Matcha Tea

Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. The tea plants are shade-grown for several weeks before harvest, and the stems and veins are removed before grinding. This process gives matcha its vibrant green color and unique flavor.

Matcha is primarily used as a flavoring and coloring agent in a variety of food and beverage products. Its distinct taste and bright green hue make it popular in items like iced teas, lattes, baked goods, ice cream, and candies. It is also valued for its antioxidant properties.

Matcha is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used as a food ingredient. It is a source of antioxidants, particularly catechins like EGCG, which have been studied for potential health benefits. JECFA has evaluated green tea and its extracts, and EFSA has also assessed green tea catechins. While generally considered safe, high consumption of concentrated green tea extracts has been linked to liver concerns in some rare cases, though this is not typically associated with levels found in most foods.