Why Assam's first-ever matcha tea production is big news for tea lovers in India (nutrients, health benefits inside)

The obsession for matcha tea never goes out of trend. We have seen celebs and influencers sipping the green froth, doing matcha-inspired make-up, and this has always generated curiosity among health enthusiasts, thus fueling a trend on various social media platforms.There lies a strong history around this beverage.Matcha is deeply rooted in Japanese culture, as well as Zen Buddhism. Although the powdered tea originated in China, it was brought to Japan in the 12th century by the Buddhist monk Myoan Eisai, who believed it promoted a unique state of calm alertness during meditation.Over time, matcha evolved beyond a simple beverage to become a central element of Japanese Tea Ceremony, or Chado ("The Way of Tea"), symbolising harmony, respect, purity and tranquillity.Who knew at that time that this tea will be manufactured in our very India someday?

Now matcha at your doors

Yes, the Chota Tingrai Tea estate of Assam’s Tinsukia district has come across as India’s first estate to commercially manufacture Matcha. From Japan, this century-old-craft of special tea will now be produced in India.Sharing a post on social media platform X, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Assam has become the first state in India to commercially produce Matcha tea, with production beginning at the Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia.”

“This diversification to the viral drink will help strengthen brand Assam Tea in the global markets. This has been made possible due to the strong India-Japan ties and our collaboration in various fields and has fetched a handsome price at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre,” Sarma stated according to the Shillong Times.The good news was etched on Friday when the first lot of matcha tea produced by the estate was officially sold during Sale 27 at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre (GTAC).

But what is Matcha?

Matcha has been pulling attention now for a long time. This bright green beverage often appears in our feed, but are we aware of what exactly this is made up of?It is a very vibrant and deep green hued powder which is made from ground, shade-grown green tea leaves.It is a Japanese fascination that is used in their occasions. Similarly like other teas, matcha is also produced from the leaves of Camilla sinensis, a tea plant.But it is subtly different from other green teas, as it is grown under the shade of bamboo mats. According to the BBC, this helps the tea accumulate extra chloroplasts, which collect more light. The additional chlorophyll is what gives matcha its signature bright green coloring and earthy taste. But many claim it has a taste of grass as well.

Matcha serves comfort and healthy benefits

The news of matcha getting manufactured in India might be delightful news for the tea lovers but they will be more enthralled knowing the tea's health benefits.According to the Harvard Health Publishing, the vivid green powder is crammed with antioxidants, phytochemicals and amino acids.The tea which is consumed by whisking it with hot water, has a different level of caffeine content which is typically higher than that of green tea but lower than that of coffee. Green tea has 23 to 49 milligrams of caffeine and matcha has 38 to 89 mg.While containing antioxidants such as polyphenols and catechins, it also includes phytochemicals such as chlorophyll and quercetin.The amino acid that is found in matcha is L-theanine that has been long associated with improved concentration and alertness. With Assam taking a step forward in the manufacturing of matcha tea, India's portfolio in tea producing will reach global markets.