Cerimonial
This award-winning extra thick matcha is sweet and luxurious, perfect for a traditional cuppa.
Everything You Want to Know About Herbals and Tisanes
Herbal teas, also known as herbal infusions, are typically a blend of herbs, flowers, spices and dried fruit. The important thing to remember is that herbal teas, or tisanes as they are also known, are not derived from the Camellia sinensis plant that other teas originate from. This makes them neither worse or better— just different!
Whether you call them herbal teas, tisanes (pronounced “tea-zahn”), botanicals or infusions, they’re all basically the same. While “infusion” is a method of preparing tea, also known as “steeping,” these botanical teas are often referred to as “herbal infusions” in reference to the drink itself. No matter what you call them, herbal teas remain just as popular today as they were in ancient China and Egypt— and for good reason. In addition to the potential health benefits that many believe herbal teas have, for decaf fans, herbals offer a wide range of flavors that are generally caffeine-free (although there are some types of herbal teas that have caffeine; more on this later).
Also, remember that even though a lot of herbs are green, green tea is not herbal tea. Green tea also comes from the Camellia sinensis plant, making it a “true tea.” Also, green tea is caffeinated, while as we mentioned, the vast majority of herbals are not. So, herbs may be green, but green tea is not an herbal tea. Got it?
Herbal Teas Go Waaaay Back
Herbal teas go back thousands of years. Ancient texts from China and Egypt have documented the use of herbal teas for medicinal purposes. Wherever there were plants, roots and herbs, our ancestors saw an opportunity to use them to create herbal teas. The Chinese in particular were huge fans of herbal teas as medicinal treatments and to enhance health overall. They refer to tisanes as “liang cha” which means “cooling tea.” One of its uses in China is to cool down the body when it becomes overheated.
Even the word “tisane” has Greek roots, coming from the Greek word “ptisane” which means peeled or crushed barley. The word was modified into the French “tisane” as it morphed into the crushing, cutting and tearing of a variety of botanicals to create herbal teas.
Benefits of Herbal Teas
As evidenced by history, herbal teas have many beneficial properties, each depending on the type of ingredients used in the tea. Among the benefits of just some of the popular ingredients used in tisanes, along with examples of some of our herbal teas with those good-for-you ingredients:
A wonderful calming herb, especially good for drinking before bedtime. Chamomile,Yellow & Blue with chamomile and lavender, and Lull Away.
Known for its nausea-calming properties. Ginger, Ginger Liquorice.
Full of vitamin C. Blood Orange, Lemon Herbal, Indigo Punch, Orange Passion Fruit.
Vitamin C and antioxidants. Strawberry Kiwi Fruit Tea and Berry Young.
In addition to aiding with upset tummies, also a soothing phlegm fighter when you have a cold. Peppermint Herbal, Mint Verbena.
Warms the body and helps clear congestion. Herbal Hot Cinnamon Spice.
This spice is the main spice used in curry, but the plant’s root is often used to make medicine. Turmeric contains curcumin, a chemical that is thought to help with inflammation. Organic Ginger Turmeric, Golden Milk Glimmer.
Once a widely maligned food, coconut has been rediscovered as having some very beneficial properties. It is a powerhouse of manganese, which is essential for bone health, as well as many other nutrients. Hemp Moringa Deep Sleep Tea.
For centuries, Ashwagandha root has been used in supplements to provide rich antioxidants and naturally boost immunity. Chaga Wonder.
Canadian Chaga mushrooms are an adaptogen with all-natural properties that help the body reduce stress. Chaga Chai Nourish.
Types of Matcha
There are several levels of matcha. The Japanese term for the best matcha is koicha, or “thick tea.” Also referred to as Ceremonial grade matcha, this type is made from the best spring leaves harvested in Uji. In Japan, koicha is ordinarily reserved for tea ceremonies. The next best grade, Premium, is called usucha, or “thin tea.” Usucha is less expensive, making it more suitable for everyday use as a traditional brew or a matcha latte. Finally, Culinary grade is a commercial grade used for ice cream, smoothies, baked goods and other green tea flavorings.
You’ll notice a price difference in the three grades, which primarily has to do with processing. Ceremonial grade in particular is processed with extreme care and uses the most carefully cultivated buds and leaves. It is processed with great care to create only the finest matcha and is meant to be enjoyed on its own, without any additives. Culinary, on the other hand, has a muted flavor that works well paired up with other ingredients. Its processing is not done with as much care as Ceremonial or Premium and may contain some stems and veins from the leaf— these are carefully removed from Ceremonial and Premium. Culinary may also contain a mix of matcha powders rather than a pure grind.
The color, aroma and flavor are also factors used to determine a matcha’s grade. Remember when you go to purchase this tea that not all matchas are created equal! If you want matcha to create a traditional cup to drink, you will have a finer experience if you purchase a Ceremonial- or Premium-grade matcha. If you want it to pair with food, save yourself a few bucks and purchase a Culinary grade, which works perfectly as a distinct flavor and color additive.
Grade of Matcha
Which matcha grade you choose is up to you and completely a matter of taste, preference for thickness and desired experience. In the end, if you like it, you made the right choice! Here are three classic Harney matchas in each category:
Premium
This thick grade of matcha is not as thick or sweet as our Unjonotomo but will still provide you with a true matcha experience.
Matcha Jobetsugi
As a thin matcha, the flavors are more muted than Senjunomukashi and Unjonotomo. Both its thinner body and flavor make it ideal for whatever you want to whip it into in the kitchen.
Looking for a matcha that can just be your everyday matcha buddy? Nothing fancy, just straight up, delicious matcha? We gotcha covered there, too, with our Organic Everyday Matcha.
Blended Matcha
If blended teas are your jam, fear not! We have created matcha blends that take the uniqueness of a traditional matcha and add additional flavor for a different kind of matcha experience. These matchas are not powdered and are steeped like other teas.
How Does Matcha Taste?
As we’ve said previously, matcha is heady and intense, offering a tea experience like no other. With a mouth-filling, even head-filling broth, the vegetal flavors of tencha are amplified exponentially. Matcha tastes intensely of spinach and artichokes, followed by a surprisingly bitter but satisfying kick. The better matchas balance the bitterness with sweet notes—especially in the aftertaste, which should linger long in the back of the mouth. Our blended matchas will give you an idea of the taste of a traditional matcha, but significantly muted.
How to Prepare and Enjoy Matcha
You’ll notice a price difference in the three grades, which primarily has to do with processing. Ceremonial grade in particular is processed with extreme care and uses the most carefully cultivated buds and leaves. It is processed with great care to create only the finest matcha and is meant to be enjoyed on its own, without any additives. Culinary, on the other hand, has a muted flavor that works well paired up with other ingredients. Its processing is not done with as much care as Ceremonial or Premium and may contain some stems and veins from the leaf— these are carefully removed from Ceremonial and Premium. Culinary may also contain a mix of matcha powders rather than a pure grind.
The color, aroma and flavor are also factors used to determine a matcha’s grade. Remember when you go to purchase this tea that not all matchas are created equal! If you want matcha to create a traditional cup to drink, you will have a finer experience if you purchase a Ceremonial- or Premium-grade matcha. If you want it to pair with food, save yourself a few bucks and purchase a Culinary grade, which works perfectly as a distinct flavor and color additive.
Tools you need to prepare matcha:
We also offer a complete matcha kit to make preparation easy and fun.
Let’s make matcha:
- Add two heaping scoops (1-2 tsp) of matcha to your bowl
- Pour in a little cool water and mix into a paste
- Add warm (160-170 degree Fahrenheit) water
- Whisk the tea in brisk angular motions for 30 seconds, repeatedly tracing out an M in the cup to form a thick, foamy broth
- Enjoy!
Matcha recipes
As we mentioned, Culinary-grade matcha is especially good for using in the kitchen. Here are some matcha-inspired recipes for you to try at home.
Matcha Latte
Instructions:
- Add matcha powder to your serving mug along with a sweetener of choice and hot water.
- Whisk with a bamboo whisk or a metal whisk until completely dissolved.
- Once the matcha is completely dissolved, heat your milk. If you want your latte to be more frothy, whisk vigorously or use a handheld frother.
- Pour the milk into your mug. Taste and add more sweetener if needed.
If you prefer your latte iced, skip the heating step and serve over ice.
Matcha ICE CREAM
Instructions:
- Whisk together the condensed milk, matcha powder, vanilla and salt in a large bowl and set aside.
- Whip the cream with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until firm peaks form, about 2 minutes. Fold about ½ cup of the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture with a rubber spatula until combined, then fold the lightened mixture into the whipped cream until well blended. Pour into a chilled 9 x 5 x 3 inch metal loaf pan, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until solid and scoopable, about 3 hours or up to overnight.
Source: The Food Network
Matcha Crepe Cake
Instructions:
- Blend eggs, vegetable oil, milk, salt, vanilla extract, flour, 2 tbsp of the matcha powder (reserve remainder), and 6 tbsp of the granulated sugar (reserve remainder) in a blender until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat a nonstick crepe or frying pan with a light coating of oil over medium low heat. Add about a third of a cup of batter and swirl the pan to coat evenly.
- Once the batter is dry and the edges start to brown, flip immediately. Let cook for another ten to fifteen seconds and transfer to a platter to cool. Repeat until all of the batter has been used. You will have around 16 to 20 crepes.
- Once cooled completely, if you wish, place a slightly smaller plate on the crepes as a guide to cut off the excess crepes to make them symmetrical and create a neater end product.
- Whip chilled whipping cream, the remaining 6 tbsp of granulated sugar and sifted 2 ½ tbsp matcha powder until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a chilled bowl so the cream remains cold while assembling the cake.
- To assemble, spread a good amount of cream evenly over one crepe. Cover with another crepe. Repeat until all of the crepes have been used.
- Let chill in the fridge for at least three hours. Dust with some matcha and powdered confectioners sugar to taste.
Source: Side Chef
Matcha Crispy Rice Treats
Instructions:
- Melt the butter into a medium to large pot.
- Melt the marshmallows into the butter.
- Add matcha to the melted, buttery marshmallows.
- Turn off heat and add crispy rice, mixing evenly.
- Press the mixture evenly into a pan and let cool.
- Enjoy!
How Should I Store Matcha Tea?
Like any tea, exposing matcha to elements like oxygen, sunlight, moisture and other odors will cause it to degrade in color and flavor. Our tins are the perfect storage solution for keeping your matcha fresh. Keep them in a cool, dark place like a cupboard. Do not store your tea in the fridge as that environment isn’t conducive to proper tea storage. Make sure your matcha is in an airtight container, but not plastic bags as they allow light and orders to seep in.
Even when properly stored, however, matcha can begin to degrade after a few months, so the sooner you use and enjoy it, the better.
Is Matcha Green Tea Good for You?
Packed full of antioxidants, green tea is widely believed to be beneficial to your health. Since matcha is made from the whole green tea leaf, it is thought to be the healthiest of green teas with higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. So what are you waiting for— drink up!
Hopefully, for those existing matcha fans, you’ve learned a little more about this awesome tea and are ready to expand your matcha horizons. And for those who’ve yet to take matcha out for a spin, we hope we’ve convinced you it’s time to see what all the fuss is about. Check out our matcha collection and discover why this bold green tea deserves so much attention.