Coffee vs. Matcha Has the good old cup o’ joe met it’s match?
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WORDS and PHOTOS by MILLA HIRSCH
ccording to a recent school poll, 52.6% of students prefer coffee over matcha, while 47.4% have a preference for matcha drinks. The mere mention of coffee strikes joy in many adults and teens all over the world. Coffee can act as a pick-me-up on a lousy morning, or can be used as an opportunity to meet up with an old friend and share a cappuccino. Coffee has been a long-time favorite drink throughout generations, no matter the season or time of day. Matcha is a tea-based beverage from China and in parts of Japanese culture. Matcha itself is a finely ground powder made of Japanese green tea leaves. According to Cosmopolitan, matcha holds 10 times the antioxidants than regular brewed green tea. The distinct shade of green comes from other nutrients, such as vitamin C and chlorophyll. Junior Jade Silva prefers matcha over coffee. Jade says, “Matcha is delicious and has lots of benefits.” Others, like junior Molly Morouse, prefer coffee. Molly says, “Matcha is very hit or miss. Sometimes it tastes like dirt and other times it’s heaven-sent.” However, she says, “Iced Matchas with oat milk and vanilla” are a favorite of hers, and she recommends trying DUNE Coffee Roasters. These two drinks have contrasts as well as similarities. The caffeination is diffused at different rates. Coffee gives its drinker an instant zap of energy and helps keep them awake, whereas matcha boosts energy at a slower, steadier pace. Coffee addictions are common, but the caffeination in matcha does not have the same addictive properties. Both drinks are super foods with the ability to boost mood and brain function and improve liver health. The amino acid L-theanine found in green tea can reduce stress and help with concentration, more than coffee can help its drinker by providing a temporary, jittery fix. Authentic, good-quality matcha can be very expensive to consume regularly. Starbucks serves popular adaptations of matcha lattes loaded with sweeteners. Quick and easy matcha appeal is less time-consuming than a more traditional matcha brewing ceremony, plus it’s more affordable. Coffee can come from kettles, powders, grounds, and many other forms, and can be found everywhere from gas stations to luxury hotels. Freshman Caroline Kenny has never tried matcha before but “would definitely try it soon” if given a chance. Sophomore Cierra Rogers prefers coffee over matcha and is just “more used to the taste” of coffee. Coffee is a distinct, refined flavor that does not appeal to all audiences. Sophomore Magdalena Isabella Amezaga believes matcha is best because “It is caffeine that tastes decent,” whereas junior Aden Meisel doesn’t like any matcha and drinks his coffee black. Whether it’s coffee or matcha, hot or iced, milk and sugar or plain, these are enjoyable options for any age. Which one do you favor?
42 • LIFESTYLE
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