Why in News?
An Assam tea estate, Chota Tingrai Tea Estate in Tinsukia district, has produced and sold India’s first commercially produced matcha tea at the Guwahati Tea Auction Centre, marking India’s entry into the premium global matcha market.
What is Matcha?
- Matcha is a finely powdered green tea made from specially cultivated shade-grown leaves of Camellia sinensis.
- Unlike conventional green tea, where leaves are steeped and discarded, the entire powdered leaf is consumed, providing higher nutritional benefits.
How is Matcha Produced?
- Tea plants are shaded for 3 to 4 weeks before harvest.
- Around 90% of sunlight is blocked, resulting in:
- Increased chlorophyll content (bright green colour).
- Higher L-theanine (amino acid) levels.
- Enhanced antioxidants and natural caffeine.
- Young leaves are Steamed to prevent oxidation, Dried, De-stemmed and de-veined, Stone-ground into a fine green powder.
How is Matcha Different from Green Tea?
- Matcha uses shade-grown tea leaves, whereas ordinary green tea is generally grown under normal sunlight.
- In matcha, the entire powdered leaf is consumed, while in green tea the leaves are steeped in water and then discarded.
- Matcha contains higher levels of chlorophyll, antioxidants, L-theanine, and natural caffeine.
- It has a rich umami flavour and vibrant green colour.
[2022] With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:
1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
4. The Board has overseas office at Dubai and Moscow.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[A] 1 and 3
[B] 2 and 4
[C] 3 and 4
[D] 1 and 4