{"product_id":"samurai-green-matcha-tea","title":"SAMURAI GREEN MATCHA","description":"Sultry sweet notes peek from deep full flavored seasonal green tea. Deliciously vegetative.\u003c!-- split --\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca class=\"active\" href=\"#tab1\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#tab2\"\u003eProduct Information\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#tab3\"\u003eBrewing Instructions\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"active\" id=\"tab1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatcha, is perhaps the most refined tea available on the market today. From the unique way it is produced to the important place it holds in the cultural life of Japan, few other teas can compare. The first thing you will notice upon opening the packet is that Matcha is finely powdered and looks like an emerald colored flour. This characteristic truly sets it apart from other teas. When brewed, the powdered leaf is not strained or left in the pot, but is whisked into a frothy concoction and consumed. Because the leaves themselves are imbibed, brewed Matcha contains higher concentrations of vitamins and antioxidants than most other teas, green, herbal, or otherwise. In fact, brewed Matcha contains nearly 10 times the polyphenols and antioxidants of regular teas, 2 times the antioxidants of a glass of red wine, approximately 9 times the beta-carotene of spinach, and 4 times that of carrots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatcha is produced using pure Gyokuro leaves, a variety of Japanese tea bush that is shaded beneath special mats for 3 weeks before plucking. The shading forces the plants to produce a higher than normal chlorophyll content and gives the leaves a rich green color. Once plucked, the leaves are steamed and dried. Tea at this stage of the process is known as Aracha. Next, the Aracha is stripped of all stems and veins resulting in a pure leaf known as Tencha. Tencha is then stone ground into its finely powdered form. Although the grinding process is done by machine, each mill can only grind 40 grams of Tencha per hour. (To keep up with demand, our supplier operates 1300 grinding mills!)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Japan, Matcha is considered an integral part of the very essence and soul of the country itself. The tea makes its first appearance in Japanese tea manuals sometime during the 12th century, making it one of the country's most ancient varieties of tea. Matcha is also Japan's most important tea since it is the tea used in the famous tea ceremony, or Chanoyu. This ceremony is an elegantly rigid affair that developed over the centuries as a transformative and meditative practice. It was originally conceived by the ancient Samurai, the noble class of warriors famous for their elaborate costume and highly regimented lifestyle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Samurai learned the fine art of brewing Matcha from Buddhist monks sometime in the 13th century. Japanese monks believed the tea possessed qualities conducive to meditation and drank it during religious ceremonies. The Samurai learned that meditating through the drinking of Matcha could restore them physically and prepare them mentally for battle. Drawing on their strict code of conduct, they developed an elaborate framework called wabi within which to brew and consume Matcha. Wabi loosely translates as follows: Quiet, sober refinement characterized by humility and restraint that celebrates the mellow beauty that time and care impart. Over the centuries, this philosophy, developed by the Samurai, gave birth to the Japanese tea ceremony we are familiar with today. It is in reverence to their noble way of life that we present this amazing tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"tab2\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTea Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Green Matcha\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCountry:\u003c\/strong\u003e China\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Zhejiang Province\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrade:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine Matcha 10-16 micron. Made to Japanese specifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAltitude:\u003c\/strong\u003e 700 - 1500 feet above sea level\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eManufacturer Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e Traditional Matcha process, Small batch crafted, 100% natural.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIngredients:\u003c\/strong\u003e Green tea\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCup Characteristics:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sultry sweet notes peek from deep full flavored seasonal green tea. Deliciously vegetative.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInfusion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lively and thick, bright emerald green infusion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"tab3\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrewing Matcha:\u003c\/strong\u003e One common misconception people have of Matcha is that is must be brewed according to the strict guidelines of the \u003cem\u003eCha no yu \u003c\/em\u003eceremony. In reality, Matcha can be brewed many different ways. We will detail some popular choices here, as well as the ceremonial method.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHot matcha latte brewing methods - fast method:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use 1\/2 tsp. (1g) per 8oz. (225ml) serving. Add 1\/2 tsp. (1g) to base of cup and add 2oz. of hot water \u0026amp; mix vigorously to make a smooth paste-like liquid. Top with freshly steamed milk (or substitute) and sweeten to taste. (Try maple syrup or honey)\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e(Best and Most popular) Hot matcha latte brewing methods - Recommended method:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Makes 2 cups (halve the ingredients to make 1 cup):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou will need a few items to prepare Matcha Lattes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatcha measure or tea spoon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e16 oz. stainless steel carafe.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEspresso maker.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatcha.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlavoring syrup.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMilk 2% (Almond, soy or rice milk).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLong stir spoon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo start, measure approximately 15oz. (450 ml) of milk into stainless steel carafe. Add 1 teaspoon or 2 matcha measures of Matcha. Stir with long spoon to combine with milk. Add 1 oz. (30 ml.) of flavoring syrup. Froth vigorously with frothing wand from espresso machine. When blend is smooth with micro bubbles, pour into cup. The aroma is great, it tastes better and you get all of the goodness from tea. Very invigorating! You may substitute 2 tablespoons of either Maple syrup, Agave syrup or Honey for the flavoring syrup to taste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe recommend using a measuring cup to prepare and use as a training guide, and with practice a Matcha Barista should be able to prepare using a Freehand method - or also known as winging it. The measure, however, takes out the guesswork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDon't forget to clean your equipment - this avoids contaminating future beverages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHot tea brewing method: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBring filtered or freshly drawn water to a rolling boil and let cool to roughly 180'F\/82'C. Place approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eof a teaspoon of Matcha in your cup. Infuse with 8oz\/250ml of water, whisk briskly and enjoy. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCeremonial Matcha:\u003c\/strong\u003e Please note that in order to brew Ceremonial Matcha you will need a set of Japanese tea ceremony tools. (Bowls, scoops, and a whisk).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrepare tea bowls by warming them with boiled water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrepare your Matcha whisk by soaking the tip in the boiled water in one of the bowls for about 10 seconds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePour the water out and dry the bowl with a paper towel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUsing your teaspoon, add 2 scoops of Matcha to each bowl.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePour 1\/3 of a cup of your hot water into each bowl.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn a slow \"m\" motion, submerge any loose bits of Matcha that may be floating on the surface of the tea.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhisk the tea more briskly in a back and forth motion until the surface of the Matcha becomes frothy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsume immediately. (In Japan, it is customary to drink the entire bowl in 3 quick slurps).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrewing Cold\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIced matcha latte brewing methods:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use 1\/2 tsp. (1g) per 8oz. (225ml) serving. Add 1\/2 tsp. (1g) to base of cup and add 2oz. of hot water \u0026amp; mix vigorously to make a smooth paste-like liquid. Top with freshly steamed milk (or substitute) and sweeten to taste. Cool for 30-60 minutes and pour over ice\/\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSlow brewed Iced Matcha:\u003c\/strong\u003e Place 3 level teaspoons of Matcha into a glass pitcher. Fill pitcher with ice and let sit. After a few hours, ice will have melted and tea brewed. Stir vigorously to ensure the Matcha goes into suspension. Pour over ice and enjoy!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatcha Ginger Tea with crushed ice and lime:\u003c\/strong\u003e (Ingredients - 2 level teaspoons of Matcha, 2 tablespoons of chopped ginger, 1\/2 cup ice, juice of 1\/2 lime, dash of honey)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlend ice, Matcha and ginger in a blender until ice is crushed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePour into a chilled glass.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd lime juice and honey to taste.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"The Specialist Tea Company","offers":[{"title":"100 g","offer_id":1159235233,"sku":"3004-100","price":73.28,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"250 g","offer_id":1159235237,"sku":"3004-250","price":167.94,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true},{"title":"500 g","offer_id":1159235241,"sku":"3004-500","price":305.34,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/3859\/products\/3004.jpg?v=1442460565","url":"https:\/\/coasttocoasttea.ca\/products\/samurai-green-matcha-tea","provider":"Coast To Coast Tea","version":"1.0","type":"link"}