Exploring the Cultural Rituals of Matcha Consumption

This chapter explores the Western perception of matcha and its drinking culture, highlighting skepticism about its marketing. The discussion emphasizes traditional preparation methods and the calming rituals associated with matcha, contrasting them with the quick-serving trend seen in iced matcha lattes.

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Is matcha the ultimate coffee alternative, or just another wellness fad? In this episode, Andrew Kojima - aka Chef Koj - an expert in Japanese cuisine, and Professor Tim Spector, a world-leading scientist in nutrition and gut health, explore whether matcha is truly a healthier choice than coffee.

Chef Koj explains the rich history behind matcha, its role in Japanese culture, and why it has become a global wellness trend. Tim breaks down the latest science on matcha’s impact on metabolism, brain function, and gut health, comparing its effects to those of coffee.

For listeners curious about incorporating matcha into their daily routine, this episode includes a practical guide on how to prepare matcha properly. Koj demonstrates the traditional method of whisking matcha and shares tips on avoiding common mistakes. For those new to matcha, he also explains how to make a simple and delicious matcha latte for beginners.

The episode concludes with a tasting of Koj’s matcha custard dessert, showing how matcha’s umami-rich flavor can be used in unexpected ways. Could matcha actually help curb sugar cravings and build a taste for more complex flavors?

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Timecodes

00:00 Healthier than coffee?

02:15 Listener questions

03:17 What is matcha?

05:59 The same as green tea?

09:33 History of matcha

10:20 Industry marketing tricks

11:55 Why the west loves coffee

12:55 Does matcha make you alert?