Irrespective of how you feel about matcha, the popular green powder is an acquired taste. Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Unlike traditional green tea, where the leaves are steeped and then discarded, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf. This process begins with shading the tea plants several weeks before harvest, which increases the chlorophyll content and enhances the production of amino acids, particularly L-theanine.
Matcha is believed to be a great anti-oxidant and is particularly rich in umami; it has a herb-forward savoury taste that gives it a deep, satisfying flavour. This comes from the high levels of L-theanine and amino acids present in the tea. The natural bitterness of matcha is pronounced, especially in higher-quality grades. This bitterness is balanced by the umami and a slight sweetness. You may not be a fan of matcha’s grassiness but have you ever compared it to mehendi?
Influencer Ankush Bahuguna shared a hilarious rant on social media where he compared matcha to mehendi and called it a ‘hari mitti’! The influencer observed how matcha dominates not just tea flavours but ice creams as well. “Chai ke naam pe anyay hai matcha!” quipped Bahuguna. He also joked that if the trend got any bigger we’d be able to spot matcha biryani, matcha chawal, matcha rabdi and what not! And turns out the foodies of the Internet mostly agreed with him as they joined in and shared their opinions.
“We're one Avocado Matcha Flax Kale Zero-Cal Smoothie away from oblivion,” commented an user. “omg matcha couldn’t have been described any better than this, I’ve fallen into this match boba trap this one time and I can now completely feel you,” another user wrote.
“I AGREE. IT TASTES SO BAD. YUCK. also, quite a “wannabe drink”. Bhai, fevicol probably tastes better,” another follower remarked.