Serves Two

Ingredients

● 1⁄2 cup whole chia seeds

● 200 ml coconut milk from the can

● 1 tsp Organic matcha powder

● 1 tbsp maple syrup

● Fresh berries to serve

Method –

1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, use a small wire whisk to mix everything well.

2. Divide between two small bowls and refrigerate for about an hour or until set. Top
with fresh berries and serve. Enjoy!

Thanks to Soulful and Healthy for the delicious recipe

The post Matcha Chia Pudding appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

Makes 6 popsicles

Ingredients

● 500 ml zero fat greek yogurt
● 1 tbsp Organic Matcha powder
● 2 to 3 tbsp pure honey
● 2 tbsp chocolate chips 1 tsp of organic coconut oil

Method –

1. Add the yogurt, matcha powder and honey into a mixing bowl and using a small wire
whisk to mix it well. Make sure there are no lumps.

2. Pop the mixture into popsicle moulds and freeze for an hour. After an hour add the
ice cream sticks and place it back in the freezer for up to 4 hours or until set.

3. Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil into a microwave safe bowl and melt it,
drizzle on the popsicles just before you serve.

We hope you enjoy these recipes. Tag us on Instagram with your pictures of how you use matcha to make healthy treats.

The post Matcha Yogurt Popsicles appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

Ingredients

● 227 grams dates

● 1 tbsp almond butter

● 1/2 cup organic oats

● 1 tsp organic matcha powder

Method –

1. Add all the ingredients into a food processor and blend well until combined. Take a
teaspoon of the mixture into your palms and make balls and roll over more matcha
powder.

Store in an airtight container.

Thanks Soulful and Healthy for this amazing and simply idea

The post Matcha Energy Balls appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

Ingredients

● 1⁄3 cup organic porridge oats or rolled oats

● 1 heaping tsp Green Tea House organic matcha powder

● 2 heaping tbsp Greek yogurt

● 1⁄4 cup milk of choice (any nut milk or soya milk)

● 2 tsp agave nectar or pure honey

●
Method –

1. Mix all the ingredients into an airtight jar, give it a good stir, so that everything is
nicely combined, refrigerate overnight.

2. To serve top with fresh fruits or berries of choice.

Thanks to Soulful and Healthy for the recipe

The post Matcha Overnight Oats appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

Dark chocolate chip cookie Ingredients

● 100 grams unsalted butter softened

● 75 grams dark brown sugar or coconut sugar

● 1 egg

● 1 tsp vanilla extract

● 1/2 tsp salt

● 1 tbsp milk of choice

● 1 1/2 cup self raising flour – 170 grams

● 50 grams dark chocolate chips

● 1 and 1/2 tbsp​ ​Green tea house premium organic matcha powder

instructions

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and like a baking tray with parchment paper.

2. Beat the butter and brown sugar until soft and creamy for about one to two minutes using a hand mixer or using a wooden spoon by hand.

3. Add the egg and vanilla extract and beat for one minute.

4. Now add the flour, baking soda, salt and matcha powder and mix well until all nicely combined. Do not over beat.

5. Now add the chocolate chips and using a spatula mix the chocolate chips into the mixture.

6. Take a tablespoon of the mixture in your hand and make a ball, press down on the baking tray. Bake in pre-heated oven for 15 to 18 mins. Keep an eye each oven heating may vary.

Thanks to Soulful and Healthy for creating these delicious matcha chocolate chip cookies recipe and keep an eye out for more in the coming months. Any recipes you would like to see comment below to give your suggestions.

The post Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

Genmaicha is a traditional Japanese green tea. Our distinctive blend of Japanese Genmaicha green tea with toasted and puffed brown rice is at once sweet and toasty. Its vegetal notes highlight the Japanese steaming process and the brown rice puts forward sweet nutty flavors.

Just like many of the worlds’ greatest foods, Genmaicha was created so the working class of Japan could afford tea. People would add toasted brown rice to whatever green tea they could afford to buy. What they created was almost a fusion of flavors that melded into a unique and delicious flavor.

Our Genmaicha green tea pairs well with most Asian cuisine. Seafood, your favorite grilled bread and roasted veggies. It’s also perfect with fruit for an afternoon snack.

So now you have the lowdown on our Genmaicha you can tell your friends and family about it next time you brew a cup with them.

The post Japanese Genmaicha Green Tea Ireland appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

If possible cool your bowl or cup in the fridge if possible.

Sift our Matcha so the drink will be smooth and mellow and also prevents lumps.

Poor 1/2 to a full tea spoon of Matcha into your cup that has been pre cooled

Pour zero degree waters into your bowl or cup and whisk until the Matcha gets frothy.

Iced Matcha is also delicious served with milk or sugar and you can add ice cubes to cool is in really warm weather.

The post Iced Matcha Ireland, The Best Receipe appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

There are various types of green tea, which depend on the cultivation methods, growing conditions, as well as the steaming and drying process. Each type of green tea has its own characteristics and flavour.

Green Tea House Ireland offers different Japanese Matcha teas imported from the home of Matcha, the hills of Uji Japan. Green Tea House Ireland supplies Matcha tea all over Ireland with wholesale available, with the best prices for a superior tea, handpicked from local tea farms in Japan. Our organic Matcha tea is certified from Japanese agriculture and fisheries and our regular Matcha tea is a taste sensation that you will love.

Types of Japanese Green Tea you Find at Green Tea House Ireland

Japanese Matcha: 100% Japanese Matcha Green Tea from the hills of Uji Kyoto Japan where the best teas are grown. Great for Matcha Latte’s or to drink straight.

Specifications

• Refrigerate to keep fresh
• Boil kettle to approx 80c add 1g of Matcha to bowl whisk until frothy and enjoy

• Approx 40-50 servings

You won’t find a better value Japanese Matcha tea in Ireland and if you do we will Matcha their price. There is a lot of Chinese Matcha tea out there so get to know the quality products. This is great for Matcha Latte’s and to drink with just hot water. You won’t get the sharp or bitter taste of lesser quality Matcha on the market.

Japanese Premium Organic Matcha: 100% Organic Premium Japanese Matcha Green Tea from the hills of Uji Kyoto Japan where the best teas are grown.

Specifications

• Once opened refrigerate to keep fresh
• Boil kettle to 80c add 1g of Matcha to bowl whisk until frothy and enjoy

• Approx 40-50 servings

A premium quality finely milled premium organic Matcha powder from leaves shaded from direct sunlight for 20-30 days before picking from Kyoto in Japan. This premium organic Matcha does not leave a bitter or sharp taste in your mouth like the best quality Matcha.

This is our most popular Matcha and the vast majority of people that try this quality Matcha powder at tea tastings we have around the country are surprised how mild and palatable it is compared to other lesser quality Matcha available on the market.

Organic Japanese Matcha Tea: 100% Organic Matcha Green Tea from the hills of Uji Kyoto Japan where the best teas are grown.

Specifications

• Refrigerate to keep fresh
• Boil kettle to 80c add 1g of Matcha to bowl whisk until frothy and enjoy

• Approx 100-120 servings

• Can be used in baking

Best value organic Matcha tea from Japan in Ireland. This Matcha tea comes in 100g pouches inside the tin. A quality finely milled organic green tea Matcha powder from leaves shaded from direct sunlight for 20-30 days before picking. Great for Matcha latte’s or making Matcha ice cream or baked goods like cakes or biscuits.

Ceremonial Grade Japanese Matcha Green Tea: 100% Japanese Matcha Green Tea delivered to your door from the hills of Uji Kyoto Japan where the best teas are grown.

Specifications

• Once opened refrigerate to keep fresh
• Boil kettle to 80c add 1g of Matcha to bowl whisk until frothy and enjoy
• Approx 40-45 servings

Amongst its many health benefits, Matcha:

• Is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg;
• Boosts metabolism and burns calories;
• Detoxifies effectively and naturally;
• Calms the mind and relaxes the body;
• Enhances mood and aids in concentration;
• Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium.

The post Japanese Green Tea | The Best Green Tea In Ireland appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

Matcha is actually 100% green tea leaves that have been ground into a fine powder, while green tea is made from the infusion of the leaves.

Because Matcha is made from high-quality tea and the whole leaves are ingested, it is a more potent source of nutrients than green tea from a bag.

In addition to providing small amounts of vitamins and minerals, Matcha is rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, which have been tied to protection against heart disease and cancer, as well as better blood sugar regulation, blood pressure reduction, and anti-aging. Another polyphenol in Matcha called EGCG has been shown in research to boost metabolism.

Green tea and Matcha share the same health benefits, however, Matcha has 10 times the nutritional value of regular green tea and up to 137 times the amount antioxidants.

Green Tea House Ireland offers different Japanese Matcha teas imported from the home of Matcha, the hills of Uji Japan. Green Tea House Ireland supplies Matcha tea all over Ireland with wholesale available, with the best prices for a superior tea, handpicked from local tea farms in Japan. Our organic Matcha tea is certified from Japanese agriculture and fisheries and our regular Matcha tea is a taste sensation that you will love.

You can also use our superior quality Matcha green tea in baking cakes, bread, chocolate and even ice cream. Because it is in a powder form, you can use it in anything you want to cook with.

Green Tea and Matcha are both:

• Packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg;
• Metabolism boosters and burns calories;
• An effective and natural way to detox;
• A great support for concentration;
• Great providers of vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium.

The post Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder VS Green Tea appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

1. Green Tea Contains Bioactive Compounds That Improve Health

Green tea is loaded with polyphenol antioxidants, including a catechin called EGCG. These antioxidants can have various beneficial effects on health.

The compounds in the green tea leaves do make it into the final drink, which contains large amounts of important nutrients. Green tea is rich in polyphenols that have effects like reducing inflammation and helping to fight cancer.

Green tea is about 30 per cent polyphenols by weight, including large amounts of a catechin called EGCG. Catechins are natural antioxidants that help prevent cell damage and provide other benefits.

These substances can reduce the formation of free radicals in the body, protecting cells and molecules from damage. These free radicals are known to play a role in ageing and all sorts of diseases.

EGCG (Epigallocatechin Gallate) is one of the most powerful compounds in green tea. It has been studied to treat various diseases and may be one of the main reasons green tea has such powerful medicinal properties.

Green tea also has small amounts of minerals that are important for health.

When choosing green tea, try to choose a higher quality brand such as Japanese green tea, because some of the lower quality brands can contain excessive amounts of fluoride.

2. Compounds in Green Tea Can Improve Brain Function and Make You Smarter

Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, but enough to produce an effect. It also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which can work synergistically with caffeine to improve brain function. Green tea does more than just keep you awake, it can also make you smarter. The key active ingredient is caffeine, which is a stimulant.

It doesn’t contain as much as coffee does, but enough to produce a response without causing the unpleasant effects associated with too much caffeine.

Caffeine blocks an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain called Adenosine. This way, it actually increases the firing of neurons and the concentration of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine.

Caffeine has been intensively studied before and consistently leads to improvements in various aspects of brain function, including improved mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory.

However, green tea contains more than just caffeine. It also has the amino acid L-theanine, which is able to cross the blood-brain barrier.

L-theanine increases the activity of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which has an anti-anxiety effect.  It also increases dopamine and the production of alpha waves in the brain.

Studies show that caffeine and L-theanine can have synergistic effects. The combination of the two is particularly potent at improving brain function.

Many people report having more stable energy and being much more productive when they drink green tea, compared to coffee.

Bottom of Form

3. Green Tea Increases Fat Burning and Improves Physical Performance

Green tea has been shown to boost the metabolic rate and increase fat burning in the short term, although not all studies agree.

If you look at the ingredients list for any fat burning supplement, chances are that green tea will be on there. This is because green tea has been shown to increase fat burning and boost the metabolic rate.

Caffeine itself has also been shown to improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids from the fat tissues and making them available for use as energy.

4. Green Tea Fights Bacteria and Avoids Infections

The catechins in green tea may inhibit the growth of bacteria and some viruses. This can lower the risk of infections and lead to improvements in dental health, a lower risk of caries and reduce bad breath.

The catechins in green tea also have other biological effects. Some studies show that they can kill bacteria and inhibit viruses like the influenza virus, potentially lowering your risk of infections.

Streptococcus mutans is the primary harmful bacteria in the mouth. It causes plaque formation and is a leading contributor to cavities and tooth decay. Multiple studies also show that green tea can reduce bad breath.

5. Green Tea and Longevity

Studies show that green tea drinkers are likely to live longer than non-tea drinkers.

Green tea drinkers are at a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer, so it makes sense that it could help you live longer.

In a study of 40,530 Japanese adults, those who drank the greenest tea were significantly less likely to die during an 11 year period:

Death of all causes: 23% lower in women, 12% lower in men.

Death from heart disease: 31% lower in women, 22% lower in men.

Death from stroke: 42% lower in women, 35% lower in men.

Another study in 14,001 elderly Japanese individuals aged found that those who drank the greenest tea were 76% less likely to die during the 6 year study period.

You can order your green tea here and enjoy the all the health benefits it has to offer!

The post Health Benefits of Green Tea appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

Green Tea House Ireland also offers Jasmine, Organic Sencha, Gyokuro Superior, Organic Houjicha along with new teas being added to our range when we come across a quality tea.

Our pyramid infused tea bags promise to please even those who are not a big fan of green tea in general: they taste like a party in your mouth!

You can also use our superior quality Matcha green tea in baking cakes, bread, chocolate and even ice cream. Because it is in a powder form, you can use it in anything you want to cook with.

The Story of Green Tea House Ireland

My name is Martin Gregory, founder of Green Tea House Ireland. When I first stumbled across Matcha green tea in Australia, I didn’t know what I had stumbled on.

Iwasaki was the man that introduced me to this world in. When I walked into his shop there was an amazing array of teaware, teas, noren and snacks.

He walked me through the ceremony and how it is performed in Japan and the history behind it. He told me Uji, in Japan, was one of the first places tea was grown, where my tea is now imported from, and how it goes from strength to strength there and abroad.

My first bowl of Japanese Matcha I wasn’t sure what to expect: was it going to be like bagged green tea or completely different? He boiled the water to about 80c, sieved the Matcha into a finely decorated Japanese bowl, poured the water in, with me captivated. This is not how you make tea in Ireland, that’s for sure.

He was explaining the history as this was happening with me taking it all in. Next was the whisking and cooling down, the anticipation of what this would be like. I took my first sip and was instantly hooked. The flavour of the tea is beautiful, textured and I think this is enhanced by the ceremonial aspect.

I instantly taught this would be a good seller In Ireland and Europe and when I got back I seen it was starting to take off and with my new found love of Japanese Matcha I am now bringing it to the people of Ireland and beyond.

Only the best quality Matcha and green tea sourced directly from local tea farms in Uji Kyoto Japan for sale in Ireland and the UK.

Why Matcha?

Because Matcha is the ultimate superfood! Matcha is made by grinding up tea leaves, you ingest the entire leaf when you drink it, which means 100% of the nutrients inside the leaf is ingested. Matcha is packed full of antioxidants including EGCG and L-Theanine, powerful compounds which have been proven to speed up your metabolism and aid the prevention of diseases. The amount of antioxidants inside a cup of Matcha is astounding. Matcha contains 137x more antioxidants and nutrition than a cup of green tea.

ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) is a unit of measurement for antioxidants in food. Matcha has the highest ORAC rating of these superfoods.

Here an antioxidant, there an antioxidant, antioxidants everywhere… That is because gram for gram Matcha green tea has the most antioxidants of any foodstuff. Matcha has over 500% more antioxidants than Goji berries which are considered a super food and 10 times more nutritional potency than traditional brewed green tea.

Japanese Matcha green tea is also known to improve cognitive function, boost your mood and enhance concentration which is why it is used ceremonially in Japan.

1.5 grams of Matcha is approximately equal to 130g of strawberries, 160g of spinach and 210g of Brussel sprouts. You can also read more about the full benefits here.

The post Green Tea House Ireland: The Home of Matcha Green Tea appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

What are the Benefits of Matcha Tea?

One of the major health benefits of matcha tea is that it delivers a mega dose of antioxidants in every sip. According to the latest innovation in antioxidant research, matcha is packed with exponentially more antioxidants than any other ‘superfood’.

Why is matcha green tea better than loose leaf tea?

Every day, countless people throw away valuable antioxidants and minerals. While seemingly unimaginable, that’s exactly what happens when you brew a cup of green tea because water can only extract a fraction of green teas benefits.

The majority actually remains unused, trapped in the tea leaves. In reality, the only way to truly take advantage of green teas full potential is to consume the entire leaf. But that doesn’t mean you need to start eating tea leaves. The simplest solution is to just enjoy a bowl of matcha. Because matcha is straight, stoneground tea leaves, matcha provides you with green teas powerful arsenal of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids in a way no other green tea can.

In fact, to even begin to match the potency found in a single serving of matcha, you would need to drink at least ten cups of brewed green tea. When it comes to helping you achieve and maintain optimum health, matcha is without equal.

Why is matcha tea considered a super anti-oxidant?

Antioxidants are naturally occurring chemical compounds that prevent ageing and chronic diseases. A variety of fruits and vegetables are lauded for their antioxidant properties, but matcha is unparalleled in comparison.

Matcha is packed with exponentially more antioxidants and has twenty times more so than pomegranates or blueberries.

Antioxidants are the body’s defence agents. They are chemical compounds that prevent ageing and chronic diseases. Put simply, the more you have, the better equipped your body is in the fight against infections and disease.

The post Benefits of Matcha Green Tea appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

High-quality matcha green tea contains great nutritional content and uses tea leaves from the top of the tea plant, ideal for daily consumption. It contains a full range of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It is characterized by a fresh, subtle flavour, perfect for both, new and everyday matcha drinkers alike.

Matcha is finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves. It is special in two aspects of farming and processing: the green tea plants for matcha are shade-grown for about three weeks before harvest and the stems and veins are removed in processing. During shaded growth, the plant produces more theanine and caffeine.

Nutrition and health benefits

Matcha green tea is packed with antioxidants, including the powerful EGCg. EGCg initials stand for epigallocatechin gallate, a powerful antioxidant found in teas and certain foods. It boosts your immune system and can help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism and supporting detox, as well as protecting you against some diseases. Matcha also provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium, and is also rich in fibre, chlorophyll and other vitamins.

It’s complete and comprehensive properties detoxifies effectively and naturally, calms the mind, relaxes the body, enhances mood, aids in concentration and lowers cholesterol and blood sugar.

Consumption

The powdered form of matcha can be consumed differently from tea leaves or tea bags and is dissolved in a liquid, typically water or milk. The traditional Japanese tea ceremony centres on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha as hot tea and embodies a meditative spiritual style.

In modern times, matcha has come to add nutritional value to our diet, as a healthy habit to our daily routine, and to be used to flavour and prepare foods, such as soba noodles, green tea ice cream, matcha lattes, and a variety of Japanese inspired confectionery.

Matcha tea is an easy and simple way to add powerful health benefits to your everyday diet.

The post Matcha Green Tea Antioxidants and Nutrition appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

Basic Matcha Teaware

The equipment required for the making of matcha are:

·      Tea bowl: Large enough to whisk the fine powder tea around 120 ml.

·      Tea whisk: Matcha whisk or chasen, is a bamboo whisk with fine bristles to whisk or whip the tea foam.

·      Teaspoon: chashaku, also called tea scoop, is a bamboo spoon to measure the powder tea into the tea bowl. Not the same as a Western teaspoon.

·      Tea caddy: natsume, is a container for the matcha powder tea.

There are two main ways of preparing matcha: thick, koicha, and thin, usucha.

Matcha Green Tea Recipes

Two of the most famous matcha green tea recipes are definitely matcha ice cream and matcha cakes.

Matcha Ice Cream

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder, or more to taste
250ml whole milk
500ml whipping cream
150g caster sugar
2 eggs

Whisk matcha powder in a bowl to remove any lumps; add a splash of milk and whisk until matcha powder is completely dissolved. Gradually whisk remaining milk into matcha mixture.

Combine cream and matcha mixture in a pot over medium-low heat; cook, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Whisk sugar and eggs together in a bowl.

Pour 120ml hot matcha mixture into egg mixture; mix thoroughly. Repeat with remaining matcha mixture. Pour mixture back into the pot.

Cook and stir matcha mixture over medium-low heat until heated through about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours.

Pour cooled matcha mixture into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Matcha Cake

Ingredients:

·      4 large egg whites

·      4 large egg yolks, room temperature

·      3/4 cup granulated sugar

·      1 teaspoon vanilla extract

·      1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

·      3/4 cup all-purpose flour

·      1/2 tablespoon matcha green tea powder

·      2 cups milk, lukewarm

·      Confectioner’s sugar, for dusting

Beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.

Set aside. Place the egg yolks and sugar in a bowl and beat until they lighten in colour. Add the vanilla extract and butter and beat until combined.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour and matcha green tea powder, then add to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Gradually add the milk and mix until well combined.

Add the beaten egg whites in thirds, folding with a spatula until just combined.

Pour the batter into a buttered 8’x8′ square cake pan and bake at 325F for 40-50 minutes, until the cake doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack. Cool completely before serving.

To serve, dust the surface with confectioner’s sugar and enjoy this delicious healthy recipe!

The post Matcha Green Tea Drinks And Recipes appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

**Read a review of our Gyokuro so you can get some first hand knowledge of the taste – Tea Is A Wish Blog

The name gyokuro — 玉露 — means jade dew. It was originally discovered by Kahei Yamamoto in 1835, and the process was perfected in the later part of the 19th century.

Gyokuro is brewed in small quantities with a high proportion of leaf. For this reason, it is important to brew gyokuro in a short, wide vessel.

Since the leaves are covered for such a long period of time throughout the cultivation process, the tea leaves are dark, creating a dark tea that is almost a mossy green. Its richness in color translates to a richness in taste, as well, with layers of flavors that never overpower one another.

Gyokuro uses 1.5 to 2 times the amount of leaf compared to sencha. The temperature is also significantly lower, which is aprox 60C (140F)

It is a tea that is very healthy for the heart. It reduces the fatty buildups in the arteries that can cause heart disease of all types. For people with a history of heart issues, it can be a great idea to turn to Gyokuro tea.

When you first begin drinking this tea, you may experience some insomnia. This is because of the high caffeine levels that the cultivation process produces. Most people see this symptom resolve quickly once the body becomes used to the tea.

This tea is steeped at a lower temperature than other teas. It is important to have a preheated tea pot so that when you transfer the water, it remains hot. Steeping at a low temperature for a longer period of time allows the flavors to really grow.

Gyokuro can be re-steeped many times. A general rule of thumb is to brew the second infusion for 30 seconds at the same temperature as the first, the third a few degrees hotter for 1 minute 30 seconds, and fourth and fifth for several minutes, a few degrees hotter each time to suit the way you like it.

I hope you are now informed on the quality of Gyokuro Ireland.

The post Gyokuro Ireland – The Ultimate Guide appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

– Kyusu should always have a fine filter fixed at spout NOT removable basket filter to brew all kinds of Japanese tea, all grades of tea.
– It should have a wide opening to enable the easy disposal of used tea leaves.
– Side handle makes tea easy to pour.

Yunomi cups
– It is better for the teacup to be thin to enjoy the excellent and subtle flavour of high-grade Japanese tea.
– If the inside is white, you can appreciate the unique colour of each different variety of Japanese tea.

The Japanese tetsubin is a cast iron teapot that is intended to hold the heat in. It originates from the Japanese iron teakettle design called a tetsubin.

This dates back to the 1600’s when iron kettles were placed on the hearth.

The classic tetsubin is black with a pebbled surface. Japanese artisans began to embellish the teakettles as they evolved from kettles to teapots being placed on the table for serving. Many beautiful designs now incorporate colour and consist of cherry blossoms, the national flower of Japan.

Every culture has its own way of brewing, presenting and sharing tea. The specific tea ware used is critical to the entire process. Most western countries use porcelain teapots and English style brewing; the Chinese use gong Fu style brewing with a Gawain while Russia, Eastern European and Middle Eastern countries use a Samovar.

Traditionally the tetsubin design was made for brewing sencha.

Sencha is the most popular tea in Japan. Much different than matcha, it is a leaf tea, plucked and processed throughout the harvest seasons. The first and second sencha is considered the best, sweeter in taste and stronger in flavour than each subsequent.

Unlike China or India, the specific tea estate or region is not named in the selling of sencha. Almost always, sencha tea is blended with the signature touch of each artisan, creating a signature brand for the tea company or shop. No matter the grade, all sencha is high in vitamin C.

Entire books have been written on the Japanese Way of Tea called chanoyu, the Japanese tea ceremony.

Another Japanese tea ceremony uses leaf tea or sencha. A ceremonial grade sencha called gyokuro is used. This rare tea is shaded, like matcha, three weeks before harvest to increase the chlorophyll resulting in a sweeter taste.

Sencha was promoted by the Zen monks and it highly influenced Japanese arts. The Japanese tetsubin cast iron teapot was originally designed for sencha by the ruling class, in the 17th century. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the Japanese literati used it extensively and it became part of everyday drinking tea.

Although the original Japanese tetsubin cast iron teapot was a tea kettle for boiling water, today tetsubin are teapots made for brewing tea only. Manufacturers do not recommend using these as a kettle to heat water over a flame, glass or electric burner.

The post Japanese Tea Pots appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.

Matcha Green Tea seems to be the new wave that has hit the world, and how! What’s great is that Matcha Green Tea is not just ‘any health fad’ but one that has deep roots and offers multiple benefits and advantages.

For centuries now it has been widely popular and consumed in Japan, Matcha has reached every corner of the world today. Let’s take a detailed look at the origins of this wonderful and healthy tea. Firstly, what is Matcha? It’s a fine ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea.

The plant is first shade grown for about three weeks before being harvested and then the stems and veins are removed before processing it. In Japanese language, ‘cha’ means tea and ‘ma’ means powdered thus literally translated as powdered tea. Origin of Matcha Contrary to popular belief that Matcha originated in japan, it actually originated in the Wei-Jin period (220-559 AD) in China during the development of the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD) and also in the Song dynasty (960-1279 AD). During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD), green tea powder lost it’s popularity as more and more people shifted their focus to loose tea leafs, wing soup and dumped tea leaves. Later during the Japanese Kamakura Period (1185-13692 AD), the Japanese ‘Rinzai-Zen’ Monks brought back the method of making Green Tea Matcha after a visit to China, and planted the first tea tree in the Uji Mountain (near Kyoto).Emperor Saga tried to encourage the spread of tea by demanding provinces in the Kinki region around Kyoto to grow the plant. He established tea gardens in one district of Kyoto, and started growing and processing it for the use of physicians attached to the court.

This imperial tea, however, found use mostly in rituals performed by the aristocracy; the beverage had yet to become an item for consumption by the common people. The powdered Match Green Tea helped the monks during their meditation and thus it soon became extremely popular in Japan by the 16th Century. After that the popularity only grew wider and soon the powdered green tea also made its way into much of the Japanese food processing.

Today, it is not just limited to Japan but spread across the world and has become a popular cooking ingredient. Apart from that, Matcha Green Tea is considered to be one of the best health and wellness supplement. It is said to have multiple benefits and health advantages. Health and Wellness benefits of Matcha Green Tea – As mentioned earlier, the tea helped monks in their meditation practice; Matcha Green Tea helps increase memory and concentration. It also helps bring in calmness. –

The tea is very high in antioxidants that prevent aging and several chronic diseases. The tea is also beneficial in making the immune system stronger, thus being an overall health supplement. –

For those on a weight loss program, Match Tea is the best supplement as it boosts the metabolism and helps burn calories and fat faster than any other supplement. –

Nourishes the body with vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium and several other minerals and nutrients. –

Matcha green tea greatly reduces the cholesterol levels and blood sugar levels. These are just few of the many health and wellness benefits of the power packed Matcha Green Tea.

A cup of Matcha is said to be the equivalent of 10 cups of brewed green tea! It’s a storehouse of goodness and wellness that gives the body and ming the nourishment it requires to carry on with daily tasks and schedules. Today with so much stress and hectic schedules, it is becoming increasingly important to give extra attention to our health needs. Supplements have become popular as more and more people are looking for solutions to combat health and diet related issues.

Matcha green Tea is one supplement that is more powerful and effective than most supplements available in the market today. The original Matcha tea from the Uji region of Japan is the finest quality Matcha that is unmatched to any other alternative. From the origin till date, no other tea has offered so many health benefits as compared to the Matcha green Tea. It’s popularity only rose as it’s advantages became more and more prominent and well known by the common people.

A cup of Matcha a day is all the supplement you need to maintain your health and live a healthy life. It’s ability to help a person relax and calm is one of it’s greatest advantage that has made it so popular in today’s stressful times. Grab your own cup of Matcha and welcome goodness with every sip!

The post The Goodness of Matcha appeared first on GreenTeaHouse.