BLOG #33:L-Theanine in Matcha

L-Theanine in Matcha

Matcha from Hug the Tea is rich in amino acids and 1 of those amino acids is L-Theanine. This amino acid has a stress-reducing effect. Matcha comes from the Camelia sinensis tea plant and green tea contains many amino acids. Matcha is made from ground green tea leaves so in this way the entire tea leaf can be drunk and all good substances are absorbed into the body.

Which Matcha quality is highest in L-theanine?

Ceremonial Matcha from Hug the Tea is highest in L-Theanine, because this quality Matcha has grown the longest in the shade and has received as little sunlight as possible (Theanine is an L-glutamate analogue and a non-protein amino acid). When tea leaves are protected from direct sunlight, their amino acid content, especially theanine, remains high because the hydration of theanine used in the biosynthesis of catechin is reduced. Traditional Matcha grows in the shade for at least 3 weeks. In this way, the tea leaves, from which matcha is made (tencha), have enough time to make amino acids.

Taste of L-theanine

Amino acids such as L-theanine give Matcha the following taste: sweet and umami.
A good quality Matcha can, among other things, be recognized by this. A higher level of amino acids indicates a higher level of “umami” ingredients.

Quantity of L-Theanine in Matcha

L-Theanine has a stress-reducing effect. The stress-reducing effect of theanine, on the other hand, is enhanced by arginine (Arg), the second most common amino acid in Japanese green tea. Green tea is the most popular beverage in Asian countries. Drinking Matcha (most green green tea) contributes to health. Ceremonial Matcha from Hug the Tea contains 38 mg per 1g (1 cup of Matcha). The FDA advises not to take more than 1200 mg L-Theanine per day.