Matcha is always at the forefront of our tea shelf, not just because its a significant boost of energy and exquisite ceremonial style, but also because it's undeniably versatile!
From tea to lattes, smoothies, cocktails, cakes, cookies, salad dressings, barbecue rubs, soup broths, you name it! Matcha has been used both in cooking and beverages for decades.
People in Japan were never shy about the health benefits of matcha. However, it was predominantly used as a ceremonial tea. A matcha green tea ceremony can take anywhere up to 4 hours, sometimes even longer. It's always great to find time to enjoy a chawan of thick, creamy koicha (ceremonial-grade matcha) while connecting with the tea powder and acknowledging its tea journey. However, in the more fast-paced environment of today, many great chefs and nutritionists have developed more than one way to enjoy the health benefits of matcha on the go.
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is produced by stone-milling a shade-grown green tea called tencha into a fine powder. The quality of matcha green tea will vary depending on the tea bush cultivar, shading technique, picking standard used to produce the green tea, and the milling itself.
When we drink matcha, we consume fresh green tea leaf itself, ground, and whisked up into an energizing, refreshing bowl. This makes it unique and unlike loose leaf teas.
When it comes to health benefits, Matcha is known to beat most other tea types. Compared to green tea, it has:
- 10 times the antioxidants of a serving of green tea
- 5 times more L-theanine, which improves our focus and creativity
- 15 times more vitamins
- 80 times the protein
Generally, drinking 1 cup of matcha is equivalent to drinking 10 cups of sencha in terms of nutrients. For example, when we drink sencha, we only drink the tea leaves infused in the brew. With matcha powder, we are consuming the whole tea leaf.
We recommend incorporating matcha green tea into your daily cooking and beverages, not only for the luscious green color but also for the numerous health benefits!
7 Easy-Matcha Recipes You'll Love
(photo: Just One Cookbook)
1. Matcha Latte by Just One Cookbook
Matcha latte, perhaps one of the most popular forms of matcha in cafes all across the world. Why not make it yourself? It's super easy, and you can make it for a fraction of what you'd pay at a cafe! Just One Cookbook shows us how to make a traditional matcha latte with your own choice of milk. What more do you need to have a deliciously vibrant day?
(photo: Sarah Hearts)
2. Matcha Green Tea Rice Crispy Treats by Sarah Hearts
Who doesn't love Rice Krispies?! Gooey, chewy, and crunchy. Adding extra matcha powder to traditional rice crispy treats is also a great way to boost the nutritional benefits of your kids' mid-day snack. Plus, they'll love the new green color!
(photo: Couple Eats Food)
3. White Chocolate Matcha (Green Tea) Brownies by Couple Eats Food
A brilliant green twist on traditional brownies. If not for the green color alone, we're sure you won't want to go back to eating boring old brownies.
(photo: The Cup Of Life)
4. Matcha Mojito Cocktail by The Cup Of Life
A Matcha Mojito sounds like the perfect brunch-time drink if you ask us! Together with fresh sprigs of mint, it's the ideal invigorating beverage. Just look at that vibrant green! Also great as an alcohol-free mocktail.
(photo: Mystic Japan)
5. Matcha Salad Dressing With Avocado and Lime by "Mystic Japan"
Matcha and creamy avocado on top of your favorite salad! What can be better? Next time you want to try something new with your salad, try adding a couple of teaspoons of culinary-grade matcha to your dressing. Or follow the great recipe by Mystic Japan.
(photo: Two Spoons)
6. Matcha Chia Pudding by Two Spoons
The perfect (and super fast) breakfast option. Filling, nutritious, and can be made in a minute! Use the Two Spoons matcha chia pudding recipe and top it with your choice of fruits and nuts. Perhaps an extra sprinkle of matcha powder?
(photo: Mealdiva)
7. Irresistible Matcha Nama Chocolate by "Mealdiva"
A simple, few-ingredient recipe for the smoothest, creamiest chocolate! Nama chocolate (fresh, silky smooth chocolate) is loved all over Japan. With your own matcha powder and just a few staple pantry items, you can have some homemade in no time!
And an extra number 8:
White Chocolate Matcha Bavarois by Tea Cachai for "Path Of Cha"
Rich, smooth, decadent, and undeniably delicious matcha bavarois. One of our favorite matcha desserts!
While ceremonial-grade matcha is best for tea rituals and ceremonies, culinary-grade matcha is recommended for cooking. Culinary grade doesn't mean it is of poor quality. While it may not be the top selection, it should still be fresh and deep green. Avoid buying dull-looking swampy-colored matcha powder, as well as all matcha made in China. Make sure to buy your matcha from a trusted vendor, produced in Japan, and without any additives. Matcha is made from freshly ground tea leaves, and nothing more.