Black Matcha (Kenya)

5 stars, based on 1 reviews

Smooth tea taste with some astringency. Delightful malty notes with sugar and milk.

Luxury Ingredients: Black tea

Tea(s) From: Kenya

Region(s): Nandi Highlands

Welcome to the evolution of Kenyan tea. Black Matcha represents the next step in Kenya's long history of tea production. According to the Tea Board of Kenya, camellia sinensis was first planted in the country by a man named G.W.L. Canine in 1903, and was first cultivated commercially in the 1930s. Today, Kenya ranks third behind China and India in terms of tea production volume.

So how did Kenya grow to become such a global tea powerhouse? The answer lies in their rich tradition of tea innovation, a natural result of their position behind India as a black tea producer (China produces primarily green teas.) As they say, if you're in second place, you'll do whatever it takes to make it to first. Kenya's tea producers, in order to make their mark on the world stage have long experimented with various varietals, clones and production methods in order to help boost profits and attract foreign interest in their product. Unburdened by the more rigid traditions and expectations placed on tea production in China and India, in recent years Kenyan growers have begun experimenting with twig teas, whites, greens, oolongs and a whole lot more.

Kenya Black Matcha is the result of this tradition of experimentation. The tea is made by grinding a rich, full leaf black Kenyan tea, selected for its tannins and antioxidant count, using a Japanese style Matcha mill. Craft-ground in small quantities only, Kenya Black Matcha dazzles the palette with smooth, malty notes balanced by a pleasingly smooth astringency. When brewing this incredible tea, we encourage you to experiment with various lea quantities, water temperatures, and whisking duration until you find the strength that's perfect for you. Then, we recommend firing up the kettle, brewing a cup and raising a toast to innovation.

Matcha Fact: Matchas are so high in antioxidants due to the fact that unlike regular teas, in which the leaves are brewed and discarded, the leaves themselves are actually consumed.

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Reviews
Origins, Ingredients, and Taste Experience
Brewing Instructions

Ingredients
From: China / Kenya / USA Region(s): Zhejiang Province / Nandi Highlands / Washington State
Shipping Port(s): Shanghai / Mombasa / Seattle
Grade(s): Fine Matcha 10-16 micron. Made to Japanese specifications.
Growing Attitudes: 1500 – 4900 feet above sea level
Manufacture Type(s): Traditional Matcha process, Small batch crafted, 100% natural.
Cup Characteristics: Exceptional refreshing peppermint character but smooth. Astringent and misty finish from the green tea base.
Infusion: Forest green and mysterious.
Luxury Ingredients: Green tea, and Peppermint leaves

Information:
Trust us when we tell you that you‟ve never had a Matcha like this before. In fact, trust us when we tell you that you‟ve never even had a beverage like this one in general. According to the ancient Roman philosopher Pliny the Elder, (23 AD – 79 AD), “As for the garden mint, the very smell of it alone recovers and refreshes the spirits.” While this is undoubtedly true, as you‟ll soon discover the smell of craft-ground peppermint mixed with premium Izu Matcha refreshes the spirits doubly so.

According to health folklore dating back to at least the time of Pliny, people have long been consuming peppermint to help combat a variety of ailments including nausea, abdominal pain, fatigue and more. While we can‟t verify these claims scientifically, we can say that we all know from experience just how soothing peppermint can be during times of stress, or when the workday has been particularly hectic.

In many ways, Matcha produces a similar effect. Originally produced as the key component of the Japanese tea ceremony, Matchas were designed to instill a feeling of calm serenity when enjoyed. The rigid structure of the ceremony it featured in was designed to spiritually transport the drinker from the general hustle and bustle of life to a place of quiet serenity. (Today, we commonly refer to this as “going to your happy place.”) Finally, after centuries of history, our Tea Master decided to combine the rich flavours of green tea and natural peppermint to create a tea all but guaranteed to transport you to your happy place from the first sip.

Smooth, astringent and loaded with aromatic layers of mint, Peppermint Matcha is the sort of magical beverage that comes around once in a lifetime. Brew a cup and lift your spirits high.
Brewing Instructions

Brewing Matcha powdered tea is very different than steeping the leaves. You should have at least one special tool, a bamboo whisk called a chasen. Start with boiling water and two cups.

1) Pour boiling water i one of the cups.

2) Measure Matcha into the other cup. Use special Matcha tea spoon or half teaspoon.

3) Pour 3 oz water from the cup into the Matcha cup.

4) Whisk the Matcha with the water until foam is formed.

Matcha is a fine powder made from tea leaves. The powdered leaf doesn't dissolve in the water, but is suspended in the liquid. Consequently, it is important to enjoy this drink before the tea powder settles to the bottom of the cup.

Traditionally, this tea is taken without sugar, honey, or milk and consumed in silence and peace.

You can also add Matcha powder to your lattes, smoothies, ice cream, muffins, and any food you would like to augment with its unique and beneficial nutrients and beautiful green color.