MAGAZINE

Sorate has long been friends with Dr. Yukihiko Hara, one of the world's leading experts on the health aspects of the tea plant and the importance of regular consumption of green tea.

Tea is made from the tea plant Camellia sinensis, and tea leaves contain large amounts of polyphenols, most of which are flavonoids from the catechin family. These polyphenols polymerize after the leaves are harvested, resulting in the black tea known in the West. However, if the leaves are heated briefly immediately after harvest, the polyphenol oxidase enzyme is inactivated, no polymers are formed, and the tea leaves remain green.

Dr. Hara's research has shown that green tea polyphenols have antibacterial, anticariogenic, and antiviral effects; prevent cancer, lower lipid and glucose concentrations, and lower blood pressure.

Dr. Hara considers green tea a panacea: he explains that the tea's polyphenols "miraculously help maintain good health," and that from an early age he was “firmly determined [to] do every possible experiment in order to prove the theory that catechins are responsible for the health benefits of tea.”

Sorate's founder Silvia Mella and Dr. Yukihiko Hara in Tokyo

In Japan, rabbits represent fortune, moving forward and cleverness, but they are also messengers for the kami (gods).

What Will the Year of the Water Rabbit Bring?

According to Chinese astrology, the rabbit symbolizes patience and luck. the year 2023 will bring qualities that may have been lacking in the past year, such as peace and success. We expect this year to be less dramatic and turbulent than the last year of the Tiger.

The Year of the Rabbit will have a positive influence on people who are impulsive or unrealistic, as they become more prudent and practical. Therefore, it is an excellent time to make important decisions and carefully think through your options so that you have the best chance of achieving your goals and carrying out your plans.

The Japanese zodiac (Juunishi) is divided into 12 blocks with each block containing a group of years.

Rat (nezumi)

Born 2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948, 1936, 1924, 1912. People born in the year of the Rat are charming, honest, ambitious, and have a tremendous capacity for pursuing a course to its end. They will work hard for their goals. They are easily angered but maintain an outward show of control.

Ox (ushi)

Born 2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949, 1937, 1925, 1913. People born in the year of the Ox are patient, mentally alert and when required to speak are skillful. They have a gift for inspiring confidence in others. This allows them to achieve a great deal of success.

Tiger (tora)

Born 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950, 1938, 1926, 1914. People born in the year of the Tiger are sensitive, stubborn, short-tempered, courageous, selfish and slightly mean ... yet they are deep thinkers and are capable of great sympathy for those they are close to and love.

Rabbit (usagi)

Born 1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939, 1927, 1915. People born in the year of the Rabbit are the most fortunate. They are smooth talkers, talented, ambitious, virtuous and reserved. They have exceedingly fine taste and are regarded with admiration and trust.

Dragon (tatsu)

Born 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940, 1928, 1916. People born in the year of the Dragon are healthy, energetic, excitable, short-tempered and stubborn. However, they are honest, sensitive, brave and can inspire trust in most anyone. They are the most peculiar of the 12 signs of the Zodiac cycle.

Snake (hebi)

Born 2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941, 1929, 1917. People born in the year of the Snake are deep thinkers, speak very little and possess tremendous wisdom. They are fortunate in money matters and will always be able to obtain it. They are determined in what they do and hate to fail.

Horse (uma)

Born 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930, 1918, 1906. People born in the year of the Horse are skillful in paying compliments and talk too much. They are skillful with money and handle finances well. They are quick thinkers, wise and talented. Horse people anger easily and are very impatient.

Sheep (hitsuji)

Born 2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943, 1931, 1919, 1907. People born in the year of the Sheep are elegant, highly accomplished in the arts, passionate about nature. At first glance, they seem to be better off than the people born in other years. They are deeply religious and passionate in whatever they do and believe in.

Monkey (saru)

Born 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944, 1932, 1920, 1908. People born in the year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the Zodiac cycle. They are clever and skillful in grand-scale operations and are smart when making financial deals. They are inventive, original and are able to solve the most difficult problems with ease.

Rooster (tori)

Born 2005, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, 1933, 1921, 1909. People born in the year of the Rooster are deep thinkers and are always busy and devoted to their work. They always want to do more than they are able, and if they undertake a task beyond their abilities, they are disappointed. Rooster people have a habit of speaking out directly whenever they have something on their minds.

Dog (inu)

Born 2006, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946, 1934, 1922, 1910. People born in the year of the Dog have all the fine qualities of human nature. They have a sense of duty and loyalty, they are extremely honest and always do their best in their relationship with other people. Dog people inspire confidence in others and know how to keep secrets.

Boar (inoshishi)

Born 2007, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947, 1935, 1923, 1911. People born in the year of the Boar are brave. They have tremendous inner strength which no one can overcome. They display great honesty. They are short-tempered, yet hate to quarrel or have arguments. They are affectionate and kind to their loved ones.

1. Sift matcha into a cup

🌱 2 g (0.07 oz) = 1 level teaspoon of Ceremonial Grade Matcha

2. Add warm milk

🥛 1 1/2 inches

3. Whisk

🌀 3 seconds with Sorate Electric Whisk until foam is formed

4. More Milk

🥛 Pour the rest of warm milk

🍵 Enjoy! 🍵 

 

SHOP MATCHA KIT

 

After the holidays, we all ate too much sweets, rich and fatty foods, and maybe drank a few too many cocktails.
In addition, many of us were traveling or recovering from the inevitable colds and flu of the season.
All of this combined makes us feel tired, irritable, achy and often overweight.

So are we ready for a detox?

Doctor Dean Ornish recommends green tea and matcha as natural detoxifiers.
In fact, these drinks help eliminate excess triglycerides and bad cholesterol, cleanse the blood and improve the overall condition of the heart and liver.
Besides, green tea and matcha have a slimming rate 17% higher than other teas.

TRY THE DETOX PLAN

Dear Sorate's Friends,

The art of tea, as it is known in Japan, is still considered a social event and an important mindfulness exercise: when the senses are relaxed, alert, and receptive, the demons of chaos and destruction seem less threatening.
What better way to unite and strengthen a family or community than to share a cup of tea?

Japanese history, art and cultural complexity can be summed up in a single gesture: the Tea Ceremony.

On the surface, this condensation might symbolize Japan's current international reputation for making things small, and yet what is projected is not a mere miniaturization of action and spirit, but rather a concentration of heritage and esthetic values in an intricate symphony of movement, and the Tea itself produces an apotheosis of spiritual and artistic expression.

There are 4 spiritual and artistic components essential to the world of tea: Harmony ("wa"), Reverence ("kei"), Purity ("sei"), and tranquility ("jaku").

Aren't we always striving to incorporate these 4 components into our daily lives?

Approximately 70% of New Year's resolutions are about being healthier, eating better, moving more, and stress less. Yes the majority of us slip back into old habits. Most people blame their failure to fulfill resolutions on a lack of time, resources, or motivation. But as the saying goes, you will never find time for anything. If you want time, you must make it. 

Thank you for being part of our community this year, and I am very grateful for your support and trust!

Also in 2023, I would like to invite you to join me in cultivating healthy habits, yet simple habits.

Stay tuned for exciting news and collaborations that we'll share with you in the coming year.

I wish you all an Healthy and Happy New Year!

Silvia Mella

INGREDIENTS for 40 cookies

• 100g FLOUR
• 100g ALMOND FLOUR
• 2 teaspoons MATCHA. POWDER. We recommend our HOUSE MATCHA
• 4 tbs OLIVE OIL or SESAME OIL
• 1 tbs SOY MILK
• 4 tbs SUGAR
• A pinch of SALT

PREPARATION

First of all, preheat oven at 180C/356F.

1. Wet ingredients: Place a bowl on the scale, measure oil, soy milk, sugar, and salt.
2. Mix: Mix them well with a spatula.
3. Dry ingredients: Measure flour, almond flour, and matcha powder.
4. Mix: Mix them well with a spatula.
5. Make the dough: Use your hand to mix the dough. It's easier to use your hand as the dough is dry and does not stick together.
6. Roll out the dough: Roll out the cookie dough to a thickness of 0.5cm or your desired level.
7. Cut out: Cut out shapes and place them on a silicone mat. 
8. Bake: Place a silicone mat on a baking tray and bake for 15 minutes at 180C/356F.

Enjoy!

 

BUY MATCHA

INGRENDIENTS

. 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or all-purpose flour)
. 3 large eggs
. 1 1/2 cups milk of choice.
. 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
. 1/2 tsp Old Salt Merchants matcha salt
. 2 tsp Matcha Superior

 

 

PREPARATION

1.
In a large bowl, mix together all of the ingredients until fully combined.
2.
Heat a 1/3 of a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large non-stick skillet.
3.
When the oil/butter is hot, scoop 1/3 cup of batter onto the pan, and roll the pan around until the batter has coated the pan.
4.
Flip the crepe after 2 minutes and cook until the other side is light brown.
5.
Remove and repeat for the other crepes reheating the olive oil and butter when consumed.

TIP

Serve and eat with your choice of:
. whipped cream and we love to finish them off with a sprinkle of our Matcha Superior
. berries
. cacao nibs
. Nutella
. marmalade

Matcha Bath Bomb 

As colder weather sets in, your skin can become dull, dry, and itchy. Studies show that cool air has harsh effects on our skin and it’s vital to protect your skin from these conditions. 

Lotions, oils, and moisturizers are all important parts of winter skin protection. This season, consider adding Matcha to your line up. With anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, Matcha can help your skin look clear and nourished, even when temperatures drop. 

One easy way to enjoy the benefits of Matcha for skin is a homemade Matcha bath bomb. With a few simple ingredients, you can avoid the drying effects of a hot bath and instead, enjoy all of the relaxing elements of a warm soak while ensuring that your skin stays healthy and moisturized. 

 

Time: 30 mins + drying  

ACCESSORIES, YOU'LL NEED:

1. Muffin tin or circular mold 

2. Large mixing bowl

3. Whisk

INGREDIENTS

1. ¼ cup Matcha

2. 3 tsp olive oil

3. 10 drops lavender essential oil 

4. 1 cup baking soda

5. ½ cup citric acid 

6. ½ cup unscented epsom salt

7. ½ cup organic cornstarch 

PREPARATION

Combine dry ingredients in your large mixing bowl and whisk together until well combined. 

Add wet ingredients one at a time, mixing well after each addition. 

Once the mix is ready, scoop equal amounts into your mold of choice (each bomb should be about ⅓ of a cup of the mixture).  Set your molds to cure overnight in an airtight container.  

Draw a warm bath and let your Matcha Bath Bomb dissolve into the water.

Be sure to give your tub a good rinse after draining to prevent any build up. 

Enjoy! 

BUY MATCHA

  

INGREDIENTS (1 serving)

• 3/4 cup cold unsweetened Oat milk
• 1/4 tsp blue Spirulina powder
• 1/4 cup hot water, not boiling
• 1/2 tsp matcha green tea powder (we used Kusui - Ceremonial Grade - Matcha Super Premum)
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)

RECIPE

1. Combine the cold milk with blue Spirulina powder until dissolved
2. Whisk together the matcha and hot water until dissolved
3. Add the blue Spirulina milk to glass with ice
4. Add a splash of uncolored milk
5. Top with the hot matcha
6. Sweeten to taste with maple syrup or honey

2 more reasons why you should swap coffee for Matcha:

1. Coffee interferes with GABA, (nature’s Valium) which promotes feelings of calm and happiness.

2. Coffee can cause hormone imbalances and spikes in both adrenaline and cortisol which can lead to feelings of anxiety, negative thoughts and can give you the jitters.

BUY MATCHA

Pumpkin bread is the perfect fall treat for breakfast or an on-the-go snack. It's rich, spiced flavor is elevated by the earthy notes of Matcha. 

The spice blend of cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon or "pumpkin spice" is a traditional spice mix used in pastry and baking for centuries.

It's a cozy and inviting combination that evokes memories of family gatherings and pumpkin patches and apple picking. 

The key to a good pumpkin bread is moisture and a balance of sweetness.

Unlike a traditional pumpkin bread, Matcha pumpkin bread highlights the natural sweetness of the pumpkin and enhances the cinnamon and ginger notes in the pumpkin spice. 

If you're looking to enhance your pumpkin bread with nutrients and antioxidants, Matcha is the perfect addition.

PREP TIME: 10 minutes

COOKING TIME: 1 hour

CALORIES: 196kcal (per slice, 60g)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoon matcha 
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1-1/2 cups pumpkin puree 
• 2 eggs temperature
• 1/2 cup melted butter 
• 1/3 cup applesauce 
• 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

PREPARATION:

1. In a bowl, combine dry ingredients and whisk. Set aside. 

2. In a second bowl, whisk eggs and slowly add pumpkin puree, applesauce, ginger, vanilla extract, and cooled melted butter. 

3. Fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients with a spatula. Make sure there are no clumps, but do not over-mix. Pour into a lined loaf pan. 

4. Bake at 375 F for 45 minutes, then 10 minutes at 325F. 

5. Let bread cool, slice, and enjoy! 

 

BUY HOUSE MATCHA 

 

1. Matcha was discovered by accident

The classic Matcha flavor that we know today was discovered in part by accident. It’s believed that farmers in the 15th and 16th centuries had covered their tea plants with woven mats to protect them from frost. What they realized was that the shaded plants produced a more mellow, less bitter taste than their plants exposed to the full sun. So, farmers began experimenting with different methods of sun exposure and invented the Tana method of shading the plants with a canopy to achieve the desired flavor. 

2. Storage is key

Matcha powder is carefully processed and produced in a way that preserves the delicate powder for the consumer. Once you receive your Matcha, it’s important to store it correctly to derive the best flavor, texture, and color from your tea. 

Your Sōrate Matcha will arrive in a resealable package or an airtight container. It’s important that once you open your Matcha, you expose it to as little light as possible and correctly re-seal the container. Temperature and humidity can also affect the quality of your beverage, so store your Matcha in a cool, dry place. If you want to put your Matcha powder in the fridge for storage, consider adding an additional layer of protection so that your Match doesn’t absorb any unwanted odors from other foods in your fridge. 

3. Matcha is eco-friendly 

Unlike other types of tea, Matcha uses the entire tea leaf, which makes it far more sustainable than other types of tea and even coffee. Individual tea plants can live for up to 50 years and be harvested over and over without damaging the environment or the integrity of the plant. 

Whereas coffee takes huge amounts of water and energy to produce, Matcha can be produced much more sustainably and without as many pesticides or harmful chemicals. Because the entire leaf is used, there is a significant reduction of waste as compared with other popular beverages. With proper crop rotation and plant care, Matcha farms are able to create a product that is healthy for the body and the planet. 

4. Matcha is the only suspension tea

Matcha powder isn’t meant to dissolve completely! The point of whisking or shaking the Matcha in hot water is to let it be evenly distributed and suspended throughout the tea. Over time, your Matcha will settle at the bottom of your bowl, glass, or mug. So, once you prepare your Matcha, don’t let it sit for too long and enjoy it as soon as you’ve prepared it. That way the tea and flavor will be equal in all parts of the beverage. 

5. The Japanese Tea Ceremony was developed nearly 500 years ago

Sen-no-Rikyu, often considered the father of the tea ceremony in Japan, was born in 1522 and developed standard practices for the Japanese tea ceremony. From the utensils used to the surrounding landscape, Rikyu refined the “ Way of Tea” and created these principles for the tea ceremony: Harmony, Respect, Purity, and Tranquility. 

If you attend a “Chado” or Japanese Tea Ceremony today, you will likely witness Matcha preparation based on Rikyu’s principles and guidelines. Matcha is an ancient, storied beverage and can be connected to a rich history of Japanese culture and practices.

  BUY MATCHA  

Studies show that we're actually more focused and productive when we take intentional breaks throughout the day.  

Incorporating movement, meditation, and ritual into our workday in-between tasks can help us reset and give us a boost of needed energy. 

Researchers like Sophia Cho recommend microbreaks of around 5-10 minutes at various times during the workday to stave off feelings of fatigue and to increase the opportunity for exercise and motion.

Especially if you work at a desk, microbreaks can help with

• posture
• blood flow
• eyesight
• mental health. 

Brewing a cup of Matcha is an excellent way to give yourself a microbreak at home or at work.

The practice of making and enjoying Matcha takes about 5 to 10 minutes and encourages movement and mindfulness. 

Consider the steps it takes to craft a cup of Matcha:

1. leaving your computer,
2. walking to the kitchen, 
3. turning on the kettle,
4. measuring the spoonfuls of Matcha,
5. waiting for the water to heat, then
6. carefully pour the water over the Matcha powder and
7. whisking or shaking to combine. 

It's the perfect way to get away from your screens and be present in the moment.

The process of brewing Matcha takes skill and attention and allows your mind to rest and enjoy doing something by hand. 

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, restless, or find your mind wondering at work, consider refocusing your attention by preparing your favorite Matcha beverage at work. Just don't forget to bring enough for your coworkers!