Arche Matcha
Japan fascinates. In hardly any other country tradition and modernity are so close together than on the Japanese islands. Especially in the old capital of Kyoto this exciting contrast is visible. Next to extraordinary skyscrapers there are 500 years old shrines. Next to the business men in their dark suits there are monks with their straw hats. Geishas walk past bright neon ads with their clattering wooden clogs. And in the center of the gardens of the old imperial palace, it is hard to believe that it is located in a city of millions. In the tranquility of the garden, maintained for centuries, you can still feel the spirit of old Japan. And you get the impression that the time of the samurai actually never was over.
After Japan was united under one ruler, the shogun, in the early 17th century, the longest period of peace within the country began. In the next 200 years the country almost completely sealed itself off from the rest of the world. In this mysterious time many of the typical Japanese traditions emerged. This was due mainly to the Samurai. Instead of war, the Japanese knights now were dedicated to the fine arts with great devotion. Especially the disciplines, known as Do in Zen Buddhism: martial arts, calligraphy, horticulture, the art of flower arrangements and the tea ceremony. Particularly the tea ceremony has influenced our image of Japan up to this day.
Serving your guests tea is an elaborate ritual. Besides enjoying and appreciating tea it's also about finding inner peace. In former times a lot of noblemen had themselves built a small tea house in their gardens for the ceremony of tea drinking. Often its entrance was only one meter high. In order to get in you had to slide on your knees. Thus the social differences of the guests were equalized and the daily routine was locked out. In the simplicity and tranquility of the tea house the tea was prepared in front of the guests. Of course, not just any tea was used but the queen of green teas: Matcha.
Matcha means "ground tea" and is an extremely finely ground powder of green tea. The cultivation is much more complex than the cultivation of other types of tea, because the tea bushes need to be shaded before harvesting them. This intensifies the maturation that is responsible for the characteristic aroma, the high caffeine content and the deep green color. After the harvest the tea leaves are steamed and dried. Then all stems and twigs are separated out and the leaves are ground to powder in a stone mill. In the 12th century monks had brought Matcha from China. Together with Zen Buddhism it was spread all across Japan. Matcha contains caffeine and valuable amino acids. This combination ensures a smooth, long-lasting energy boost. In the meantime Matcha has also arrived in the western world of course. Be it for a concentration boost in the office or because Matcha is considered a superfood due to its nutrients; for many health conscious people and athletes it is an integral part of their diet.
Those who want to try the green wonder tea themselves can rely on Arche Naturkost as it offers everything needed for enjoying Matcha in proper style. The Arche Measuring Spoon for Matcha allows it to take out even the smallest amounts of the green powder easily from the tea tin. Thus the tea can be doses very precisely. For preparing and drinking a good Matcha of course a special mug is required. The well-designed Arche Matcha Bowl consists of pure porcelain and has just the right size for a green tea indulgence. It lies comfortably in the hand and emphasizes the value of its contents appropriately. After you have given a little amount of Matcha into the bowl you brew it with about 80° C hot water. The water should be hotter under any circumstances, just like it is with any other green tea. With the bamboo whisk it then is whipped until foamy. Ideally you manage to create such a smooth foam that the tea no longer is visible. Afterwards the Matcha can be enjoyed in small sips.
Arche Matcha convinces with a deep green color and a strong taste. It is also an ideal ingredient for green smoothies thanks to its stimulating effect. Just sprinkle a little bit of Matcha powder on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you will create a sophisticated dessert in no time. Matcha Gourmets pick Arche Kyoto Matcha. Only selected leave tips are ground gently in stone mills for this unique premium tea. Well-versed movements with the bamboo whisk result in a particularly fine and foamy tea specialty. If you prefer to go to the cafe instead of the tea house, you will experience the invigorating green tea powder in an completely new way: as Machta Latte. With its white foamy top on the glass it looks at least as nice as it tastes. Arche Sweet Matcha Mix is a green tea powder for mixed drinks that allows you to make a Matcha Latte easily at home. The delicious blend with finest Kagoshima Matcha, agave sweetener and mild caramel taste leaves nothing to be desired.
An ancient Chinsese wisdom says that tea enlightens the mind, sharpens the senses, creates lightness and energy; it bans boredom and frustration. So take your time enjoying Matcha and the spirit of high-quality green tea.
