How To Design Your Matcha Self-Care Routine
Written by Michelle Ong | February 10, 2024 | Wellness, Planning
Looking to create a self-care ritual that brings both wellness and tranquility? Let me share how I crafted my own matcha routine to inspire yours. From mindful preparation to savoring each sip, I’ll walk you through the key considerations I used to plan my routine—helping you design one that nurtures your body and mind.
I had heard about matcha’s health benefits and superfood status for a long time but never explored it deeply. After a positive experience in a Chado class, I became interested in matcha and was curious about its impact on my well-being. I researched its pros and cons, which you can read about in this post.
Here, I share 12 considerations when integrating matcha into my wellness plan. Read on to see which ones could be helpful for designing your own matcha routine.
1. Grade & Origin
Matcha, a member of the green tea family alongside sencha, hojicha, gyokuro, nokcha, jasmine, and dragon well (longjing), varies in flavor and quality based on origin and processing.
Renowned Japanese regions like Uji, Yame, and Nishio produce matcha with unique flavors shaped by their climate and cultivation. Personally, I prefer Yame’s delicate and refined taste.
Matcha comes in two main grades: ceremonial and culinary, with the former boasting higher quality and price, but no difference in health benefits.
Ceremonial matcha, made from young spring leaves shaded before harvest, boasts a vibrant green color, sweet flavor, and smooth texture—perfect for traditional tea ceremonies. Culinary matcha, made from mature leaves with less shading, has a stronger, bitter taste and is ideal for cooking or lattes.
2. Is Ceremonial Grade Worth It?
a. What Makes Ceremonial Grade Special?
Ceremonial grade matcha is crafted from young spring tea leaves, carefully steamed to preserve their vibrant green color and stone-ground into a fine powder. Unlike other teas, it uses the entire leaf, offering a rich, concentrated flavor.
The meticulous hand-grinding process creates an exceptionally smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor, elevating it above lower grades. Though time-intensive, this attention to detail makes ceremonial matcha a luxurious favorite among tea lovers.
b. The Cost of Elegance
Ceremonial matcha costs more due to its meticulous production—shading tea plants and hand-grinding with stone mills ensure top quality and a smooth, rich taste. Many consider it worth the splurge for its flavor and health benefits.
Culinary matcha, by comparison, is more budget-friendly, often costing half or less per gram. Prices also vary based on flavor, plant type, and origin, with matcha from rare cultivars or renowned regions commanding a premium.
c. Health Benefits
All matcha grades are rich in antioxidants, but ceremonial grade stands out with its smooth, less bitter taste, making it ideal for regular sipping. Lower grades are still healthy but better suited for cooking or baking due to their stronger flavor. Pick the matcha that best fits your taste and wellness goals!
d. Lifestyle Value-Add
Japanese ceremonial grade matcha is more than a drink—it’s a lifestyle. Rooted in tradition, it promotes mindfulness and a slower, more intentional pace, embodying the elegance of Japanese tea ceremonies. Incorporating it into your routine adds a touch of culture and elegance to daily life.
Is it the right choice for you? If you value quality, tradition, and can afford it, ceremonial matcha is worth considering. For budget-friendly options, mid-grade matcha still delivers great taste. Ultimately, your choice depends on your priorities, budget, and desire to embrace tradition and serenity.
3. Brand
Choosing the right matcha brand comes down to quality, price, taste, and texture. Higher-priced brands often deliver smoother, sweeter flavors with a finer texture, but finding your favorite matcha is a personal journey. Since taste and texture vary, try a few brands to see what suits you best—your perfect matcha might not be the same as someone else’s.
Start small or request samples, especially for pricier options, to ensure you like it before buying more. Stick with trusted brands to enjoy your matcha worry-free and avoid risks like lead contamination.
4. Appearance & Scent
When choosing matcha, let your senses guide you! Start with the smell—high-quality matcha has a fresh, grassy aroma with a hint of sweetness and savory notes, like a stroll through a green tea field.
Next, check the color. Vibrant, bright green matcha usually means it’s fresh and top-notch, while dull or yellowish shades can signal lower quality.
Finally, feel the texture—good matcha should be silky and fine, like baby powder. These simple cues can help you find matcha that’s as good as it looks, smells, and tastes!
5. Pure vs Blend
Pure matcha is simply ground tea leaves, packed with powerful compounds like chlorophyll, L-theanine, and catechins. These boost your mood, metabolism, and immune system naturally.
💡Want to know more about its amazing benefits? Check out this post.
While pure matcha is a popular choice, many people enjoy adding herbs or sweeteners to create unique flavors. A splash of milk, a spoon of honey, or a little chocolate can soften its natural bitterness and turn it into a comforting treat—just keep in mind that these blends might not offer all the health benefits of pure matcha. It’s all about finding the right matcha experience for you.
6. Organic vs Non-organic
Choosing between organic and non-organic matcha comes down to your personal preferences. Organic matcha is grown without synthetic pesticides or chemicals, making it a great option for those who prefer natural, eco-friendly choices.
Both organic and non-organic matcha offer similar health benefits, though you might notice a slight difference in taste. If you want to avoid pesticides and support sustainable farming, organic matcha is the way to go.
But at the end of the day, both are healthy and can easily be part of a wellness-focused lifestyle. Pick the one that feels right for you!
7. Cost
Matcha prices vary based on quality and intended use. Factors like cultivation methods, leaf quality, and brand affect the cost. Ceremonial-grade matcha usually costs about twice as much as culinary-grade.
The region of origin, tea plant type, and unique flavors also impact price. Matcha from renowned regions or rare plants with special flavors may be more expensive.
Organic matcha tends to be pricier due to certification and sustainable farming costs, while non-organic matcha is generally more affordable.
Ultimately, choose the matcha grade and type—organic or non-organic—that align with your values and budget.
8. Caffeinated Or Decaf
Choosing between regular and decaffeinated matcha comes down to how you handle caffeine and what you are looking for. Regular matcha has caffeine, which gives you a natural energy boost and a distinct flavor.
If you are sensitive to caffeine, you might want to limit your intake or try matcha with lower caffeine content. Decaf matcha, on the other hand, has little to no caffeine, but still packs in the antioxidants and health benefits. Keep in mind, removing the caffeine can slightly change the taste and texture.
Both types have their perks, so choose the one that fits your caffeine tolerance and taste preferences. The key is moderation—enjoy matcha as part of a balanced lifestyle and avoid overdoing it with caffeine.
9. Amount & Frequency
How much matcha to drink each day depends on your caffeine tolerance and personal preference—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Start with 1 or 2 teaspoons of matcha daily to get a good balance of caffeine and antioxidants, and adjust based on how your body responds. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, avoid matcha late in the day to prevent sleep issues. Some enjoy matcha every morning for energy, while others treat themselves to it once or twice a week. Find what works best for you and your lifestyle.
💡Keep in mind any health sensitivities and potential downsides when deciding if matcha is right for you. For more info, check out this post.
For a more intense flavor, try koicha (“thick tea”)—made with a lot of matcha and a little hot water for a concentrated paste. If you want something lighter, go for usucha (“thin tea”)—less matcha and more hot water for a frothier drink.
10. Preparation
Preparing matcha can be as easy or as elaborate as you want, depending on your time and mood.
For a quick, busy lifestyle, simply mix matcha powder with hot water in a cup or bottle and shake or stir. It’s a convenient way to enjoy matcha on the go.
I use a tea bowl and bamboo whisk for my own version of Chado. I add half a teaspoon of matcha powder, pour in hot water, and whisk until it’s frothy. You can adjust the powder to your taste. Then, find a quiet spot, whether at home or outdoors, to enjoy the peaceful moment with your matcha cuppa.
If you have more time, Chado offers a mindful ritual. It focuses on graceful, deliberate actions, from whisking to serving, promoting focus and emotional well-being.
11. Storage
To keep your matcha fresh and flavorful, store it in a sealed container in a cool, dry place. This helps protect it from air, which can change its taste and texture. I’ve noticed that matcha powder in sealed packages doesn’t stay fresh as long once opened. The quality drops quickly when air gets in. But with matcha in canned packaging, this issue isn’t as noticeable, and it stays fresher for longer.
12. Food Pairing
Pairing matcha with different foods can really change its flavor and add fun to your drinking experience. When matched with sweet treats like cookies, biscuits, or cakes, matcha’s natural bitterness is balanced, creating a tasty blend.
Some matcha is even crafted to complement specific foods, enhancing the overall flavor experience. Try pairing matcha with savory dishes like sushi or cheese to discover how its unique taste elevates meals in unexpected ways.
Craft Your Matcha Moments
Designing your matcha routine is all about discovering what brings you joy and supports your well-being. Whether you enjoy a simple daily ritual or a special treat now and then, matcha can be a soothing, nourishing companion. It’s become my favorite drink, and I’m so grateful to have it as part of my wellness routine.
💡For more tips to enhance self-care, check out these articles on practical tips and Zen principles.
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