The above is a direct quote from @LetUsSpreadTheWealth.

My reply was

”try replacing coffee with matcha

• sleep quality and duration
• calm energy
• focus and clarity

like coffee quality matters”

I would have said the same, before beginning the slow introduction to Matcha tea.

#CoffeeMatters

We were both reading a post about the coffee market, the supply shortage and resultant price increases.

My coffee ritual was multi fauceted:

at work - micro coffee shots, 1/4 sachet (1/4 tsp) and dash of hot water, swirl and swallow

at home - if in a cafe I would ask for an expresso (chocolate cake optional). If my wife was making it, long black shot

beach run - couple chocolates (motivation) and long black shot (energising)

socialising - 2x long black shots. Makes me more talkative

Loved taste and smell. Downsides were hitting the wall and disturbed sleep.

#QualityMatters

Introduction was through wife’s friend who suggested drinking Ito En Matcha Green Tea (20 teabags). 

Turns out it is locally grown, hence why it is only “Japanese Style”. And is only a blend of Sencha (green tea) and Matcha powder. 

With the Pandora Box now open, started noticing Matcha on beverage menus at the servo, cafe and even fastfood outlets. Quickly got hooked on a Iced Matcha Latte with Almond Milk. 

Most places used what I call the Barista mix, as it contained Matcha Powder (varying grades) plus flavouring, thickeners and sweeteners in the powder mix. Made for the mass consumption market.

Asked a lot of questions. 

As we bulk buy most things, it took a couple months to consume the 10 boxes of the tea bags. So had plenty of time to build up my knowledge.

Settled on ordering EISAI Organic Ceremonial Pure Matcha Powder, a single origin Okumidori cultivar, grown in Uji, Japan.

It is grown in a field the size of a football. The last couple of months the green tea is grown under shade. Their first pick is ceremonial grade, which is normally reserved for the top end Japanese Ceremonial Tea house market.

Problem: how do I take the Matcha paraphernalia to work, get suitable almond milk, as once opened needs to be used within 3 days. A few logistical issues.

Solution: made  matcha infused chocolate. Tried couple different recipes. Both just spoiled the chocolate and the Matcha. 

Then went full circle back to just plain Matcha Tea. But the difference between the pretend Matcha teabag and the Ceremonial Matcha Tea. Little bit of creamy texture, almost sweet or lacking the normal green bitterness. Actually preferred to the bought or homemade lattes.

Best thing is

• I can take it to work
• make it on the plane or
• travelling in the car on a road trip
• don’t have to drinks litres of fake Almond Milk
• costs $1.20 for the real thing instead of $8-10 for the fake Barista version

Matcha Kit

• powder
• bamboo scoop
• drinking vessel
• battery operated whisk

Life is Matcha better.