MATCHA
Many of you are probably aware of this superfood green tea, but are you aware of all of the benefits that it provides? It is rich in vitamins A, C, E, K, and the Bs, it has trace minerals that are difficult to find in other foods, and has more than 100x the antioxidant properties of green tea! It can also help boost energy in a more long lasting way than caffeine without the rush and fall.
The most prominent benefit here is the antioxidant property. Antioxidants help to fight the oxidation of free radicals which are cancer causing agents in the body. Tea has been known to have these benefits for years as can be read about in the “Cancer Hates Tea” book written by Maria Uspenski.
Now where can I get matcha? How do I make it? All good questions I will answer below.
Most matcha can be found at any tea house or online! I recommend staying away from single packets as I like to adjust the amount of powder I am using depending on the day and it is also better to minimize plastic use. I do like to support small businesses and purchase in bulk from then when possible instead of ordering from Amazon. I also don’t get mine from places like T.J.Maxx or Walmart because they don’t tend to have as much flavor, give me a stale smell, and tend to be lower quality or nearly expired. I get mine from a local Tea House near me in CT.
There are different types of matcha as well. Ceremonial grade is what I prefer to make lattes and tea. This would be considered "premium-grade" and has the strongest flavor, color, and health properties. There is also Culinary grade which should be used for making recipes like matcha cookies or loafs. It still holds the same color and some of the health benefits, but is not as high grade as the first I mentioned.
How to make it:
What you will need:
Whisk (bamboo)
Mesh strainer
Teaspoon
Shallow bowl
Matcha powder
Warm water
*Now whether making a latte or just a regular cup of tea you always start with making the matcha “shot” as I call it.
1) Take 1 tsp of powder and pour it in the strainer over your bowl. This will make sure that there are no clumps, that it dissolves easily, and that you will have a nice consistency. (If you do not have a fine enough strainer, it will not affect the benefits you reap you just may get a small clump or two).
2) Next you will take some warm water, 3-4 tbsps, and pour it on top of the matcha powder and whisk with your bamboo whisk in an "M" or "W" motion until combined. It is important to NOT use boiling water as that can kill some of the benefits of the tea and make it bitter.
3) Now you have your matcha shot and I like to treat this like a shot of espresso! If you want a hot latte you can steam some plant milk and add this to it or you can add some hot water and you will just have a full cup of tea!
My favorite way to enjoy matcha in the summer is over ice with coconut milk!
Some fun ways I like to customize my matcha is to add a 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, and a tsp of maple syrup for a bit of sweetness.
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