What are the differences between coffee and matcha ?

What are the origins of matcha and coffee ?

There are many differences between matcha and coffee, ranging from their origins to their nutritional composition, not forgetting the benefits they bring to our health. These two beverages occupy an important place in the daily routine of millions of people all over the world!

Where does matcha tea come from ?

Matcha is a type of green tea powder, mainly from Japan. The history of this green tea powder dates back almost a thousand years, and was mainly used by Buddhist monks of the Chan school ( Zen culture) during the Sui, Tang and Song dynasties, when it was better known as mocha. It became the central beverage at tea ceremonies, and was perfected by the master of the Sen no Rikyu in the 16th century. Japanese matcha is distinguished by its high concentration of chlorophyll and theanine ( the amino acid L-theanine). Today, this beverage is consumed all over the world and is also used in sweet and savoury recipes.

Where does coffee come from and what are its origins ?

Coffee originated in Ethiopia, from the fruit of the Arabica coffee plant, where it was consumed in the form of coffee cherries. It then spread to Yemen and Arabia. The discovery of roasted and ground coffee beans completely revolutionized the way coffee was consumed. It was in the Middle East, Europe and later the rest of the world that coffee became one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages! Today, coffee is mainly grown in tropical regions such as Central and South America, Africa and parts of Southeast Asia.

How are coffee and matcha produced ?

With their different origins, these two products require specific production steps so that each can reveal its own aromas and qualities.

Matcha production process

How is matcha grown? It’s grown mainly in the shade, and that’s what makes it so special ! Yes, matcha, or Camellia Sinensis tea, is grown in the shade. In general, matcha drinkers mix the powder with water or milk to prepare the drink.

Matcha tea production process :

The matcha production process consists of six stages:

• Packaging: matcha powder is packed in airtight tins to protect it from humidity, light and oxygen.
• Growing in the shade: To increase the production of chlorophyll and theanine, which give matcha its green color and umami taste, tea plants are covered with tarpaulins or bamboo mats around three to four weeks before harvesting.
• Hand-picking: Only the youngest, most tender leaves are hand-picked when they are ripe, generally at the beginning of May.
• Steam drying: The leaves are rapidly exposed to steam to prevent oxidation and preserve their freshness and color.
• Sorting and pulping: The dried leaves, called aracha, are sorted to remove stems, veins and coarse parts. The resulting product, called tencha, is the raw material for matcha.
• Grinding: Tencha is ground to a fine powder using traditional stone millstones, which turn slowly to avoid heating the leaves and degrading their flavors and nutrients.

Coffee production process

Coffee production follows several crucial stages, starting with the harvesting of ripe coffee cherries. The coffee beans are extracted, fermented to remove the remaining pulp, washed and dried. They are then sorted and graded before being roasted, which transforms their green color into a rich brown and develops their unique flavors. Finally, the roasted beans are ground and infused with hot water, producing a cup of coffee ready to enjoy.

The coffee production process consists of eight stages :

• Planting: Coffee seeds are planted in tropical areas, at altitudes that vary according to the variety (Arabica or Robusta). Coffee plants need nitrogen-rich soil and partial shade.
• Harvesting: The fruits of the coffee tree, known as cherries, are picked by hand or machine, depending on the method chosen (selective picking or strip harvesting). Harvesting takes place once or twice a year, depending on the region.
• Processing: The cherries are subjected to various processes to extract the coffee beans. The washing process involves pulping the cherries, fermenting them in water, then washing and drying them. The natural process involves drying whole cherries in the sun, then hulling them. The honey process consists in partially pulping the cherries, drying them with part of the pulp, then shelling them.
• Drying: The coffee beans, still covered with their parchment, are dried in the sun or using mechanical dryers, until they reach a moisture content of around 12%.
• Resting: The coffee beans are stored in jute sacks or silos for several weeks or months, to stabilize their moisture and aroma.
• Hulling: The coffee beans are stripped of their parchment and silver skin, leaving only the green beans, ready for roasting.
• Sorting: Coffee beans are sorted by color, size and weight, to eliminate defective or poor-quality beans.
• Packaging: coffee beans are packed in bags or containers for export to consumer countries.

What are the health benefits of matcha and coffee ?

Both coffee and matcha tea are appreciated not only for their taste, but also for the many health benefits they can bring. Why is that? Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and many other bioactive compounds, they offer a range of benefits that contribute to general well-being, both physically and mentally.

What are the health benefits of matcha ?

Among matcha’s many benefits are its rich antioxidant composition. In addition, it is a concentrated source of vitamins A, C and E, and minerals such as potassium, iron and calcium, which contribute to a strong immune system, healthy bones and radiant skin. Although it contains caffeine, it is in smaller quantities than coffee. The presence of thenine, an amino acid with relaxing and neuroprotective properties, moderates the effects of caffeine, helping to improve attention, concentration and learning.

The main benefits include

• Improved concentration thanks to the unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine, which promotes relaxation without drowsiness.
• Support for immune function thanks to high catechin content, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), promoting healthy intestinal microbiota.
• Natural detoxification of the body due to the large amount of chlorophyll present in matcha leaves.
• Helps weight loss and increases metabolism.

What are the health benefits of coffee ?

Known for its high caffeine content, it acts as a stimulant on the central nervous system. These effects contribute to increased alertness, memory and mood, while reducing feelings of fatigue. Caffeine also has a “thermogenesis” and lipolysis effect, which can help regulate body weight.

Coffee also offers a variety of health benefits, including :

• Increased energy and improved mental alertness thanks to caffeine.
• Rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, which can help fight free radicals.
• Reduced risk of certain chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and certain liver diseases.
• Potential help in improving physical performance by releasing fatty acids from adipose tissue for conversion into usable energy.

However, excessive caffeine consumption can lead to side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, palpitations and even addiction! Coffee is also rich in insoluble carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and minerals, as well as containing vitamins (E, PP, B0, B3, B2, B5 and B6).

Nutritional composition of coffee and matcha

Caffeine content of matcha

Matcha’s cefein content is moderate, around 30-35 mg per spoonful of matcha tea powder. This amount may vary according to the concentration used. Although its caffeine content is more stable than that of coffee, matcha provides a more stable energy supply because the L-theanine it contains slows caffeine absorption, offering prolonged energy without the negative anxiety effects associated with excessive caffeine consumption.

Its bioavailability is influenced by the catechins and theanine components. As a result, it provides more stable, balanced energy than coffee, without causing sudden drops in energy or disrupting sleep. It can also promote metabolism, thermogenesis and lipolysis, helping to burn fat and improve physical performance.

Caffeine content of coffee

Caffeine is rapidly assimilated, peaking in the bloodstream about an hour after ingestion. In comparison, coffee has a much higher caffeine content, generally between 95 and 200 mg per cup, depending on the type of bean and preparation method. This high content can lead to a rapid peak in vitality, sometimes followed by a drop in energy. For some, this can lead to heightened anxiety, insomnia or heart palpitations, especially when several cups are consumed throughout the day.

How to prepare and consume these drinks ?

As responsible consumers, it is essential to understand the environmental impacts and ethical considerations associated with the consumption of coffee and matcha. These aspects mainly concern the cultivation, transport, processing and consumption of these products.

How to make a good cup of coffee ?

French press:

Simple and affordable, it involves infusing ground coffee in hot water, then filtering the mixture through a plunger. The result is a rich coffee that can be enhanced according to taste.

Moka coffee maker :

Traditional Italian method producing a strong coffee by passing steam through ground coffee. Although similar to espresso, it is generally served without foam.

Pour-Over :

A gentle technique that allows precise infusion control by pouring hot water over ground coffee, producing a light, aromatic coffee that’s perfect on its own or slightly sweetened.

Aero press :

A versatile method in which hot water is pressed through ground coffee, creating a concentrated, full-flavored coffee that can be adapted to various dilutions.

How to prepare Matcha tea ?

Matcha preparation varies according to the tools used, influencing its texture and taste. Explore the common method:

• Traditional method: Used in the Japanese tea ceremony, this technique involves whisking matcha with hot water for a frothy, umami-rich tea.
• Modern method: Adapted for contemporary drinks such as matcha latte, this involves blending matcha with various ingredients for a creamy, energizing drink.
• Culinary method: Incorporate matcha into a variety of recipes, enriching dishes and desserts with its color and benefits.

What are the environmental impacts and ethical considerations of matcha and coffee products ?

As responsible consumers, it is essential to understand the environmental impacts and ethical considerations associated with the consumption of coffee and matcha. These aspects mainly concern the cultivation, transport, processing and consumption of these products.

Coffee’s environmental impact and ethical considerations

Coffee, one of the world’s leading cash crops, presents significant environmental challenges. Coffee growing contributes to deforestation, soil exhaustion, water pollution, loss of biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions. Depending on the cultivation method, the impact varies: traditional shaded crops promote biodiversity and reduce erosion better than intensive monocultures. Coffee production also requires high water and fertilizer consumption, increasing pollution of waterways.

Transporting coffee over long distances generates CO2 emissions and significant energy consumption. What’s more, the coffee processing stages, such as roasting and grinding, are energy-intensive and generate waste. Even coffee consumption has its impact, depending on the machines, filters, cups and capsules used.

To mitigate these impacts, labels and certifications guarantee production that respects the environment, human rights and the social conditions of producers. Labels such as organic, fair trade, Rainforest Alliance, UTZ and Bird Friendly encourage sustainable practices. Consumers can also reduce their impact by choosing local coffees, using energy-efficient machines and reusable filters, and avoiding disposable capsules.

Matcha’s environmental impact and ethical considerations

Matcha, powdered green tea, also has environmental and ethical repercussions. Its cultivation requires water, energy and labor resources, which can have a negative impact on the environment and the producers’ living conditions. Matcha’s specific cultivation techniques can reduce carbon sequestration and impact biodiversity.

The transportation of matcha also contributes to CO2 emissions, given its predominantly Asian origin. Its processing is energy-intensive and generates waste. The use of matcha-specific utensils can also lead to waste.

Labels and certifications ensure that matcha respects environmental, social and cultural criteria. Certifications such as organic, fair trade, JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standard) and AB (Agriculture Biologique) encourage responsible practices. Consumers can reduce their footprint by choosing matcha from local sources, using traditional reusable utensils and avoiding plastic packaging.

Conclusion

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a beverage that offers energy, mental clarity and physical benefits, matcha is your best ally. With its multiple health benefits and environmentally-friendly production process, it surpasses coffee in terms of overall well-being.

Incorporating matcha into your daily routine can transform the way you live and work. A cup of matcha in the morning for a smooth start, and perhaps another in the afternoon for an extra dose of mental clarity. Discover for yourself the exceptional benefits of matcha and let this ancient beverage enrich your daily life.