This post is in partnership with Jade Leaf Matcha.

Matcha may have been around for centuries as a ceremonial drink but today everyone is sipping on the traditional green tea. And who can blame them? Whether you have it iced or as a foamy hot latte, Matcha is so much more than just a delicious beverage, the health benefits of this tasty tea are far and wide (and scientifically proven).

But don’t take our word for it. We took five with a Jade Leaf Matcha expert on the health benefits of Matcha (along with a few simple recipes) so you can start reaping the benefits at home, too.

And as an exclusive for our Create & Cultivate fam, Jade Leaf Matcha is offering a unique code for $10 off towards any order. Simply use the code SFCULTIVATE when you checkout at jadeleafmatcha.com.

**Photo:** Smithhouse Photo for Create & Cultivate

Why is Matcha so good for you?

"Matcha is one of the most concentrated sources of antioxidants on the planet. These compounds help fend off free radicals, the molecules that nutritionists believe are responsible for accelerated aging, tissue damage, and inflammatory issues, which are highlighted in the scientific study linked above. Additionally, one antioxidant found in matcha, EGCG, has been shown to help support metabolism and aid in weight loss.“

“As far as energy, the unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha provides a calm yet alert feeling. Unlike the jittery buzz of coffee, many report feeling a better sense of focus. Matcha is also rich in fiber, chlorophyll, and vitamins, for a more balanced diet. Additionally, matcha blends wonderfully with other functional ingredients, like collagen, medicinal mushrooms, or even probiotics, for all-around health and wellness.”

How much caffeine does matcha have compared to coffee? And does this affect how much you should drink?

“Jade Leaf Matcha products on average contain 20 to 40mg of caffeine per serving, while one cup of coffee averages 70 to 140mg of caffeine. The amount of caffeine you’d like to consume completely depends on the person, however matcha drinkers can typically enjoy two to three cups per day without worrying about crashing or getting the jitters.”

Is Matcha better for you than coffee?

“Matcha has multiple benefits over coffee. It provides a calmer, more focused energy thanks to the unique combination of caffeine and l-theanine found in green tea leaves... no crash or jitters! On top of that, you get antioxidants, amino acids, chlorophyll, fiber, and other vitamins so you can feel good about each cup of matcha you drink.”

Matcha has been around for centuries, but why do you think it is so big in the West now?

“Thanks to brands like Jade Leaf, matcha has become much more accessible to consumers. We made it our mission to provide farm-direct, organic Japanese matcha at an affordable price point, so our customers are able to obtain a high-quality product without breaking the bank. Plus, with new and innovative products like our Latte Infusions, Fruit Bites, and Smoothie Boosters, consumers are offered an array of options to fit their dietary and lifestyle needs.”

What is the best way to drink Matcha?

“There’s no wrong way to enjoy matcha, but certainly the most popular preparation is the matcha latte. It’s easier than most people think to simply mix up a matcha shot—one teaspoon of matcha and 2 oz of water—then add it to your favorite milk, hot or cold (we like almond or oat). For lattes, we recommend our Barista Edition Cafe Matcha, which we crafted specifically for a flavorful yet smooth taste. Simple as that. If you enjoy your matcha a little bit more on the sweeter side, feel free to add one teaspoon of honey or your favorite sweetener.”

Can you share a few recipes so we can make the dreamy drink at home?

“Of course! We really love these four iced matcha latte offerings that we served during the Create & Cultivate SF Conference. Feel free to give each iced matcha latte a try and be sure to tell us which one is your fave. If you’re in the mood for some matcha with a kick, check out this Matcha Creeper Cocktail. Not only does this spooky cocktail creep up on you, but add it to any orange cup and it is the perfect drink for any Halloween-themed party.”

What was your secret to the tasty beverages that were served at Create & Cultivate SF?

“Our secret is actually quite simple—we used our Barista Edition Cafe Matcha. Flavorful first harvest tea leaves sourced directly from Jade Leaf Matcha's partner farms in Uji and Kagoshima, Japan, were chosen for Jade Leaf Matcha's Barista Edition matcha. This smooth, delicious grade is crafted especially for exceptional lattes and iced drinks and is preferred by baristas and expert chefs alike. Each sip is made with 100% USDA Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder, which packs a powerful punch of antioxidants in each vegan, gluten-free and all-natural cup. The attendees loved this matcha concoction, and you can purchase this matcha on the Jade Leaf Matcha website or Amazon for $17.95.”

Anything else you’d like to add?

“We recently launched a new line of Matcha Smoothie Boosters on September 25th. Available in five varieties: Pure Matcha, Matcha Collagen, Matcha Supergreens, Matcha Mushrooms and Matcha Probiotics, each booster blends functional ingredients and adaptogens into premium USDA certified organic Japanese matcha, providing green tea nutrients and calm, focused energy for an elevated smoothie beverage. We’re so excited about all of our new product offerings, as we truly put so matcha passion and thought into each new innovation. We cannot wait to hear your thoughts. So matcha goodness awaits.”

Shop some of our favorite Jade Leaf Matcha products below: