Founder of HAIYATEA, Haiya Tarik, shares matcha health benefits, types, and recipes

Sponsored: Introducing HAIYATEA, a brand that stands at the forefront of the matcha revolution, offering a unique blend of quality, flavour, and expertise that sets it apart from the rest.

Founded by the passionate connoisseur Haiya Tarik, HAIYATEA has quickly gained recognition for its dedication to the art of matcha and its profound commitment to sharing the multitude of health benefits associated with this extraordinary beverage. In an exclusive interview, we explore the reasons behind matcha’s recent surge in popularity, delve into the health advantages it brings, and plenty more.

Could you tell us what inspired your decision to become a tea sommelier and how it has influenced your journey with HAIYATEA?

Becoming a tea sommelier was inspired by my lifelong love for tea and my curiosity to delve deeper into its history, culture, brewing techniques and production processes. It has been such an incredible journey, allowing me to expand my knowledge and passion, and as that happened, I realized that a very large chunk of the Dubai market needs to taste and understand what I’ve been deep-diving in, as tea has been an afterthought for many in this region for the longest time – until very recently.

The mission of HAIYATEA is simple: to share my expertise with others – whether they’re tea lovers or not – and help them discover the superior benefits and pleasure of drinking better tea (and matcha). This naturally extends to understanding tea and food pairings as well as the use of tea in other beverages. 

We take great pride in carefully curating and expertly crafting our range of teas, ensuring that they are of the highest quality available in today’s market. We’re all about creating a one-of-a-kind tea-drinking experience that can be enjoyed in the comfort of your own home or on-the-go, not just for tea enthusiasts of all levels but also for chefs who want a better understanding of the potential of this often-overlooked ingredient. I feel honoured and humbled by how well-received our mission has been by the Dubai community, and next, we hope to expand beyond the UAE.

What sets HAIYATEA apart from other brands?

At HAIYATEA, we take great pride in offering tea lovers something truly special. This brand was born purely out of a personal need for unique and high-quality teas I craved but simply couldn’t find in Dubai, and I figured surely there must be others out there like me who are seeking teas of superior quality but just need help sourcing them. Our matcha is sourced from Japan’s most quality-conscious tea-producing regions, ensuring the highest quality ceremonial-grade matcha. Each tea leaf is carefully hand-picked and expertly crafted to create an experience that we believe will delight even the most experienced tea connoisseur. With our signature blends and unique flavours, we have something for every level of tea lover, from newbie to expert. 

Can you share your insights on why matcha has gained such widespread popularity in recent years?

Matcha has become super popular in recent years because of its multitude of health benefits and its delicious flavour. The unique umami notes and mellow sweetness of matcha give it such a lovely taste, making it perfect on its own or as an addition to smoothies, lattes, or desserts. We absolutely love matcha and we find that those who do are very passionate about this unique beverage – it’s both an everyday treat and a staple for us that we truly look forward to on the daily.

What are the health benefits of matcha?

Matcha is amazing for your health! It’s packed with antioxidants and amino acids like L-theanine, which helps you relax without feeling sleepy. Plus, studies show that L-Theanine can improve focus and cognitive performance, perfect for staying sharp for long periods and that’s not all – matcha can boost your immune system, support healthy blood pressure, aid digestion, and even reduce stress. It also provides caffeine that is released consistently, thus increasing energy without the coffee jitters or crashes. Matcha is a game-changer!

For those interested in making the best matcha at home, what tips or secrets can you share?

If you’re looking to make a good cup of matcha at home, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you’re using high-quality, Ceremonial or Beverage Grade matcha that are specifically made for drinking. You don’t want to use the kind that’s meant for baking or cooking. Because matcha is such a high-quality tea, it is also very susceptible to becoming overly bitter if the water temperature is too high, so we highly recommend investing in a temperature-calibrated kettle that’ll allow you to easily set the temperature to heat at a recommended 55-70 degrees celsius.

Also, we highly recommend a sieve to break up any clumps and a matcha whisk made in Japan (called a Chasen) to create a smooth, frothy texture. Using spring water or high-quality bottled water such as Antipodes or Monviso will give you the best result. For those who really want to get technical, perfecting your chosen technique will improve your result – we recommend a swift but light-handed ‘M’ or ‘Z’ shaped whisk motion that just barely touches the bottom of the bowl. 

How to differentiate the different qualities of matcha?

The quality of your matcha makes all the difference in its flavour and nutritional benefits. The difference in the vibrance of the green colour, the finesse of the texture, and the umami and subtle sweetness or lack thereof in the flavour are all key indicators of the quality of matcha you might have on hand. 

The highest grade, called “Ceremonial Grade” matcha, is made with the finest and youngest tea leaves shaded for 3 weeks from the First / Spring harvest. It has a vibrant, emerald green colour and a smooth texture with a subtle sweetness, and a  pleasantly vegetal and umami flavour that makes it perfect for enjoying on its own. A mixture of Spring and Summer harvest is often used for beverages like lattes or concoctions. On the other hand, lower grades of matcha are unshaded, more bitter in taste, and have a coarser texture. These are usually better for baking or cooking.

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