A Recap of the Aiya Matcha Masterclass
If you’ve been seeing a lot of posts on matcha lately, know that it was for a good reason. It was incredible to be part of the launch campaign for Aiya Matcha, one of Japan’s oldest and most respected suppliers of ceremonial-grade matcha. The experience included participating in a matcha masterclass to introduce Aiya’s ceremonial-grade matcha to the industry and new enthusiasts — an event that will be remembered for a long time.
I’ve noticed a lot of curiosity about matcha, though many lack a full understanding of it. Like coffee, matcha can be polarizing at first. Those new to matcha often find it earthy, somewhat bitter, and even slightly reminiscent of the sea. However, as I’ve mentioned before, just like coffee, quality makes all the difference. High-grade matcha reveals a whole new world of flavor and enjoyment.
A Recap of the Aiya Matcha Masterclass
The masterclass would not have been possible without the collaboration of key partners: Aiya, the renowned matcha supplier; Victoria Arduino, known for their high-quality coffee equipment; and Alpro, which provided plant-based milk options that complemented the matcha perfectly. Experts Antonio Orria, Damian Burgess, and Merijn Gijsbers hosted the event, guiding attendees through the world of matcha and unveiling the art and science behind this iconic drink.
A Journey Through Matcha’s History
The class began with a deep dive into matcha’s history, tracing its journey over a thousand years from ancient China to Japan, where it was refined into the ceremonial drink we know today. Buddhist monks brought this powdered tea to Japan in the 12th century, and Japan eventually began cultivating its own tea, developing unique growing techniques to enhance flavor and quality.
One defining aspect of matcha’s production is the use of tencha, shade-grown leaves carefully harvested to retain their vibrant color and high nutrient concentration. Grinding tencha into matcha powder is an intricate, labor-intensive process that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Using traditional stone mills, the leaves are ground slowly to preserve their delicate flavors and nutrients.
Why is Matcha Good for You?
Matcha’s bright green color isn’t just appealing; it signals its high quality and nutrient richness. Made from carefully selected tea leaves, ceremonial-grade matcha has a smooth taste and numerous health benefits. Unlike regular tea, where leaves are steeped, matcha allows you to consume the entire leaf, providing a greater nutritional boost.
Packed with antioxidants, matcha fights free radicals, supports heart health, and even contains cancer-fighting properties. Its rich chlorophyll content acts as a natural detoxifier, helping cleanse the body of toxins. On top of that, matcha provides steady, focused energy thanks to its unique combination of caffeine and L-theanine, a compound that promotes calmness and concentration.
While both matcha and coffee contain caffeine, they offer different experiences. Matcha’s caffeine releases slowly, offering a smooth, sustained energy boost without the crash that coffee can sometimes bring. Today, matcha’s popularity is global, celebrated for its unique taste, vibrant color, and health benefits.
The Difference Ceremonial-Grade Matcha Makes
Not all matcha is created equal. Ceremonial-grade matcha is made from the youngest, most tender leaves, giving it a rich green color, smooth texture, and slightly sweet taste. Aiya is certified by the Japanese Agricultural Standards (JAS), adhering to strict quality standards that make it ideal for pure enjoyment. A quick milling test revealed the quality of the matcha used: the greener and creamier the powder, the higher the grade. Seeing how quality directly impacts taste and texture was impressive.
Matcha in Lattes: A Hands-On Challenge
This session highlighted the challenge that baristas often face when scrambling to whisk and prepare ceremonial-grade matcha for lattes. Aiya’s Matcha Latte mix offers a solution for cafes handling hundreds of these orders. Antonio cleverly used the Easy Cream function of the Eagle Tempo to prepare two delicious drinks in about 15 seconds.
Matcha Beverage Challenge
The highlight and finale of the event was a matcha beverage challenge. Trainers handed the floor to the attendees, who formed teams to craft their own drinks using Aiya matcha, Alpro’s plant-based milk, and other ingredients. The creativity and enthusiasm were inspiring, showcasing how active and eager the coffee community is about learning.
With brands like Aiya reshaping the matcha experience, there’s never been a better time to explore this vibrant world of tea. Matcha offers depth, culture, and health benefits that make it just as fascinating as specialty coffee. The masterclass was met with great enthusiasm and sparked new appreciation for matcha among everyone who attended!
Aiya and Victoria Arduino at Gulfood:
Both companies will be present at Gulfood, taking place from November 5-7, 2024.
Aiya’s team will fly in from Europe and Japan to host live demonstrations at their booth, similar to the experience offered at the masterclass.
Victoria Arduino, meanwhile, is the official sponsor of The Coffee Experience Lab at GulfHost. Innovations like the VIS – Virtual Intelligent Scale for precise dosing and PBtech for balanced extractions are designed to help baristas elevate their craft while reducing waste.
