Everything You Need to Know About Matcha (And Why We're Obsessed)
- Grounded Kitchen
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
At Grounded Kitchen, we’re all about bold flavours, good vibes, and food that fuels both your body and mind. That’s why we’ve been sipping, swirling, and (let’s be honest) obsessing over one very green, very glorious ingredient: matcha.
You’ve probably seen matcha pop up on menus, in lattes, or taking over your social feed with its lush green colour – but what actually is matcha? And why is it suddenly everywhere? Let us spill the (green) tea.
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that hails from Japan, made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. Unlike your typical brew where you steep the leaves and chuck them away, with matcha, you’re consuming the entire leaf, ground into a fine, vibrant powder. That means you're getting a concentrated dose of all the good stuff inside.
It’s been used for centuries in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, but recently, matcha has gone global – making waves in everything from smoothies and lattes to cakes, ice cream and now, the new Grounded Kitchen matcha range.
What Does Matcha Taste Like?
Earthy, grassy, slightly sweet, and a little bit creamy – matcha has a unique flavour that’s incredibly moreish. It’s definitely a bold taste, but once you’re into it, it’s game over (in the best way). We like to describe it as a comforting hug with a zing of energy. Add a splash of oat milk and a drizzle of sweetness and you’ve got the ultimate pick-me-up.
Why Matcha Is a Bit of a Superhero
Matcha isn’t just a trendy drink – it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Here are a few reasons we’re big fans:
1. Packed with Antioxidants
Matcha is loaded with a powerful antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which is known for fighting inflammation, boosting metabolism, and even protecting your cells from damage.
In fact, matcha contains significantly more antioxidants than regular green tea. We’re talking up to 137 times more, depending on the grade. That’s a lot of goodness in one cup.
2. Natural Energy without the Crash
Matcha contains caffeine, but unlike coffee, it delivers a slow, steady release of energy. That’s because it also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes calm and helps you stay focused.
The result? Alert, energised, and chill – all at once. It’s like meditation in a mug.
3. Supports Brain Health
Thanks to its combo of caffeine and L-theanine, matcha has been shown to boost brain function. We’re talking improved memory, attention, and reaction time. Perfect if you’ve got a busy day ahead or need that extra clarity.
4. Good for Your Gut
Matcha can help with digestion and is gentle on your stomach. It may even support healthy gut bacteria, which is essential for everything from immune function to mental health.
5. May Help with Skin Clarity
Those antioxidants we mentioned? They're also great for your skin. Matcha may help reduce redness, protect against UV damage, and give you that healthy glow-from-within look.
How Matcha Is Made (Spoiler: It's Kinda Magical)
The process of making matcha is pretty special. It all starts with shade-growing the tea plants for around three weeks before harvest. This boosts chlorophyll levels, giving matcha its signature vibrant green colour and increasing its nutritional content.
Once harvested, the leaves are steamed, dried, and carefully ground into a fine powder using traditional stone mills. It’s a slow, meticulous process – but it’s 100% worth it.
How You Can Enjoy Matcha
We’ve been experimenting in the Grounded Kitchen studio, and let us tell you – matcha is a game-changer. It’s not just for lattes (though we love a good matcha latte, especially with oat or coconut milk).
Here are a few ways we’re loving it:
Iced Matcha Lattes – chilled, creamy, and seriously refreshing
Matcha Quenchers – blended with fruits for a supercharged sip
Matcha Smoothie Bowls – thick, green, and topped with all the good stuff
Matcha Energy Balls or Snacks – for a mid-day health kick
Matcha Frappés – our personal sweet spot: cool, creamy and caffeinated
What to Look for in Quality Matcha
Not all matcha is created equal. Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
Colour: Bright, vibrant green means it’s fresh and packed with chlorophyll.
Texture: It should be super fine and silky, not grainy or gritty.
Smell: Fresh matcha should smell grassy, sweet and clean.
Taste: Quality matcha has a mellow umami flavour without bitterness.
At Grounded Kitchen, we only use premium grade matcha that hits every mark. It’s smooth, vibrant, and sourced with care. Because when it comes to your cup, quality matters.
Why We’re All-In on Matcha
Let’s be honest – we love our coffee, but there’s something a bit more grounding about matcha. It’s got that ancient ritual feel, with a modern energy twist. It aligns with everything we stand for at Grounded Kitchen: health, balance, flavour, and a bit of everyday magic.
Matcha is more than just a trend – it’s a lifestyle move. And we’re here for it.
Introducing the New Grounded Kitchen Matcha Range – Exclusive to Moseley
We couldn’t just keep all this matcha magic to ourselves. That’s why we’ve created a brand-new matcha range, full of delicious drinks and treats that celebrate this green powerhouse in all its glory.
Whether you’re a matcha newbie or a seasoned sipper, there’s something in this range for you. Creamy lattes, iced quenchers, indulgent frappés – all made the Grounded Kitchen way, with premium ingredients and big flavour.
But here’s the twist: it’s ONLY available at our newly revamped Moseley store in Birmingham.
Yep, we’re keeping it exclusive (for now). So if you’re in Birmingham, consider yourself lucky. Pop into GK Moseley and be one of the first to try the new range. Whether you’re fuelling your morning, treating yourself post-gym, or just vibing through the day, our matcha drinks have got you.
This is more than just a launch. It’s a full-on matcha moment – and you don’t want to miss it.
Final Sip
Matcha is bold. It’s vibrant. It’s full of benefits. And now, it’s part of the Grounded Kitchen menu – with a fresh new range that’s here to energise your day, your way.
Get to Grounded Kitchen Moseley, be the first to sip, and stay grounded in all the green goodness.
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