Emily Johnson
Matcha is a type of Japanese powdered green tea made from special tea leaves. In recent years, matcha has been blended with mushrooms to create mushroom matcha. Mushroom matcha is made by combining matcha with dried and ground mushrooms. The resulting blend is marketed as having various health benefits, such as improved energy, focus, and immunity. However, it is important to note that these claims have not been evaluated by the FDA.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is Matcha? | Matcha is a type of Japanese powdered green tea made from special tea leaves. |
| How is it made? | The tea leaves are shaded for 3 weeks before harvest to reduce bitterness and their stems are removed to improve flavour. |
| What is Mushroom Matcha? | Mushroom matcha is made by combining matcha with dried and ground mushrooms. |
| Types of Mushrooms | Lion's Mane, Cordyceps, Reishi, Shiitake, Turkey Tail, King Trumpet |
| Benefits | Energy boost, enhanced athletic performance, improved respiratory health, enhanced cognitive function, improved memory, reduced anxiety and depression, improved nerve regeneration, improved immune function, improved cardiovascular function, reduced inflammation, antimicrobial properties, improved heart health, reduced stress, improved cognitive function, reduced joint pain, prolonged feelings of fullness, improved digestion, improved focus, reduced cholesterol, improved weight management, improved brain function, improved sleep |
| Taste | Sweet, gritty, sandy, creamy, coconutty |
| Cost | $40 for a monthly subscription of Ryze mushroom matcha, $22 for Sprouts 8-mushroom blend |
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What You'll Learn
What is mushroom matcha?
Matcha is a type of Japanese powdered green tea made from special tea leaves. These tea leaves are shaded for three weeks before they are harvested, which reduces their bitterness, and their stems are removed to improve the flavour.
Mushroom matcha is made by combining this premium ceremonial matcha with mushrooms. The mushrooms are dried and then ground into a fine powder before being mixed with the matcha.
There are several different types of mushrooms used in mushroom matcha, including cordyceps, lion's mane, reishi, shiitake, turkey tail, and king trumpet. These are known as medicinal mushrooms, as opposed to culinary mushrooms like portobellos.
Mushroom matcha is said to have various health benefits. For example, cordyceps is said to boost energy, enhance athletic performance, and support respiratory health. Lion's mane is known for its ability to enhance cognitive function, memory, and focus by stimulating nerve growth. Turkey tail is renowned for its immune-boosting properties, and shiitake mushrooms support immune health and cardiovascular function, helping to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation.
Some people have reported positive experiences with mushroom matcha, saying that it has helped with bloating, joint pain, and digestive issues. However, others have reported negative experiences, such as mild allergic reactions, and some people find that matcha gives them migraines.
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How is it made?
Matcha is a type of Japanese green tea made from the powdered leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant used for many other types of tea. However, what makes it "matcha" is that it is specially grown, harvested, and processed in Japan. The highest-grade matcha comes from one of three Japanese varietals: samidori, okumidori, and yabukita. These varietals have been cultivated in Japan for over 900 years and are known for their superior taste and quality.
The process of making matcha involves several steps. Firstly, tea plants are grown and pruned frequently to prevent them from growing too tall. The lateral branches are spread out to encourage the growth of tea leaves over a larger area. It takes at least five years for a tea plant to reach maturity before it is ready for harvest.
Once the plants are ready, the leaves are harvested in near-darkness, usually around May each year. This timing is chosen to maximise the nutrient content of the leaves. The harvest can be done by machine or hand-picked, with the latter being considered superior by some connoisseurs. The leaves are then dried and ground into a fine powder, resulting in the vibrant green colour and creamy texture characteristic of matcha.
The final step in the process is the preparation of the matcha tea. Traditional matcha green tea is made by whisking the powder into hot water or milk, creating a frothy and creamy beverage. The powder can also be used in lattes or baking recipes, adding a unique flavour and a boost of antioxidants to various dishes and drinks.
While matcha is traditionally made from tea leaves, a new trend has emerged: mushroom matcha. This variety combines premium ceremonial matcha with various types of dried and ground medicinal mushrooms, such as Lion's Mane, Reishi, and Cordyceps. These mushrooms are believed to offer additional health benefits, including enhanced cognitive function, improved immune function, and reduced inflammation.
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What are its benefits?
Matcha is a type of Japanese powdered green tea made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. It is grown in the shade, which boosts the amount of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and other beneficial ingredients it contains.
Matcha has been linked to a range of health benefits, including improved heart health, cognition, and liver protection. It contains catechins, a class of plant compounds that act as natural antioxidants, helping to stabilize harmful free radicals and prevent cell damage. Matcha is also rich in L-theanine, an amino acid that has been associated with improved concentration and alertness.
Matcha's high antioxidant content may also help lower the risk of several chronic diseases. A 2015 review of 15 studies found that drinking green tea was associated with a decreased risk of liver disease, and some studies suggest that matcha could prevent liver damage. However, experts note that while matcha may benefit people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), it may have the opposite effect on those without NAFLD.
Matcha has also been linked to weight loss. Green tea is well-known for its weight-loss properties, and matcha comes from the same plant and contains similar compounds. Studies suggest that green tea and matcha can decrease several heart disease risk factors, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Additionally, matcha can be used in a variety of recipes beyond traditional tea. It can be added to milk to make a latte, blended into a fruit smoothie, or incorporated into baked goods, salad dressings, cereals, oatmeal, or yogurt.
Some people also consume mushroom matcha, which combines matcha with dried and ground medicinal mushrooms. The addition of mushrooms may offer further benefits, such as enhanced cognitive function and improved nerve regeneration from Lion's Mane mushroom, immune-boosting properties from Turkey Tail mushroom, and improved cardiovascular function from Shiitake mushroom.
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What does it taste like?
Matcha is a type of Japanese powdered green tea made from tea leaves. The leaves are grown in shade for several weeks before they are harvested, which increases the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves, making them bright and reducing bitterness. They are then steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder.
Matcha has a grassy, vegetal, and somewhat earthy flavour. It is often described as having a strong and concentrated "green tea" flavour. It can also have a slightly bitter taste, with notes of sweetness and umami. High-quality matcha has a light natural sweetness, though it is not as sweet as sugar or candy. Some people describe the taste as oceanic, similar to seaweed, though it does not have an unpleasant "fishy" taste. The taste of matcha can also depend on the type of matcha, how much is used, how old it is, and the water temperature used during preparation.
Ceremonial-grade matcha is designed to be consumed on its own, whisked with hot water, and has a more subtle flavour. Culinary-grade matcha, on the other hand, is meant to be added to other ingredients such as lattes, smoothies, and baked goods. It has a stronger, bolder flavour that can stand out even when combined with other ingredients.
Mushroom matcha is a blend of premium ceremonial matcha and various types of dried and ground mushrooms, such as Lion's Mane, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Shiitake, and Cordyceps. People add mushroom matcha to their diet for its potential health benefits, such as improved cognitive function, enhanced athletic performance, and immune-boosting properties. Reviews of mushroom matcha mention that it has a slight sweetness and a gritty sandiness that is common in green matcha tea. Some people add milk, honey, or other sweeteners to improve the taste of mushroom matcha.
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Where can you buy it?
Matcha is a type of Japanese powdered green tea made from tea leaves that have been shaded for three weeks before harvest to reduce bitterness. The highest quality tea leaves are ground to make matcha, which gives the tea an exquisite flavour and health benefits.
Matcha can be purchased from a variety of online and in-person retailers. Some online options include Amazon, Sazen Tea, and HotShiz Drink Co. Sazen Tea offers worldwide shipping and has received praise for its quality, pricing, and fast delivery.
For those looking to buy matcha in-person, The Steeping Room in Austin, Texas, is an option. However, due to high demand, it is recommended to check availability before visiting.
Additionally, some users have mentioned purchasing matcha from Costco and Starbucks, although these may be specific to certain locations or regions.
When buying matcha, it is important to consider factors such as quality, price, and shipping costs. Some brands may offer better value with their pricing and shipping options, while others may prioritise quality and freshness with faster shipping from Japan.
It is worth noting that matcha supply may currently be low due to high demand, so it is advisable to check availability before making a purchase, especially if you are looking for a specific brand.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom matcha is a blend of premium ceremonial matcha and medicinal mushrooms. The mushrooms are dried, ground into a fine powder, and then combined with the matcha.
The benefits of drinking mushroom matcha depend on the type of mushrooms used in the blend. Cordyceps, for example, may boost energy, enhance athletic performance, and support respiratory health. Lion's Mane is known for enhancing cognitive function, memory, and focus. Turkey Tail is renowned for its immune-boosting properties and ability to support gut health.
Mushroom matcha is available from various brands, including Ascend Mushrooms, RYZE SUPERFOODS and Sunwarrior. You can purchase their products online directly from their websites or through Amazon and Reddit.
