Let’s Talk Matcha

July 11th, 2024

This Summer, Impact launched 3 new Iced Matcha Drinks using organic matcha provided by our trusted partner, Pluck Tea. We wanted to learn more about the health benefits, the harvesting process and the importance of sourcing high quality matcha. Pluck Tea Founder and CEO Jennifer breaks it all down for us.

The health benefits of green tea (matcha is 100% finely ground green tea) are well documented and include improved focus and attention, stress reduction, improved long term cognitive health, and protection against cellular damage due to its high antioxidant levels. Green tea is also a great source of sustained clean energy thanks to its L-theanine content and makes an ideal fitness partner. Consuming matcha is the best way to maximize the health benefits of green tea.

When we consume matcha, it is the only time we ingest the entire tea leaf (as opposed to removing leaves after steeping). It is therefore important to choose a high quality, organic matcha. Tea leaves in Japan are harvested several times a year, from spring to early fall. Ceremonial grade matcha is generally made from first flush (first spring harvest) tea leaves, and these beauties deliver a full, umami-rich flavour with minimal astringency and great colour. Second flush tea leaves are also used in top quality matcha. 

However, as tea leaves are harvested beyond the second flush in the hotter late summer months, they tend to be more prone to higher levels of astringency. At the end of the season, culinary grade matcha is produced from late harvest tea leaves, which has a bold green tea flavour, a yellowish colour tone, and quite a high level of bitterness, which is generally corrected with high amounts of sugar and food colouring for popular desserts such as green tea ice cream.

All matcha is not created equal. Pluck is proud to offer Organic and Rainforest Alliance Certified ceremonial matcha direct from our farm partners in Kagoshima Japan. This tea is grown in volcanic soil in a remote area at the southern tip of Japan. In fact, you can often see plumes of ash rising from Sakurajima when driving around the tea fields.

Pluck Tea is proud to be Impact Kitchen’s tea partner. Together we are making a positive impact in the world, one cup of tea at a time. Don’t forget to stop by Impact to try their new refreshing Iced Matcha Drinks today! 

Camo Matcha Latte: matcha, espresso, milk

Matcha Hydrator: matcha, coconut water

Lavender Matcha Latte: matcha, blue lavender tea, milk, honey

Which one are you trying first?

The health benefits of green tea (matcha is 100% finely ground green tea) are well documented and include improved focus and attention, stress reduction, improved long term cognitive health, and protection against cellular damage due to its high antioxidant levels. Green tea is also a great source of sustained clean energy thanks to its L-theanine content and makes an ideal fitness partner. Consuming matcha is the best way to maximize the health benefits of green tea.

When we consume matcha, it is the only time we ingest the entire tea leaf (as opposed to removing leaves after steeping). It is therefore important to choose a high quality, organic matcha. Tea leaves in Japan are harvested several times a year, from spring to early fall. Ceremonial grade matcha is generally made from first flush (first spring harvest) tea leaves, and these beauties deliver a full, umami-rich flavour with minimal astringency and great colour. Second flush tea leaves are also used in top quality matcha. 

However, as tea leaves are harvested beyond the second flush in the hotter late summer months, they tend to be more prone to higher levels of astringency. At the end of the season, culinary grade matcha is produced from late harvest tea leaves, which has a bold green tea flavour, a yellowish colour tone, and quite a high level of bitterness, which is generally corrected with high amounts of sugar and food colouring for popular desserts such as green tea ice cream.

All matcha is not created equal. Pluck is proud to offer Organic and Rainforest Alliance Certified ceremonial matcha direct from our farm partners in Kagoshima Japan. This tea is grown in volcanic soil in a remote area at the southern tip of Japan. In fact, you can often see plumes of ash rising from Sakurajima when driving around the tea fields.

Pluck Tea is proud to be Impact Kitchen’s tea partner. Together we are making a positive impact in the world, one cup of tea at a time. Don’t forget to stop by Impact to try their new refreshing Iced Matcha Drinks today! 

Camo Matcha Latte: matcha, espresso, milk

Matcha Hydrator: matcha, coconut water

Lavender Matcha Latte: matcha, blue lavender tea, milk, honey

Which one are you trying first?

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Sign up below to stay up to date on the latest at Impact

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Privacy Policy