5 Different Matcha Drink Recipes!
I love starting my day with a matcha drink. Even though it is a busy morning, the ritual of making matcha helps me slow down and be mindful.
Matcha is such a wonderful drink to take because of its many benefits for our bodies, and spirits. It is invigorating and soothing, and most importantly, it tastes amazing.
In this article, we are going to look at from basics of matcha to various matcha drinks!
What is Matcha?
Green tea leaves are carefully cultivated and processed to create matcha, a finely ground powder. In contrast to green tea leaves, matcha could completely dissolve in water to create a smooth drink. Like green tea, matcha has health benefits. It offers strong antioxidants, improves skin health, supports a healthy cholesterol level, fortifies the heart, and more.
Matcha Grades: Ceremonial Grade vs Culinary Grade
Ceremonial matcha indicates that the tea comes from the first spring harvest of the plant, which usually takes place in May, and that it has spent most of its growing season shielded from the sun. Young leaves have the most vibrant color and more chlorophyll, so now is the ideal time to capture matcha's well-balanced flavor and nutrients.
Because the leaves are finely ground after harvest and the stems are removed during processing, the powder is ideal for smooth lattes, lemonade, smoothies, and more.
A second, later tea harvest will be used to make culinary matcha, which has a coarser mouthfeel and a slightly bitter flavor.
Because these leaves have been exposed to more sunlight, the flavor is more astringent. They are also ground more quickly than ceremonial matcha leaves, producing a slightly more earthy, bitter, and granular powder. This grade typically has milk and sweeteners added to help balance and round out its flavor. Baking is therefore its typical use.
5 Main Health Benefits of Drinking Matcha
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Having antioxidants
According to studies, matcha is rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and vitamin C, which prevent cells from being harmed by free radicals. This can aid in the prevention of long-term conditions like diabetes or cancer. -
Encourages Heart Health
Because they shield healthy cells from inflammation, antioxidants are also excellent for our hearts. Green tea has also been demonstrated to help reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol. -
Provides Consistent Energy
Because the actual leaves are consumed, matcha has a higher caffeine content than other green teas, making it more potent. Instead of the rapid energy boost you usually get from other caffeinated drinks, like coffee, it offers a gradual increase in energy because it contains a molecule called L-theanine. -
Enhances Cognitive Abilities
L-theanine is beneficial to the brain because it aids in alertness. -
Promotes Calm
Due to L-theanine, matcha has calming properties similar to those of lavender. Because it doesn't give you the typical caffeine jitters, it can help you relax both mentally and physically.
Introduction to 5 Matcha Drink Recipes!
Iced Matcha
All you need is matcha, ice, and cold water to make iced matcha, also known as cold brew matcha. Similar to the hot whisked matcha drink, this version is made without the addition of any sweeteners. You can enjoy pure matcha or if you want to use a tiny bit of sugar or honey as a sweetener, you are welcome to!
Matcha Latte
A matcha latte may help you relax and feel much more refreshed. I've been enjoying the ritual of making a matcha latte as much as the actual drinking. The beautiful green powder is sifted into a bowl, whisked rhythmically into a paste, and combined with frothy steamed milk. This matcha latte would be great when you want to have more energy during the day!
Matcha Milk Bubble Tea with Boba
The original boba tea is usually made with sweetened black tea. Matcha powder, which has an earthy and slightly bitter taste, is mixed with milk to make matcha bubble milk tea. It is served with chewy tapioca pearls and sweetened to produce a well-balanced flavor.
Learn more about Matcha Milk Bubble Tea with Boba
Matcha Chai Latte
A delectable combination of matcha tea, black tea, chai spices, and creamy, frothy milk is used to make matcha tea lattes. This combination is unique, comforting, and invigorating. It has a fascinating blend of earthy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. This is simple to create and ready in just several minutes!
Learn more about Matcha Chai Latte
Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
This iced strawberry matcha latte makes it the most deliciously sweet, fruity, and perfectly caffeinated beverage. Since strawberries lessen the bitterness of matcha, you will enjoy the combination of sweet strawberries and matcha even if you are not accustomed to its bitterness.
The recipe I introduce is from the owner-chef of the three Michelin-starred restaurant Single Thread, which is in the northern part of California, USA.
Learn more about Iced Strawberry Matcha Latte
FAQ
What tools do I need to make matcha drink?
To make a matcha drink, you'll need a bamboo whisk (chasen) to combine the matcha powder and water, as well as a bowl. A fine-mesh strainer can also be useful for preventing clumps.
How much caffeine is included in one cup of matcha drink?
Matcha contains between 19 and 44 mg of caffeine per gram. A typical serving of matcha is between 2-4 grams (1/2-1 teaspoon), which would contain anywhere between 38 and 176 mg of caffeine.
Written by Admin Irasshai
