All about: the brand new Matcha Matcha tea range

It is true that Zen Buddhist monks don't know much about spin class or juggling worklife and family, but they know a lot about living long, unstressed lives. One of their secrets: drinking matcha green tea. A metabolism-enhancing, stress-reducing, immune-boosting, cholesterol-lowering powerhouse, it differs from your usual green tea in a number of ways.

Although people drank green tea in China more than 1,000 years ago, it became an important part of Japanese culture too. Japanese tea leaves grow in the shade to increase their chlorophyll content. These chlorophyll-rich leaves are then handpicked, steamed, dried and ground into a fine green powder. The whole leaf is being consumed and therefore no nutritional properties of the tea are wasted.

The history and cultivation of the tea is interesting, but what matters most to health enthusiasts is its antioxidant content. One cup of matcha green tea has reportedly as many antioxidants as 10 cups of regular tea, and it can also be served up in some definitely above average ways.

Matcha tea also boasts health benefits like enhanced concentration and focus, higher energy levels, supported immunity and an increase in metabolism. In fact, as it is so rich in vitamins and minerals, people who drink it often have even reported an improvement in their skin, which I am all about.

Matcha tea has become increasingly popular and is now a regular menu item amongst the more enlightened cafes out there. Matcha Matcha only has one third of the caffeine that coffee has, and actually delivers you with a long-release energy hit without the jitters – love that! I like it mixed with Carew Kitchen Almond Milk for a creamy latte, and you can add it to smoothies, chia pudding or as an anti-oxidant hit in raw or baked treats!

A local supplier of the this little leafy goodness is Matcha Matcha (http://www.matchamatcha.co.nz/) who offer different blends like Matcha Matcha Ceremonial Grade Premium first harvest leaves, for a smooth, delicate, traditional matcha tea that is best enjoyed with water only, and Matcha Matcha Latte Grade, premium first and second harvest leaves that you can whip up into a latte. Matcha Matcha Culinary Grade is made from premium second harvest tea leaves, it is also perfect for those delicious lattes, but can be included in your baking creations and adding to smoothies. They also stock handy prongs and that like, so you can whip up a café style matcha treat at home.

Matcha Matcha is available right now at selected health food stores, Farro Fresh, Little Bird Unbakery and many other great cafes. To locate your nearest stockist or café and for further information, visit www.matchamatcha.co.nz - they have some super yummy recipes too.