Matcha Shortage Drives Tea Lovers to Explore New Flavours
A worldwide shortage of matcha has hit tea lovers hard, with high demand and poor harvests leaving shelves bare. But fear not, tea enthusiasts! This setback may just open the door to a world of new flavours and rediscoveries.
The shortage is primarily due to a hot, dry summer in Japan, which significantly reduced this year's matcha harvest. Droughts in Taiwan have also played a part in the scarcity. Meanwhile, global demand for matcha has skyrocketed, fuelled in part by social media platforms like TikTok. Less than 10% of Japan's green tea production was turned into matcha this year, further exacerbating the shortage.
While matcha fans may be disappointed, this is an opportune moment to explore alternative teas. Taiwanese high mountain oolongs, for instance, offer a gentler experience than green teas and are rich in antioxidants. For those craving matcha's unique taste, powdered sencha is a more readily available alternative. Whole leaf teas like gyokuro, karigane, and kabusecha can also satisfy matcha cravings while providing health benefits. For those seeking caffeine-free options, mulberry leaf powder is a mild and refreshing choice. Hojicha, a roasted green tea, offers a warm, nutty flavour with less caffeine, while genmaicha, a blend of green tea and roasted rice, provides a mild taste with moderate caffeine levels.
The matcha shortage may be a temporary inconvenience, but it's also an invitation to broaden our tea horizons. With a wide array of alternatives, each with its unique flavour profile and health benefits, there's no shortage of delightful discoveries to be made in the world of tea.
Read also:
- Development of Restaurant Apps: Expenses and Essential Elements
- European transportation's sustainability and competitiveness rely on a "green industrial agreement" that serves the interests of both corporations and residents, as discussed in an Editorial from August 2024.
- Germany's Auto Production Plunges 29% as Production Shifts East
- Karyn Coates Named ASI's Executive Director for LogoMall, Affiliate Relations, and Membership Information
