When you go to your favorite coffee shop, you might notice people drinking a green drink…some may have it over ice and some will have it hot. But what is that green drink? Well, that’s called matcha!
What is matcha?
Matcha is a type of finely ground, bright green tea powder that is traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies.
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It is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, the same plant that is used to make black and green tea.
The leaves are grown in the shade for the last few weeks before harvest, which increases the chlorophyll content and gives the leaves a bright green color.
After harvest, the leaves are steamed, dried, and ground into a fine powder.
Why do people like matcha?
Matcha is highly prized for its delicate flavor and its vibrant green color.
It has a slightly sweet, grassy taste and a smooth, creamy texture when it is prepared correctly.
It is often used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, where it is whisked into hot water using a bamboo whisk to create a frothy, flavorful tea.
Matcha is also becoming increasingly popular outside of Japan, where it is often used in lattes, smoothies, and baked goods.
Many people like matcha because it is a good source of antioxidants, which are thought to help protect the body against the negative effects of free radicals.
It is also believed to have a number of other health benefits, such as boosting energy levels, improving mental clarity, and promoting weight loss.
However, it is important to note that these health benefits are not yet fully supported by scientific research.
What does matcha taste like
Matcha has a unique, earthy flavor that is often described as vegetal or grassy.
It has a slightly bitter taste, but this bitterness is balanced out by the sweetness of the tea itself.
Some people also describe the flavor of matcha as being similar to that of spinach or steamed broccoli.
Overall, the flavor of matcha is distinctive and may take some time to get used to, but many people find it to be a refreshing and enjoyable taste.
How to make matcha – Recipe
Here is a simple recipe for how to make matcha tea:
- Start by sifting 1/2 teaspoon of matcha powder into a small bowl or cup. This will help to remove any clumps and ensure a smooth, even consistency.
- Heat 1/2 cup of water in a kettle or pot until it reaches just below boiling point (around 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Pour the hot water over the matcha powder in the bowl or cup, and use a matcha tea whisk or spoon to stir the mixture until it is smooth and frothy.
- If desired, you can add sweetener or milk to the matcha to adjust the flavor to your liking.
- Enjoy your cup of matcha hot, or let it cool and serve it over ice for a refreshing iced drink.
Jenna’s Pro Tip: Invest in buying a Matcha Starter Set, this will include everything you need to make the perfect matcha tea!
Keep in mind that this is just a basic recipe, and there are many variations on how to make matcha.
Some people prefer to use a traditional bamboo whisk to froth the matcha, while others use a blender or electric frother for a more consistent foam.
Experiment with different techniques and ingredients to find the method that works best for you.
How to make matcha latte – Recipe
Here is a simple recipe for how to make a matcha latte:
- Start by sifting 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a small bowl or cup.
- Heat 1/2 cup of milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling. Alternatively, you can use a milk frother or steamer to heat and froth the milk.
- Pour the hot milk over the matcha powder in the bowl or cup, and use a whisk or spoon to stir the mixture until it is smooth and frothy.
- If desired, you can add sweetener to the latte, such as Torani Vanilla Syrup, to adjust the flavor to your liking.
- Pour the matcha latte into a mug and enjoy it hot.
Note: This recipe makes one small serving of matcha latte.
You can easily adjust the proportions to make a larger batch, or to adjust the flavor to your preferences.
Some people like to add other ingredients to their matcha lattes, such as vanilla extract, honey, or cinnamon.
Experiment with different ingredients and techniques to find the method that works best for you.
How to make iced matcha latte – Re
Here is a simple recipe for how to make an iced matcha latte:
- Start by sifting 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a small bowl or cup.
- Heat 1/2 cup of milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until it is hot but not boiling. I enjoy Oat Milk with my Matcha iced lattes! Alternatively, you can use a frother or steamer to heat and froth the milk.
- Pour the hot milk over the matcha powder in the bowl or cup, and use a whisk or spoon to stir the mixture until it is smooth and frothy.
- If desired, you can add sweetener to the latte to adjust the flavor to your liking. Check out this sweetener variety pack!
- Pour the matcha latte into a glass filled with ice, and stir to combine.
- Enjoy your iced matcha latte cold.
Just like the above recipe, this recipe makes one small serving of iced matcha latte.
You can adjust the proportions to make a larger cup, or to adjust the flavor to your preferences.
Jenna’s Pro Tip: If you like the matcha or coffee aesthetic, consider buying these super cute drinking glasses with bamboo lids and glass straws!
Matcha FAQ:
What matcha does starbucks use
According to How Matcha, “Starbucks matcha is derived from a Japanese brand named Aiya, made in China.
While Aiya is a well-known Japanese brand, its Matcha is not of the finest quality. Aiya is an excellent Matcha. However, it is not the finest Matcha available.”
Does matcha make you poop
Matcha is a type of green tea that is made from ground tea leaves, and like other types of tea, it contains caffeine and various plant compounds that can have an effect on the digestive system.
Some people may find that drinking matcha stimulates their digestive system and causes them to have a bowel movement.
However, this is not a universal effect, and not everyone who drinks matcha will experience an increase in bowel movements.
Whether or not matcha affects your bowel movements will depend on a variety of factors, such as your individual body chemistry, the amount of matcha you consume, and any other medications or substances you are taking.
Is there caffeine in matcha
Yes, matcha contains caffeine. Matcha is a type of green tea made from finely ground tea leaves.
Like other types of green tea, matcha is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which contains caffeine.
The amount of caffeine in matcha can vary, but it is generally considered to be a moderate source of caffeine compared to other drinks.
One cup of matcha tea typically contains about 70-80 mg of caffeine, while a cup of coffee can contain 100-200 mg of caffeine.
Comment your questions and experiences below! We would love to hear your insights!
Until next time…
Cheers Lovelies!
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