I have been in the business of tea since 2001, so I really know the ins and outs of tea. Sometimes, I forget that not everyone is familiar with microground tea, its incredible health benefits, or the fact that you can microgrind more than just green tea. At Domo Tea, we offer black microground tea and microground rooibos, which are just as versatile and nutrient-packed. But keep your eyes open for tea extracts—some competitors use those instead because they’re a fraction of the price, though they don’t deliver the same quality or benefits as real microground tea.
What is Microground tea?
Microground tea is a finely powdered form of tea where the entire tea leaf is ground into a fine, consumable powder. Unlike regular tea, where only water-soluble compounds are extracted during steeping, microground tea ensures you consume the whole leaf, maximizing its nutritional benefits
How Is Microground Tea Processed?
The process of making microground tea is meticulous and designed to preserve the natural compounds of the tea leaf. Here’s an overview:
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Harvesting
- High-quality tea leaves are selected, typically from specific tea cultivars known for their flavor and nutrient profile. For example:
- Matcha: Made from shade-grown green tea leaves, typically from the Camellia sinensis plant.
- Rooibos or Herbal Teas: Harvested from plants like Aspalathus linearis (rooibos) or other herbal sources.
- High-quality tea leaves are selected, typically from specific tea cultivars known for their flavor and nutrient profile. For example:
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Preparation
- Tea leaves are steamed or dried immediately after harvesting to halt oxidation.
- Green tea (e.g., matcha): Steamed to lock in chlorophyll and vibrant green color.
- Other teas: May be dried or lightly oxidized depending on the desired flavor and tea type.
- Tea leaves are steamed or dried immediately after harvesting to halt oxidation.
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De-stemming and De-veining
- The stems and veins of the leaves are removed, leaving only the soft, nutrient-rich parts of the leaf.
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Grinding
- The leaves are stone-ground or pulverized into a fine powder using specialized equipment.
- Traditional stone grinding is used for premium teas like matcha. It’s slow but preserves the flavor and nutrients.
- Modern milling machines may be used for other teas, ensuring a fine, consistent powder.
- The leaves are stone-ground or pulverized into a fine powder using specialized equipment.
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Quality Control and Packaging
- The final powder is sifted for uniform texture, then sealed in airtight containers to preserve its freshness and potency.
Why Microground Tea Is a Superfood
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Nutritional Density
Because you consume the whole tea leaf, microground tea delivers a concentrated dose of:- Antioxidants: Polyphenols, EGCG (in green tea), and flavonoids fight oxidative stress and inflammation.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamins A, C, E, and potassium, among others.
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Boosts Energy and Focus
- The caffeine and L-theanine content promote sustained energy and mental clarity without jitters, making it ideal for focus and relaxation.
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Detoxifying Properties
- The whole-leaf form is rich in chlorophyll, especially in green teas like matcha, which supports liver detoxification and removal of toxins.
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Immune Support
- Microground teas like rooibos and matcha contain immune-boosting compounds such as catechins, aspalathin, and quercetin.
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Supports Metabolism
- Microground green tea, in particular, enhances fat oxidation and calorie burning, making it a popular choice for weight management.
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Versatility
- Microground tea isn’t limited to beverages—it’s a superfood ingredient for smoothies, lattes, baked goods, and even savory dishes.
Conclusion
Microground tea combines the health benefits of whole-leaf consumption with the convenience of a finely powdered superfood. Its careful processing preserves its nutrients, making it a versatile and nutrient-rich choice for enhancing wellness.