Japanese matcha tea is made from green tea leaves that have been specially shade-grown. Shielding the plants from sunlight increases chlorophyll production and content of antioxidants and the amino acid theanine.

The leaves are hand-picked and go through a strict process of being steamed, dried, destemmed and deveined, before being ground into a fine powder. This traditional method of making matcha originated with Zen Buddhism, and the monks’ practice of preparing and drinking the tea was ritualistic and meditative by nature.

Japanese matcha, especially that grown in the Uji and Nishio regions, is considered the gold standard for matcha products, due to significant characteristics in soil quality.

Immunity: According to the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) antioxidant measurement scale, matcha has a rating of 1300 units per gram, compared with pomegranates at 105 units per gram and blueberries at 91 units. Antioxidants boost immune function and fight free radicals in the body which cause inflammation, tissue damage and ageing.

Metabolism: Matcha contains particular antioxidants called catechins, notably epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which enhance metabolism. Matcha has up to 137 times the EGCG content of regular green tea.

Energy and focus: Matcha is rich in the amino acids l-theanine. This stimulates alpha brain wave production to create a state of simultaneous relaxation and concentration, which provides alertness (without the jitters of coffee) and a sustained energy release over several hours.

Skin: Matcha’s high concentration of antioxidants, especially EGCG, inhibits the cellular degeneration that results in loss of collagen, wrinkles, poor skin elasticity and dryness. EGCG reduces inflammation and therefore may help to reduce acne outbreaks and even out skin tone. As well as drinking matcha, it may be applied as a face mask – mix a teaspoonful with a little natural yoghurt and honey to make a paste, and massage into skin for a do-it-yourself natural beauty treat.

Detoxification: Matcha is packed with chlorophyll, a natural detoxification agent which binds to heavy metals and harmful chemicals so that they may be flushed from the body.