Grinding tea

Types of Grinding Tea

Grinding tea refers to the method of processing tea leaves to obtain the desired form of teas, be they whole leaves or powdered. Each of these types of tea grinding results in different teas with unique flavours, aromas, colours, and health benefits.

• Matcha

  Matcha is a type of powdered green tea that has gained huge popularity worldwide due to its vibrant green colour and numerous health advantages. Since it is in powdered form, it can also be used in lattes, smoothies, baking, and other dishes. Matcha green tea provides the body with antioxidants, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals.

• Stone Grinding

  Matcha is traditionally ground using a stone mill for very fine powder. This is a very gentle and slow process that helps preserve the nutrients in the leaves. The fine texture of stone-ground tea is smooth and silky, providing a richer taste in the tea.

• Hammer milling

  Hammer milling uses a mechanical grinder to produce powdered tea. The process is fast and efficient, but it generates heat, which can reduce the quality of the tea. The powder produced is coarse compared to stone ground.

• Ball mill

  A ball mill uses hardened steel balls to crush and grind the tea leaves into a fine powder. This method is also efficient but less commonly used due to the specialized equipment required.

• Cylindrical mils

  Cylindrical mills similar to ball mills, grind tea leaves using rollers and a milling chamber to produce a fine powder. This method is also rarely used for making tea due to its complicated setup.

How To Use Grinding Tea

Tea grinding tools and equipment are used in different tea preparation methods to achieve various results in taste, colour, and health benefits.

• Grinding for brewing

  The leaves can be coarsely ground to increase the surface area and improve the tea extraction process when steeped in hot water. This leads to a more flavourful and aromatic tea.

• Grinding for matcha

  The green tea leaves are ground into a fine powder using a stone mill or other grinding tool. The ground powder is then whisked with water to make a frothy, deep green Matcha tea.

• Grinding for chai tea blend

  Assorted black tea leaves are coarsely ground and blended with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and clove. Hot milk or boiling water is poured over the mixture to extract the flavours.

• Grinding for tea extracts

  Black and green tea leaves are ground into a fine powder and mixed with solvents like alcohol or water to make teas that can be concentrated for quick consumption.

• Grinding for tea capsules

  Green and black teas are ground into fine powder and packed into capsules with fillers like ashwagandha and ginseng. These capsules are easy to take and provide the benefits of the teas.

• Grinding for topical applications

  Green and herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint can be ground into a paste with other ingredients like coconut oil or aloe vera. The paste can be applied to the skin for tea facials with potential skin benefits.

Benefits of Grinding Tea

Grinding teas have different positive benefits, be they health-related, aesthetic, or even psychological. Some of these benefits include:

• Health benefits

  Teas are commonly consumed for their health benefits. For example, green tea contains EGCG, a powerful antioxidant that is thought to help in weight reduction, improve brain functions, and reduce the risk of cancer.

• Skin care

  Tea, especially herbal tea like chamomile and peppermint, has astringent properties that can help reduce inflammation, soothe irritated skin, and promote a healthy glow.

• Detoxification

  Both green and black teas are reputed to assist the body in detoxing and eliminating toxins, which may aid in purifying the body and supporting the immune system.

• A weight reduction aid

  Green tea, especially when combined with other ingredients like ginger and turmeric, is often used in Ayurvedic medicine for weight loss due to its purported ability to boost metabolism.

• Stress relief and relaxation

  Many teas like chamomile and peppermint are consumed for their ability to calm and relax the mind, reducing stress and promoting mental wellness.

• Boosts energy

  Some teas, particularly black and green tea, can provide a gentle energy boost due to their caffeine content, which can help enhance physical and mental performance.

How to Store Grinding Tea

Properly storing ground tea is vital to preserve its freshness, flavour, and nutritional goodness. Below are guidelines of how to store various grinding teas:

• Store in an airtight container

  Store Matcha powder in a properly sealed tin or container to minimize exposure to air. For other powdered teas, use an airtight jar or container.

• Keep in a cool, dark place

  Store ground tea in a cool, shaded location away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. A pantry or cupboard works well for this purpose.

• Use desiccants

  Add food-grade silica gel or a similar desiccant to the container to help absorb any residual moisture. This is especially important in humid environments.

• Avoid fluctuating temperatures

  Store the ground tea in a place where the temperature remains consistently low. Fluctuations in temperature can cause condensation inside the container, leading to spoilage.

• Separate from strong odors

  Avoid storing ground tea near spices, coffee, or other strong-smelling foods. Tea is highly absorbent and can take in foreign odours, which will alter its original fragrance and flavour.

• Refrigeration precautions

  Refrigerating ground tea may be beneficial in some cases, like with Matcha, but be sure to store it in a truly airtight container. Regular exposure to cold can cause moisture to enter the container.

Q&A

Can you grind regular tea leaves to make matcha?

No. Only specially grown and processed tea leaves called tencha are used to make Matcha. These leaves are shade-grown and hand-picked to produce a higher quality Match tea. Other types of tea cannot be used to make Matcha.

Can I use a regular coffee grinder to grind tea leaves?

Yes, a coffee grinder can be used to grind tea leaves, but be sure to clean it thoroughly to avoid mixing flavours. Use a burr grinder for best results because it provides a more even grind than blade-style grinders.

Can grinding tea leaves too finely affect the taste?

Grinding tea leaves too finely can make the tea taste bitter, especially for delicate greens. Coarse grind is better for steeping, while fine grind is best for whisked drinks like Matcha.

How does grinding tea leaves affect its health benefits?

Grinding tea leaves increases surface area available for extraction, which may make more nutrients like antioxidants and caffeine available, enhancing health benefits. Matcha provides more nutrients because the whole leaf, finely ground, is consumed.

Is there a difference between stone grinding and other grinding methods?

Stone grinding is gentler and slower, preserving more nutrients and producing a fine, silky powder. Other methods like hammer milling are faster but generate heat, possibly degrading the leaves’ quality.