies performed by monks.
• It is part of the Zen mindfulness meditation, where the entire process of preparing and drinking tea is a complete meditation.
• The fine green tea offers minerals, vitamins, polyphenols (a form of antioxidants) and other nutrients that regulate blood sugar and protect against heart disease and cancer.
• Drinking matcha tea using the ‘slow down’ technique of Zen monks has added benefits: lower inflammation, lower blood pressure, and reduced stress hormones.