Help & FAQs
General
What is matcha?
Matcha is powdered green tea, made from finest young, shade-grown tea leaves that are hand-picked, lightly steamed, air-dried and slowly stone-ground into an ultra-fine powder. In Japanese “cha” means tea, and “ma” means powder, thus the word matcha translates literally as powdered green tea. The best quality matcha comes from Japan, specifically region Uji near Kyoto, which is also the place where Materia matcha comes from.
What is the difference between matcha and green tea?
Although both matcha and green tea derive from the same plant called Camellia Sinensis, they have many differences. While green tea leaves usually come in the form of a tea bag, matcha is in powder form. Matcha is much more concentrated than regular green tea, and in comparison, to regular green tea, when drinking matcha, the whole tea leaf is consumed, which means more nutrients and benefits for the body, mind and soul. Just one cup of high quality matcha contains the nutrient value of 10 cups of regular green tea.
What are the health benefits of matcha?
Matcha is believed to have many benefits, such as being a rich source of antioxidants and fiber, rich in chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals, a metabolism booster and a natural weight loss supplement. Matcha calms the mind and relaxes the body and is also mood and concentration booster. This green powder may protect against heart disease and cancer, it lowers cholesterol and blood sugar and can also prevent signs of aging.
What does matcha taste like?
Matcha is made from shade-covered leaves, which means it has increased chlorophyll content of the leaf, resulting in deep, creamy and grassy aroma. It is also rich in two amino acids called glutamate and L-theanine, which gives matcha a unique, umami taste.
How much matcha powder is optimal to use in order to prepare one cup?
The optimal amount of matcha is 1/2 teaspoon, which is approximately 1g per 200ml liquid.
Is it safe to drink matcha every day?
Yes! You can have up to 3-5 grams matcha a day.
What is the optimal water temperature for matcha preparation?
The optimal water temperature for preparing matcha varies around 60°C - 90°C. It is not advised to prepare matcha with boiling water, because that way it loses some of its nutritional quality and may taste bitter.
How is matcha produced?
The production of matcha begins in large fields of the plant Camellia sinensis, whose many bushes are carefully taken care of by local farmers. After some time, they cover the bushes in order to reduce the amount of sunlight exposure they receive. This way the farmers slow down the growth of the plants, as well as alter their chemical characteristics, resulting in distinctive green tea leaves and rich aroma. After the harvest, the leaves are carefully washed and dried. After drying, farmers remove any stems and veins and slowly grind the leaves into a fine powder, resulting in a rich, vivid-green matcha tea.
How much caffeine is there in matcha?
Yes. Matcha has about 30 mg caffeine per cup (per 1 gram of matcha powder), while cup of coffee has around 150 mg.
Matcha is an ideal beverage if you are looking for a clean, green and focused energy boost. Its natural caffeine will gently pick you up, giving you extended energy boost. The effect is extremely pleasant for most people because you don’t experience any of the jitteriness or headaches associated with the caffeine from coffee. Meaning no spikes, jitters or sudden crashes which regularly occurs with coffee. Matcha contains l-theanine, an amino acid which improves cognitive function and induces a calm soothing effect on the mind. It is also said that matcha causes “calm euphoria” effect - the caffeine keeps us energized, while the amino acids keeps us calm and focused. When drinking matcha, whole tea leaves are consumed, providing 4 to 6 hours of mild steady energy.
What is the best way to store matcha?
We suggest keeping your matcha well sealed in cool and dark environment, which will keep its freshness.
How long will matcha last? Does matcha go bad?
Matcha should be consumed within 8 months from opening, assuming it was properly stored in a cool and dark environment, away from heat, light, and humidity. After opening your matcha, please close the lid or bag tight after each use.
What can I use matcha for? How can matcha be consumed?
You can make matcha tea (just matcha and water), matcha latte (matcha tea combined with milk), iced matcha latte (matcha tea, milk and ice), you can put it in baked goods, oatmeal and smoothies. Matcha can also be used when making pasta, rice and other meals so just get creative.
What is the best way to prepare a perfect cup of matcha?
You will need a matcha bowl or a wider cup and matcha whisk, designed to whisk the matcha into a frothy foam.
• Step 1: Add 1g of matcha powder (1/2 teaspoon) into a matcha bowl or a wider cup
• Step 2: Pour in a small amount of hot water then start whisking. The important is to whisk the matcha vigorously from side to side – either directly back and forth or in a zigzag pattern – to evenly disperse the powder in the water and create a foamy layer on top. If you whisk in a circular motion, your tea won’t foam.
• Step 3: Top it off with some more hot water and sweeten to taste (preferably honey or agave syrup). If you are making matcha latte, add your milk of choice (preferably plant-based milk).
Orders & Shipping
What is the cost of delivery for Croatia?
Delivery price is 3,99 EUR for all orders under 70 EUR, everything above that amonut is free of charge. Read more about deliveries here.
What is the cost of delivery for European Union countries?
Delivery price is 9,99EUR for EU countries.
Do you deliver to BiH, Serbia, Macedonia, Montenegro?
At this time we are not delivering outside the EU.
What is the delivery time of the package?
The delivery time of the package is 2-4 working days . We try to deliver the vast majority of orders within 48 hours of the order, but due to technical difficulties that may accure this can be extended to a maximum of 5 working days.
Why is my package late?
If more than 5 working days have passed since your order, be sure to contact our customer service via e-mail at info@materia.eu to identify and resolve the issue.
Can I return the products?
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
What if my products are broken or damaged?
Please contact us the same day you received your delivery and send us order number, description of the faulty product and a picture by e-mail to info@materia.eu.
Also, if the shipment is damaged during transport and such damage is visible when picking up the shipment, in which case we ask you not to pick up the shipment.