By Marina Charalambous
In recent years, Matcha has managed to become more than a trend, it has evolved into a lifestyle. From Instagram Stories to Tiktok Trends, its distinctive green shades have flooded our daily lives. Matcha Latte, Matcha Brownies, Matcha Smoothie Bowls, the list has no end. But why, in the end, is so fuss around this green dust?
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What is Matcha?
Matcha is a kind of green tea, derived from Japan and made with leaf of tea ground in fine dust.
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The boost everyone is looking for
One main reason Matcha has so dynamically entered our lives is the energy it offers. It contains caffeine, but in a smaller amount than coffee, and also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that offers tranquility and concentration without the side effects of coffee.
Matcha has been linked to the trend of “detox”, enhancement of metabolism, and all that the wellness audience loves to see. It is natural superfood, vegan, gluten -free, and, of course … very instagrammable because of its intense green color.
From downtown cafes to the most alternative spots in the southern suburbs, Matcha has become a key choice in the list of each store while consumers are looking for a green drink either as an alternative to coffee or as a daily “boost”. In Tiktok and Instagram, Greek influencers upload their matches daily, while #Matchagreece begins to take room next to more classic coffee hashtags. It is clear: Matcha in Greece is no longer just a trend but part of the lifestyle (in the world of Tik-took).
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We asked the expert: Despina Kaisidou, Wellness Leadership Mentor replies what makes Matcha stand out and why it has become so popular
What makes Matcha so special compared to other types of tea or coffee? What are its greatest benefits to our health?
It is the whole sheet of tea ground in very thin dust, not just infusion as in classic tea. Drink the whole leaf, so you get much more antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It contains L-theanine, an amino acid that helps you feel calm but at the same time concentrated (without the nervousness of coffee many times). It has caffeine, but its effect is milder and longer due to L-theanine.
What are its health benefits?
- Rich in antioxidants (especially catechins such as EGCG) that help fight free radicals.
- Improvement of concentration and mood thanks to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine.
- Enhance metabolism and possible help in losing fat.
- Cardiovascular health support, reducing “bad” LDL cholesterol.
- Detoxification, of course, because of the chlorophyll it contains in large quantities.
What to look out for in Matcha’s choice:
The best matcha comes from Japan (mainly UJI, Kyoto or Nishio).
If you see it from China or elsewhere, it may be good but usually does not reach the quality of the Japanese. It must have fresh, sweet, vegetable aroma (not like dry grass). The taste of good matcha is sweet, creamy and without excessive bitterness.
What is the most popular recipe or product with matcha preferred by your customers?
Our customers love very much matcha latte (with almond milk), a perfect combination of sweetness and mild energy. They also drink Iced Matcha Latte (ideal for summer, cold and refreshing) and Matcha Smoothie (with banana, spinach and some almond milk).
Do you think Matcha is just a trend or came to stay in the daily lives of Greeks?
Matcha started as a trend, especially through social media (Instagram, Tiktok etc), with all this image of “Wellness Lifestyle”, but it’s not just fashionable, it has all the elements to stay in everyday life, and in Greece.
What trend in drinks do you think will dominate Greece in the coming years? Is there a new Superdrink that you see gaining ground as it did with Matcha?
Well, based on what I notice in international trends (and how they usually get to Greece a little later), I can tell you that quite a few new “superdrinks” are getting ready to do the next big things. Define the loudest ones that stand out:
1. Mushroom Coffee (Coffee with mushrooms like Ganoderma) that we brought to our space and really impressed the public. It has already begun to become popular in America and northern Europe. It gives energy, concentration but without “cracking” or anxiety. Ideal for those who want to reduce classic coffee but keep alert.
2. Golden Latte (Turmeric beverage)
Turmeric Latte ”or“ Golden Milk
Anti -inflammatory, warm, beautiful golden color.
3. Blue Spirulina Latte
An impressive beverage with blue spirulina (natural blue algae).
No caffeine, but very rich in protein and antioxidants.
4. Adaptogen Drinks
Herbal beverages such as Ashwagandha, Maca, Rhodiola.
They help manage stress, energy and mental mood.
In America, Adaptogen Lattes are already mainstream – here still at a very initial stage.
Is Matcha eliminated?
The authentic Japanese Matcha is today facing the risk of gradual extinction, mainly due to explosive demand in world markets. Its conversion from a traditional ritual product into a global trade trend has caused strong pressure on local production, which cannot keep up with the enormous needs of the market without sacrificing quality.
Many small farms in Japan, which produce authentic matcha with strict traditional methods, are unable to cope, while younger generations leave the profession, considering it unsustainable. Thus, as global consumption increases, the production of the authentic product is limited, leading to the dominance of cheap imitation and putting a serious risk of the centuries -long tradition of authentic Japanese Matcha.
Source :Skai
I am Frederick Tuttle, who works in 247 News Agency as an author and mostly cover entertainment news. I have worked in this industry for 10 years and have gained a lot of experience. I am a very hard worker and always strive to get the best out of my work. I am also very passionate about my work and always try to keep up with the latest news and trends.
