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I learned that in the world of tea, the impressive list of health benefits in matcha is completely unrivaled. It is without question the most beneficial, and health transforming beverage you can ingest. As a student, tea merchant, health nut and enthusiastic consumer of tea I was duly impressed! Problem? I didn’t love it! And, because I couldn't understand how anyone could love it, I didn't sell it at Tea Market.
About a year later while speaking and attending classes at World Tea Expo, I was on the show floor visiting with exhibitors. I will never forget meeting the young man demonstrating and educating for Aiya, a company known for their high grade Ceremonial Grade Matcha. He was Japanese, super enthusiastic and adorable: great skin, really fit, glossy black hair slicked tight into a ponytail, cool glasses, great smile, you get the idea, and he was eager to tell me all the amazing facts about matcha.
He had so much charisma I could have listened to him talk about anything all day, but matcha was something I already understood and so my reaction was a little lukewarm.
“I know, I know,” I told him. “I just recently completed in-depth research into the health promoting attributes of matcha. I have studied Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu), and professionally sampled various versions of matcha. I have tried it as a guest and experimented with it in my own kitchen.”
Then I leaned in for a little dramatic effect, but mainly so none of my professional tea friends would hear, “I just don’t like the taste.”
Surprised this confession flew out of my mouth I waited for his reaction. His smile never dimmed as he laughed generously and exclaimed, “Me too at first. My grandmother makes the worst bowl of matcha you have ever tasted.” Then he too leaned in for effect and privacy and said, “Please never tell anyone I said that.”
“Alright, alright,” I said. “If that’s true, what are you doing here?” He spent the next 20 minutes teaching me what I have been teaching you, my customers and students, since 2004. High quality Ceremonial Grade Matcha can be anything you want it to be and taste like anything you already love!
First, he made me a sample of his favorite way to drink matcha, iced and diluted so that it is lovely, mild and oh so refreshing. We talked about adding it to our favorite green teas to vary the flavor profile while still getting all the health and energetic benefits of focus, mental clarity, and that spring in your step. I was a convert!
On that day in 2003 I signed Aiya up as our sole provider of matcha and yes, they are still the supplier I trust to provide the quality product I use to fuel my own health and that of tens of thousands of my customers.
When we opened our Tea Bar in 2016 I worked with our staff to create a matcha latte, lemonade and smoothie so anyone and everyone could enjoy the versatile flavor of delicious, nutritious first grade matcha! And now, with each daily sip of matcha, and with each customer or class, I channel his earnest zeal as I share my love of matcha with you.
So, what did I learn that day? The traditional way to prepare matcha has its place but innovation owns the future. And my future is fueled by matcha!
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