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! 

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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.

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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! 

As crisp and cool autumn weather sets in, cozy up with warm Pumpkin Spice Matcha Latte and enjoy a classic fall drink the healthier way. 

Combining sweet notes of pumpkin spice with the earthy, rich tones of Sōrate Matcha, this twist on a PSL is full of antioxidants, nutrients, and minerals. 

INGREDIENTS 2 SERVINGS

• 2 1/2 cups oat milk or dairy free milk
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tsp organic cane sugar
• 1/8 tsp all spice
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• 1 tsp ground ginger 
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 2 tsp Sorate House Matcha 

PREPARATION

1.

In a small bowl, add all spice, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg and whisk to combine. Set aside.

2.

In a saucepan over low heat, add milk, matcha, and cane sugar and stir continuously as the mixture heats up. Once the sugar has dissolved, add in your spice blend.

3.

Stir on low heat until well-combined and taste for sweetness.

4.

Pour Pumpkin Spice Matcha Latte into a blender to create a tasty foam.

5.

Pour into two cups and share with a friend!

Enjoy! 

World Mental Health Day is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. 

On this day (October 10th), we create a chance to “rekindle our efforts to protect and improve mental health,” says the World Health Organization (WHO).

Today, October 10th, and tomorrow October 11th, we will donate 10% of our revenues to the WHO to contributing to the launch of a campaign around the theme of Making Mental Health & Well-Being for All a Global Priority. This will be an opportunity for people with mental health conditions, advocates, governments, employers, employees and other stakeholders to come together to recognize progress in this field and to be vocal about what we need to do to ensure Mental Health & Well-Being becomes a Global Priority for all.

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a global crisis for mental health, fueling short- and long-term stresses and undermining the mental health of millions.

Estimates put the rise in both anxiety and depressive disorders at more than 25% during the first year of the pandemic. At the same time, mental health services have been severely disrupted and the treatment gap for mental health conditions has widened.

GREEN TEA FOR MENTAL HEALTH

Green Tea is arguably one of the healthiest superfoods out there. It is loaded with several nutrients with health benefits in our bodies both mentally and physically. Green tea has been shown to help improve mental focus while giving you the energy boost you require.   

The oxidants from green tea extracts prevent brain cell damages, which could otherwise lead to significant mental loss or even cause Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia brain diseases.

The caffeine and the amino acid L-theanine lowers anxieties as well as influence other crucial brain cognitive functions. Therefore, consuming a cup of green tea regularly may help you lower symptoms related to anxiety disorders.

Remember, when anxieties are not managed appropriately, they cause effects such as fatigue, dizziness, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, breathing problems, and even worse problems in the long run. Since, everyone would want a healthy and natural way of managing anxieties, in such a scenario, drinking green tea regularly comes in handy. 

Several studies are showing a correlation between higher consumption of green tea and reduced depression levels in elderly individuals. Nevertheless, more and more human trials are in progress to find out exactly how green tea effect depression symptoms. For instance, in one study, green tea polyphenols produced antidepressant-like effects on mice. That suggests the same results could be similar to human beings.

Dementia refers to a chronic or persistent mental processes disorder that is caused by brain disease and characterized by memory disorders and impaired reasoning. Consuming as little as one cup of green tea per week enables you to perform and process information tasks better as compared to non-green-tea drinkers.

People across the world have testified to the relaxing and refreshing of drinking green tea for centuries. Drinking green tea serves a role beyond quenching your thirst. It’s also a perfect aid for meditation, soothing the nerves, and even when you need to unwind a stressful day task.

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After studying green tea at a biochemical level, a particular compound from Camelia Sinensis was discovered to be capable of suppressing the influenza virus and its associated symptoms.

Known as a catechin, the compound was found to exhibit characteristics that demonstrated antiviral activity.

Catechins are also active against other pathogens in the respiratory tract, which is a common infection site for influenza. They directly prevent infection by binding to glycoprotein spikes on the surface of viruses. This action renders the virus incapable of adsorption or binding to the receptors of host cells in the respiratory tract by destroying the protective mucus coating that lines it, therefore, deterring infection.

The most prominent catechin compound is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which was the main focus of Mikio Nakayama’s research against influenza viruses. Nakayama found that EGCG could inhibit agglutination (clumping effects) in two types of viruses, including Influenza A (the main cause of flu epidemics).

This prevents them from successfully attaching to host cells. Other catechins, such as Epigallocatechin (EGC) and Epicatechin-3-O-gallate (ECG), were used in similar experiments and displayed some capacity for anti-viral activity, but EGCG was found to be the most effective.

Alongside understanding the biochemistry behind green tea, a few studies provide insight into the use of green tea as a protective measure against influenza within communities.

Some studies examined the effects of gargling green tea in the elderly population, while others concentrated on its health benefits in children and high school students. In one study, gargling green tea or its ingredients was associated with a lower likelihood of infection than gargling water or placebo alternatives. In another study, 124 elderly volunteers who gargled catechin extract exhibited similar therapeutic effects, while 200 healthcare workers in a separate investigation demonstrated the same outcome and were protected against the Influenza A virus.

Thus, it is evident that EGCG and other tea catechins have been associated with protection against the influenza virus in humans.

Despite the potential application of tea catechins in antiviral protection, existing evidence does not verify green tea as an alternative to medical treatments. Annual vaccinations remain a viable defence option against the flu bug considering the high viral mutation rates that lead to re-emerging outbreaks of influenza and related pandemics, such as the 2009 Swine Flu outbreak.

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One medium cup of orange juice provides almost 100% of your daily recommended Vitamin C.

However, it also contains several other vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, calcium, folate, and iron. 

Vitamin C helps to support our immune systems, and helps with gum health, wound healing, and bone formation.

Meanwhile, Matcha fortifies the immune system and limits the invasion and growth of viruses and bacteria in the body, improves your heart health and oral health.    

PREPARATION

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1. Ideal for caffeine sensitivities

The roasting process does not affect the tea’s health benefits but instead burns away bitterness and caffeine.

Hojicha is LOW in caffeine-containing only 7.7mg

Roasted green tea is wonderful to drink after meals or in the evening.

2. Relives stressful days at the office or at home

While the warmth and savory aroma is calming, it’s the presence of L-Theanine that contributes to hojicha’s relaxing effects.

L-Theanine is an amino acid present in green tea that can ease symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety.

3. Keeps your skin looking clear and youthful

Vitamin C contained within Hojicha roasted green tea works to lighten dark spots on the skin that are caused by acne scars and also to undo skin damage. 

Vitamin C can also lighten the dark spots caused by age, as well as prevent wrinkles and restore the elasticity of the skin that is lost over time.

4. Fights colds and keeps your immune system strong

The polyphenols that green tea contains have antiviral properties that assist in killing bacteria.

Hojicha roasted green tea also contains vitamins (Vitamin A, C, and E) that are known to fight against the common cold, regulate the immune system, prevent scurvy, and even reverse the effects of a compromised immune system.

Studies have also found that hojicha may lower the risk of cancer by blocking carcinogens and inhibiting cancer cell growth.

5. Supports a happy and healthy heart

The catechins in green tea help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. This lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases, strokes, and inflammation of major arteries. But that’s not all – green tea also contains Vitamin E, an important component, which aids in preventing blood clots.

6. Boosts your metabolism while helping with digestion

Catechins found in hojicha roasted green tea boosts the body’s metabolism, which promotes weight loss and increases your body’s calorie use, leading to fat burn.

7. Protects your teeth

Hojicha is also known to help improve oral health thanks to the polyphenols contained in its leaves. The antioxidant EGCG, present in all green teas, aids in preventing cavities and bad breath.

The polyphenols in green tea reduce the occurrence of gingivitis and gum disease from developing.

8. Alleviate (and prevent!) swelling pain from arthritis

The very same polyphenols that prevent inflammatory gum diseases can also aid those who suffer from the aches and pains of arthritis.

Hojicha roasted green tea will not only decrease inflammation in the joints but also prevent further damage to those joints.

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When you are drinking tea, you are drinking Nature.

Enjoy every moment and every sensation while sipping your tea.

The water in this tea was once a cloud that felt in the form of rain and came down perhaps from the mountain in form of a river.

Now this water is in your cup, transformed into a delicious tea. 

The same water, also helped the tea tree to grow.

Now drink the tea and think that the cloud, the rain, and the river are part of this cup of tea. 

This tea and this water are beautiful gifts from the Universe and from the Earth.

Calmness of mind is one of the beautiful jewels of wisdom.

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