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Matcha, a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, has been celebrated for centuries in Japan. Its vibrant green color, unique flavor, and numerous health benefits have gained worldwide popularity. Among the varieties available, the most expensive matcha in the AKI MATCHA Collection stands out for its exceptional quality and premium price: $1,000 per kilogram.
This article delves into what makes this luxurious matcha so special, its benefits, and why it commands such a high price.
Understanding Matcha Grades
To appreciate the most expensive matcha, it’s essential to understand the different grades of matcha. Matcha is typically categorized into three main grades:
1. Ceremonial Grade: This is the highest quality matcha, used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. It is made from the youngest tea leaves, which are carefully cultivated and harvested. The result is a vibrant green color, a smooth texture, and a rich, umami flavor. Ceremonial grade matcha is meant to be enjoyed on its own, whisked with water to create a frothy, delightful beverage.
2. Premium Grade (For Barista): Slightly lower in quality than ceremonial grade, premium grade matcha is still excellent and often used for daily consumption. It is slightly more affordable and can be used in smoothies, lattes, and other beverages while still delivering a high quality matcha experience.
3. Culinary Grade: The most economical option, culinary grade matcha is suitable for cooking and baking. While it may be less vibrant and slightly bitter, it’s still packed with antioxidants and can be used in various Matcha recipes.
The Unique Qualities of the Most Expensive Matcha
The most expensive matcha in the AKI MATCHA Collection 2024, priced at $1,000 per kilogram, is an exceptional example of ceremonial grade matcha.
WHY THIS MATCHA WORTH $1,000/kg?
Highest Quality Matcha: This matcha is made from the youngest, most tender leaves picked during the first harvest. These leaves are carefully shaded to increase chlorophyll and amino acid content, resulting in a vibrant green color and a rich, smooth flavor.
Meticulous Cultivation: The cultivation process is extremely meticulous and specific. Farmers use hands to pick the leaves, ensuring only the youngest and most tender leaves are selected to guarantee the highest quality.
Limited Production: This matcha is produced in limited quantities, with only 100 kilograms made each year. The tea leaves is grown from our farm in the Tenryu Mountain region of Japan which the best condition for matcha grown, perfect mist, fresh air on high elevation land, enough rain amount yearly, especially NO Air Pollution like other areas such as Kyoto, Uji. This exclusivity adds to its allure and ensures that each batch is of the highest quality.
Special Shade-Growing Process:
The tea leaves are covered with special bamboo materials and shade-grown for 30-35 days.
This process boosts the chlorophyll and amino acid content, resulting in a vibrant, bright green color and rich flavor.
Stone-Ground Process: The leaves are stone-ground very slowly to prevent overheating, which could degrade the quality. This method is so slow that it takes 1 hour to produce just 20 grams of matcha.
Labor-Intensive Production: Producing this matcha is highly labor-intensive and requires extreme patience from cultivation to the finished product.
Authentic Matcha Experience: The most expensive matcha offers an authentic matcha experience, akin to what you would enjoy in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. It’s crafted with meticulous attention to detail, from cultivation to grinding, to deliver the finest matcha tea powder.
The Health Benefits of Matcha Tea
Matcha is renowned for its numerous health benefits, making it a popular choice among health-conscious individuals. Here are some of the key benefits:
Rich in Antioxidants: Matcha is packed with antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate). These antioxidants help fight free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect against various diseases.
Boosts Metabolism: The combination of caffeine and catechins in matcha can help boost metabolism and increase fat burning, making it a popular choice for those looking to lose weight.
Enhances Focus and Calm: Matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and enhances focus. This unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine provides a calm, focused energy without the jitters often associated with coffee.
Supports Detoxification: The chlorophyll in matcha helps detoxify the body by removing heavy metals and harmful chemicals.
Improves Skin Health: The antioxidants in matcha can help improve skin health by reducing inflammation, preventing premature aging, and protecting against UV damage.
How to Enjoy the Most Expensive Matcha ?
To fully appreciate the most expensive matcha, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here’s a guide on how to enjoy a cup of matcha as a Japanese tea master:
1- Sift the Matcha: Start by sifting 1-2 grams of matcha powder into a bowl to remove any clumps. This ensures a smooth, frothy tea.
2- Add Water: Heat water to about 80°C (176°F) and add a small amount (about 2 ounces) to the sifted matcha powder.
3- Whisk: Using a bamboo whisk (chasen),whisk the matcha and water in a zigzag motion until a frothy layer forms on the surface.
4- Enjoy: Sip the matcha slowly, savoring its rich, umami flavor and appreciating the vibrant green color.
Incorporating Matcha into Your Daily Routine
While the most expensive matcha is best enjoyed on its own, there are many ways to incorporate matcha into your daily routine. Here are some ideas:
Matcha Green Tea Latte: Combinematcha powder with steamed milkand a sweetener of your choice to create a delicious matcha latte. This is a popular choice at coffee shops and can be made at home for a soothing beverage.
Smoothies: Add a teaspoon of matcha powder to your morning smoothie for a nutritious boost. Matcha pairs well with fruits like bananas, berries, and mangoes.
Baking: Use culinary grade matcha in baking recipes like matcha cookies, cakes, and muffins. It adds a unique flavor and a vibrant green color to your baked goods.
Cooking: Incorporate matcha into savory dishes like matcha-infused noodles, matcha salt, and matcha salad dressings for a unique twist.
The New Trend: Matcha and Its Growing Popularity
Matcha has become a global phenomenon, with its popularity continuing to rise. This Matcha trend is driven by its health benefits, versatility, and unique flavor. From traditional tea ceremonies to modern matcha lattes, this green tea powder has found its way into the hearts and kitchens of people around the world.
The Cost of Matcha: Why Is Matcha Expensive?
The price of matcha can vary widely, but the most expensive matcha, such as the one in the AKI MATCHA Collection, commands a high price for several reasons:
Labor-Intensive Production: The cultivation and production of high-quality matcha are labor-intensive. The tea plants are shaded for several weeks before harvest, which requires careful monitoring and maintenance.
Hand-Picked Leaves: The leaves used for the most expensive matcha are hand-picked to ensure only the youngest, most tender leaves are used.
Stone Grinding: Traditional stone grinding is used to produce the finest matcha powder. This process is slow and meticulous, taking about an hour to produce just 30 grams of matcha.
Limited Supply: The most expensive matcha is produced in limited quantities, adding to its exclusivity and desirability.
Is Matcha Healthy?
For those wondering, “Is matcha healthy?” the answer is a resounding yes. Matcha is packed with nutrients and antioxidants that offer numerous health benefits. It’s a great addition to a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle with Matcha.
When looking for the best matcha, it’s important to choose a reputable Japanese matcha supplier. AKI MATCHA is renowned for its high-quality matcha, offering a range of products from ceremonial grade to culinary grade. Whether you’re looking to buy matcha in bulk or purchase a small amount for personal use, AKI MATCHA has you covered 💚 (Follow our Instagram here)
Ready to experience the benefits of matcha for yourself? Buy matcha powder wholesale and bulk matcha from AKI MATCHA.
We offer a wide range of matcha products, from ceremonial grade to culinary matcha, with prices ranging from $40 to $2,000.
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