Presto! Instant Tea, Matcha, and RTD: Exploring Non-Traditional Ways to Drink Tea

Tea is a popular beverage enjoyed by millions of people worldwide. However, the traditional method of brewing tea using leaves is not always practical, especially for those on-the-go. In this lesson, we will explore non-traditional ways to drink tea, including instant tea, matcha, and ready-to-drink (RTD) tea.

Instant Tea: Convenient but Different from Real Tea

Instant tea is a popular alternative to traditional tea brewing methods. It is widely available in supermarkets and claims to instantly turn powder into tea with the addition of water. However, most instant teas do not contain real tea leaves but rather tea extract, sugar, flavorings, coloring agents, and anti-caking agents. Despite this, instant tea remains popular and is usually consumed cold. The convenience it offers makes it an attractive option for people who want a quick and easy way to enjoy tea.

Matcha: A High-Quality Powdered Green Tea

Matcha is a powdered green tea from Japan that is stone-ground from shade-grown tea leaves. The finest grades of matcha powder are used in the Japanese tea ceremony, where hot water is added, and the tea is whisked into a thick froth using a bamboo whisk. Matcha has a smooth and slightly sweet green flavor, but it tends to be expensive due to the amount of labor involved in bringing it to market. Unlike regular green tea, matcha is derived from the same leaves that go into making Gyokuro, a green tea grown under shade three weeks before harvest. The tencha produced from the Gyokuro leaves is further refined by grinding, traditionally on a stone mill, resulting in matcha.

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Tea: The New Trend in Tea Industry

Ready-to-drink (RTD) tea, also known as bottled tea, was once viewed as the stepchild of big cola companies, thoroughly infused with their mass-production ethos. However, a new trend is emerging from the creative folks of the tea industry. Some true tea-loving companies are introducing innovative bottling methods, making great teas available without unnecessary preservatives and without covering the lack of quality tea with an overabundance of sugar or flavorings. RTD tea is convenient and an excellent option for those who want to enjoy tea without brewing it themselves.

Conclusion: Instant Tea, Matcha, and RTD Tea Offer Convenience and Quality

In conclusion, non-traditional ways of drinking tea such as instant tea, matcha, and RTD tea offer convenience and quality. While instant tea may not contain real tea leaves, it remains a popular option. Matcha, on the other hand, is a high-quality powdered green tea that is more expensive due to the amount of labor involved in its production. RTD tea, once viewed as inferior, is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity, thanks to innovative bottling methods that preserve the quality of the tea. Whether you’re on-the-go or simply want to try something new, there is an instant tea, matcha, or RTD tea that will suit your taste and preferences.