7 things you probably didn’t know about matcha

1 Matcha is an antioxidant powerhouse

It has an ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) count of 1573 per gram. In comparison, one of its closest rivals, the gojiberry, holds a mere 253 units per gram.

2 There are three grades of matcha

First there’s ceremonial, which is produced from the first flush (the first harvest of spring) and tastes smooth and slightly sweet. Then premium, which is ideal for drinking and then basic, which is reserved for cooking purposes as it has a stronger flavour.

3 It supports weight loss

A study featured in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that consuming matcha green tea can increase thermogenesis (the body’s own rate of burning calories) from a normal 8 percent 10 percent of daily energy expenditure, to between 35 percent and 43 percent.

4 One cup of matcha green tea is equal to three cups of regular green tea

One study found that matcha contains three times more of the catechins called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) – an antioxidant linked to fighting cancer, viruses and heart disease.

5 Matcha green tea contains more caffeine than regular green tea

But not as much as coffee… it’s the perfect balance of calm and alert.

6 It can improve your brain power

That’s right. Matcha green tea contains l-theanine, an amino acid which helps improve learning and memory.

7 It’s a good source of fibre

Matcha trumps green tea by boasting 31 times more fibre – and we all know the importance of fibre.

Meet your matcha – here are our top teas

Super Tea, £6.95, Pure Chimp

Premium Matcha Green Tea, £20 for 30g, Tea Pigs

Bloom Tea SUPERCHARGE Matcha, 16.99 from Holland and Barrett