The Deets On Matcha
Since I’ve been on Instagram, I continue to get the most questions from a post I did a few months ago on matcha. SO, I thought it seemed insanely obvious to do a short piece that covers everything you need to know about this mysterious powder. After all, it IS served in Starbucks and all over Pinterest recipe boards so it must have people buzzing for a reason, right?! Well if ya keep reading I'll tell you why it’s a way better alternative to coffee, how to tell high quality from low quality powder, reputable brands and where to buy them from, and most importantly, how to make a BOMB latte (hot AND cold baby)- like I said, everything you need to know. So let’s dive in already!
What is this green goodness?!
Matcha is a fine powder that is made from grinding green tea leaves. During growth, the leaves are shaded from the sun for the last few weeks, increasing chlorophyll content and creating that bright green color! Because the powder is not strained out before consuming, you are getting the entire leaf! This leaves you with a much more concentrated and potent tea compared to other varieties.
Better Than Coffee. For Real.
Not only does matcha have an extremely impressive nutrition profile, but it does not leave you with the jitters, upset stomach, or any other nasty side effects that coffee does. Matcha does contain caffeine, but because of a truly magical amino acid called L-theanine, it provides an “alert calm” - basically increased energy and alertness all while feeling cool and relaxed (*side note- matcha contains up to 5x as much L-theanine as regular green tea. Wild, right?!). Even better, the caffeine is slowly released into the bloodstream over time instead of all at once (so no “crash”), nor does it stimulate the production of the stress hormone cortisol as coffee can.
The Benefits.
Matcha is extremely rich in antioxidants, encourages your body’s natural detox systems (due to high chlorophyll levels), promotes weight loss, prevents cancer cell growth, improves immune system function, and reduces damage from uvb radiation. You can sip a cup of this goodness every morning not only without guilt, but knowing it’s working wonders for your body!
What to look for when buying.
It is generally accepted that higher quality matcha comes from Japan (particularly Nishio city in Aichi prefecture and Uji city in Kyoto prefecture).
Typically a 30 gram tin of high quality matcha ranges between $25 and $35 (but don’t worry, it lasts a LONG time). Anything cheaper will most likely be of low quality.
Look for a vibrant green color! Lower quality matcha will be yellowish/ brownish in hue. It should also be extremely fine and silky.
Look for tins of matcha that can be re-sealed (airtight packaging will prevent help oxidation). If it’s sold in bags or wrapped in foil, it’s not being preserved properly.
High Quality Brands
Recipes:
Hot Matcha Latte
Ingredients:
1 ½ tsp matcha powder
1 cup nut milk
1 Tbsp hot water
1-2 tsp maple syrup
DIRections:
Heat nut milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until hot. Do not boil.
Add the matcha powder to a cup. Mix in 1 Tbsp of hot water until all lumps are gone.
Stir in maple syrup and hot nut milk. Sip & Enjoy.
OPTIONAL:
For a much “frothier” consistency, complete all 3 steps then add mixture to a blender. Blend on high for 15-30 seconds.
Cold Matcha Latte
Ingredients:
1 ½ tsp matcha powder
3/4 cup nut milk
1 Tbsp hot water
1-2 tsp maple syrup
4-5 ice cubes
Directions:
Add the matcha powder to a cup. Mix in 1 Tbsp of hot water until all lumps are gone.
Stir in maple syrup and nut milk. Continue to stir until evenly mixed.
Add the ice cubes. Stir, Sip & Enjoy!
Optional:
For more of a “frozen latte” consistency, complete all 3 steps then add mixture to a high speed blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds.
*TIP - Once you tackle this simple recipe, have some fun with adding specialty ingredients! Try vanilla or cinnamon to enhance flavor or collagen or adaptogens for boosting the health benefits!
♡ Renée