Frequently Asked Questions About Matcha Green Tea

Getting Started with Matcha

1. What is matcha green tea and how is it different from regular green tea?

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and shade-covered green tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea where you steep and discard the leaves, with matcha you consume the entire leaf, making it significantly more concentrated in nutrients, antioxidants, and caffeine. The shading process increases chlorophyll levels, giving matcha its vibrant green color and unique umami flavor.

2. What's the difference between ceremonial and culinary grade matcha?

Ceremonial grade matcha is made from the youngest tea leaves and has a smoother, more delicate flavor perfect for drinking. Culinary grade matcha has a slightly stronger, more robust flavor that works well in recipes, lattes, and baking. Both grades offer the same health benefits, but ceremonial grade provides a more refined drinking experience.

3. What if I'm new to matcha and don't have traditional preparation tools?

If you're new to matcha and don't have traditional tools like a bamboo whisk (chasen), you can still prepare it effectively. Use a small hand-held whisk or an electric frother to mix the matcha powder with hot water. Alternatively, place the matcha powder and water in a shaker bottle or jar, close it tightly, and shake vigorously. This method achieves a smooth, frothy consistency without specialised equipment.

Health Benefits & Usage

4. What are the health benefits of matcha green tea?

Matcha green tea is celebrated for its numerous health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), matcha helps neutralise free radicals, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases. The L-theanine in matcha promotes a calming effect, while caffeine provides sustained energy without jitters. Regular consumption may aid in weight management, enhance cognitive function, improve mood, and support overall wellness.

5. How much caffeine is in matcha compared to other teas and coffee?

Matcha contains approximately 70mg of caffeine per 1-gram serving. This is higher than most green teas (25-50mg) but lower than a typical cup of coffee (95-140mg). The caffeine in matcha is released slowly due to L-theanine, providing sustained energy without the crash often associated with coffee.

6. How much matcha should I consume daily for optimal benefits?

The recommended daily serving of matcha is 1-2 grams (approximately one teaspoon). This amount provides excellent health benefits while keeping caffeine levels moderate. If you're sensitive to caffeine, enjoy matcha earlier in the day to avoid disrupting sleep patterns.

7. What are the best ways to use matcha green tea powder in my diet?

Matcha green tea powder is incredibly versatile. Prepare traditional matcha tea by whisking 1-2 grams with hot water (around 85°C). Add matcha to smoothies, lattes, and shakes for a nutritious boost. It's excellent for baking in cakes, cookies, and muffins, and can even be incorporated into savory dishes, ice cream, and chocolate for unique flavor combinations.

Storage & Quality

8. How should I store matcha green tea powder to keep it fresh?

To maintain freshness, store matcha in an airtight container away from light, heat, and moisture. Keep it in a cool, dark place such as a cupboard. For optimal longevity, refrigerate the matcha in a sealed container to prevent moisture absorption. Properly stored matcha maintains its vibrant color and rich flavor for 12-24 months.

9. How long does matcha last once opened?

Once opened, matcha is best consumed within 6-12 months for optimal flavor and nutritional benefits. Store it properly in an airtight container and refrigerate to extend its freshness. Signs that matcha has degraded include a dull color, musty smell, or bitter taste.

10. How do you ensure the quality of NutriExtracts matcha products?

At NutriExtracts, we source our matcha directly from premium Japanese tea gardens that follow traditional cultivation methods. Our matcha undergoes rigorous quality testing for purity, freshness, and nutritional content. We work only with certified suppliers who meet our strict standards for organic practices and quality control.

Potential Concerns

11. Can matcha cause any side effects?

While NutriExtracts matcha is crafted from high-quality ingredients, some individuals may experience mild side effects due to caffeine sensitivity. These may include jitteriness, digestive discomfort, or headaches if consumed in large quantities. Start with a smaller amount (½ teaspoon) and gradually increase. Consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns or persistent symptoms.

12. Can I drink matcha while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Due to matcha's caffeine content, pregnant and breastfeeding women should limit intake or consult their healthcare provider before consuming. Generally, moderate caffeine intake (under 200mg daily) is considered safe during pregnancy, but individual tolerance varies.

Business & Wholesale

13. How can businesses benefit from bulk matcha orders?

NutriExtracts offers bulk matcha perfect for cafés, restaurants, juice bars, and health food stores. Bulk orders provide cost-effective pricing, ensuring consistent supply of premium matcha for your business needs. Benefits include competitive wholesale pricing, reliable delivery schedules, and dedicated business support.

14. What are your wholesale pricing tiers and minimum orders?

We offer flexible wholesale pricing based on order quantity, with significant savings for larger orders. Minimum wholesale order is typically 5kg, with increasing discounts for orders of 10kg, 25kg, and 50kg+. Contact us directly for current wholesale pricing and to discuss your specific business needs.

15. Do you offer private labeling or custom packaging for businesses?

Yes, we provide private labeling services for qualifying wholesale customers. This includes custom packaging design, your brand labeling, and flexible packaging sizes to meet your business requirements. Minimum order quantities apply for private label services.

16. What support do you provide for wholesale customers?

Our wholesale customers receive dedicated account management, flexible payment terms, priority customer service, and marketing support materials. We also provide staff training resources and product information to help your team better serve customers.

Purchasing

17. Where can I buy NutriExtracts matcha green tea powder?

NutriExtracts matcha is available directly from our website at www.nutriextracts.co.uk. We offer both retail packages (100g, 200g) and wholesale options for businesses. All orders include fast UK delivery, and we provide excellent customer service for any questions or concerns.

18. Do you ship internationally?

Currently, we focus on serving the UK market to ensure the freshest product and fastest delivery times. For international inquiries, please contact us directly to discuss options.

19. What's your return policy?

We stand behind the quality of our matcha. If you're not completely satisfied with your purchase, contact us within 30 days for a full refund or replacement. We're committed to ensuring every customer has an excellent experience with our products.