The best ways to consume matcha

Matcha is a powdered version of green tea that has been used for thousands of years, but has only become truly popular in the last decade due to increased awareness of its many incredible health benefits.

It is a vibrant, velvety powder produced by stone-grinding the whole leaf of green tea. Traditional green tea is made by steeping the tea leaves, which removes most of the nutritional value of the tea. With matcha, the entire leaf is consumed, so nothing is wasted or cooked.

The benefits of traditional green tea have been passed down through the generations, but matcha is purer, higher quality, and with 137 more antioxidants than the more common steeped green tea. It has all the benefits you know and love, and more.

Regular consumption of matcha has been linked to increased energy, focus, and focus, lowered blood pressure, and even weight loss. Since it tastes delicious, you can easily drink 2-3 cups of matcha tea a day to reap all of its great health benefits. 

The traditional method of drinking matcha tea is generally considered the best, but this article is a complete guide to many other options to help you enjoy your matcha every day.

The traditional approach to matcha

The traditional, time-tested approach to brewing the perfect cup of matcha green tea can be a little more thorough and time-consuming than dropping a sachet of crushed leaves into a cup of boiling water, but the minute or two of work is worth it. satisfying and relaxing, so it’s worth the wait.

There are a few steps to making the perfect cup of delicious matcha green tea, and if you really want to get into the art, you can find a complete matcha kit that will have a ceramic bowl, bamboo whisk, and spoon. 

• Heat some water to about 176F.
• If the water boils, allow it to cool to the optimal temperature before making the tea. You can use it to heat the ceramic bowl by pouring some of the heated water into the bowl and letting it sit for a minute.
• Pour out the water and use the spoon to measure the matcha powder. Carefully sift the scoop of matcha into the heated bowl.
• Add some of the hot water to the powder in the bowl and use the matcha bamboo whisk to mix it into a paste.
• Add hot water to the pasta in the bowl. Use the whisk in a quick zigzag motion to mix and aerate the tea. A nice light foam will form.

Traditionally, matcha is sipped straight from the bowl and while transferring the tea from the bowl to a cup may be more socially acceptable, it takes something away from the matcha experience.

The best (aka easiest) ways to drink matcha

To make the perfect matcha tea at home, you should start with the highest quality matcha you can get your hands on. These days, matcha powder can be bought almost anywhere, but be careful about brands and where the powders come from.

Look for a premium organic powder at a vitamin or health food store.

Matcha powder imported from Japan is usually the highest quality. If you can’t find any from a reputable company in Japan, look for additive-free, organic matcha green tea powder made in the country you live in.

It can seem overwhelming or intimidating to prepare matcha the traditional way every time. Or maybe it just takes too long, because you might be too excited and want that cup of tea right now.

Read on to learn how to prepare delicious matcha green tea in various modern ways.

Make the matcha hot

There is one step that is always the same: never just pour matcha powder into a bowl or cup of water . The powder compacts over time in its storage container, so it needs to be loosened, preferably with a whisk.

Always mix the matcha powder with a little water first, and then add the rest of the heated water. Matcha powder will not mix well if you put it in a cup of hot water, as it will form strange lumps that are not very appetizing.

If you want to mix it up, you can customize the matcha to suit your taste buds. Be careful if you drink matcha to help you lose weight. Adding cream and sugar will not only alter the taste and texture, it will also add extra calories and fat.

Try adding a nut milk to make it extra creamy and comforting. If you want to add some sweetness, try a little honey. Adding fruity aromas is another lovely way to add variety to your matcha teas.

Here are other great variations of matcha green tea.

matcha latte

Prepare the matcha paste as usual, but use hot sweet milk to mix with the matcha instead of hot water . Whisk it all together to get a lovely light green with a bit of foam. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a sprinkle of matcha powder on top.

matcha coffee

Prepare a matcha green tea latte and add a shot of espresso.  This charming duo is the best of both worlds. You get your caffeine fix and all the health benefits of matcha green tea.

Matcha Coconut Latte

This latte is made just like other matcha lattes, but with an exciting tropical flavor. Substitute hot, whole coconut milk for the milk in this latte.

Add a little honey or maple syrup to add sweetness. For an extra boost, add a few drops of coconut oil and a dash of cinnamon and/or vanilla. Beat or blend until well blended and frothy. Enjoy your cup of paradise!

mocha green tea

When you start mixing your matcha powder, make the paste with some cocoa powder and one ground vanilla bean . Make sure that everything is well mixed and without lumps. You can prepare this drink with traditional hot water or with your favorite milk. Try almond, cashew, or coconut milk. Beat or mix as usual.

Drink cold matcha

On those hot summer nights, or after the gym, or really any time of the day, sometimes you just want a refreshing drink. Try one of these revitalizing matcha cold drinks.

iced matcha tea

Prepare your favorite matcha tea and put it on ice. It’s simple, energizing and delicious. Adding a few mint leaves can give it an even more refreshing touch of flavor.

Iced matcha lemonade/lemonade

Whisk the matcha powder and sweetener of your choice with a little hot water to make a matcha paste. Squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice into enough cold water to fill your cup. Whisk the matcha paste into the lemon or lime flavored water. Refrigerate to chill or serve with ice and a nice twist of lemon or lime zest.

Iced Matcha Coffee

Craving a matcha latte, but need something cold? Well, you’re in luck, because matcha iced lattes are even easier to make than their coffee cousins.

Start by adding some hot water to your matcha powder and beat it until it is a paste. Now instead of heating your favorite milk, use it cold. Fresh out of the fridge. Shake or mix well until frothy and pour over ice. Add some cold or frozen berries to blend the flavors.

matcha mojito

If you are looking for a healthy drink with a little more flavor, try a matcha mojito.

To Make the Matcha Infused Simple Syrup

• Heat a mixture of sugar and water over high heat until it boils and all the sugar has completely dissolved.
• Remove from heat.
• Measure the matcha powder into a small bowl, add the simple syrup, and blend until smooth.
• Refrigerate until cool.

In a tall glass, mix a few mint leaves. Add some lime juice and 2 tablespoons of matcha-infused simple syrup. Fill the glass with ice, add a shot of rum and fill the rest with soda, stirring well. Don’t forget the mint sprig and lime twist for the perfect garnish.

How to add matcha to your food

Did you know that you can add matcha to any food? That’s right, you don’t just have to drink it, matcha really is a versatile superfood. Take a look at some of my favorite ways to use matcha as an edible addition to your everyday life, and use it as inspiration for your own culinary adventures.

Breakfast

If you’re like the millions of people who have a smoothie for breakfast, why not add all the health benefits of matcha to your breakfast drink? Prepare your smoothie as usual, but sprinkle in a scoop of matcha while mixing. So easy, so healthy.

If you eat granola frequently, or even just on a treat, make it more nutritious by sifting a tablespoon of matcha powder into the granola container and give it a good shake.  Your mouth may not know the difference, but your body will certainly appreciate the boost.

You can sprinkle your matcha fix on just about any breakfast food you can think of.

For egg or tofu scrambles and quiches, simply mix a little matcha powder into the mixture and cook as usual.

Give pancakes and waffles a beneficial touch by adding a couple of pinches of matcha powder to the batter and cook as usual.

snacks

Everyone likes to snack. But let’s face it, we want snacks that aren’t always the healthiest option. Matcha powder is one of the easiest things to add to snacks to boost its benefits without compromising comfort.

When you’re in the mood for chips and salsa, or crackers and spreads, but feel a little guilty about indulging in a treat that doesn’t have many health benefits, try adding a dose of matcha powder. It’s so simple you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it sooner.

All you have to know how to do is mix.

Any type of dip or spread, guacamole, hummus, pesto, nut butter, and even cream cheese can be matcha. You just have to sprinkle with your teaspoon and mix well. You’ll enjoy the same deliciousness, only with more nutrients.

You can also sprinkle matcha powder on crunchy snacks like popcorn, chips, and trail mix. The snack possibilities are endless.

Dinner

Dinner is the easiest way to add matcha powder to your diet when tea isn’t what you want. The healthy end-of-day meal is the most comforting and rewarding meal of the day, and it has endless possibilities to sneak in the superfood.

If you make your own pasta of any kind, add some matcha to the mix. Top your pastas with matcha-infused sauces. Red sauce, alfredo, rose, vodka, any sauce you can think of, add some matcha powder.

The same goes for soups and broths.

Matcha is especially good in any Japanese meal. In miso, in sushi and in ramen. Sprinkle a little matcha into the lentils, chickpeas, and whatever grains you like.

Desserts

You can add matcha powder to any pastry you make. Cookies, cakes, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, you can hide matcha in any bake, skeptics will never know.

For cold treats, you can mix the matcha powder with yogurt and freeze it, for a healthier fro-yo. Add matcha to ice cream for those with an insatiable sweet tooth, they won’t know they’re loading up on a variety of beneficial antioxidants unless you tell them, especially if it’s flavored with mint to disguise the telltale color.

You can even add matcha along with a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to any cheese spread or dip, like cream cheese, ricotta cheese, or cottage cheese. Just stir and enjoy.

Matcha health benefits

Matcha green tea seems to be all the rage right now, and there’s a good reason for it. Although it has been gaining in popularity and notoriety in recent months, this superfood has been around for centuries.

Do you remember when regular green tea, the one with leaves that you steep in boiling water, was all the rage? Well, that was because of its incredible health benefits. You can’t go wrong with a delicious cup of green tea.

Matcha is also made from green tea leaves, but the main difference is that it uses the whole leaf. Nothing is wasted, including nutrients.

The youngest green tea leaves are packed with antioxidants , one cup of matcha tea is roughly equivalent to 10 cups of green tea made by steeping leaves. Antioxidants help protect against free radicals, heart disease, certain cancers, arthritis, aging, cataracts, memory loss, stroke, inflammation, and various types of infections.

Matcha has a unique source of caffeine , which will give you energy and stamina throughout the day, but doesn’t give you the jitters and other negative side effects that coffee drinkers sometimes experience.

Matcha is calming and energizing at the same time . It is said to aid meditation because it calms and centers the mind. Matcha also invigorates and energizes the body, which translates into stamina and stamina. The energy boost that matcha gives will help you get through workouts or any regular activity that requires you to be awake and functional.

For those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, matcha is an amazing tool.

Matcha green tea has a wide variety of metabolism-boosting nutrients , helping you burn more fat in a day than plain water or even brewed green tea.

Matcha is a great natural detoxifier. The high levels of chlorophyll in matcha green tea help rid the body of toxins accumulated from unhealthy food and drink choices.

Powdered matcha green tea supports a healthy cardiovascular system and promotes a healthier heart. Matcha increases good cholesterol and reduces bad.

Everything you need to know before consuming matcha

Whether you’re trying to control your weight, improve your health, or just because it’s delicious, it’s absolutely a great idea to add a healthy amount of Matcha green tea powder to any aspect of your diet.

Can I drink Matcha tea every day?

Of course. It is safe to drink up to 5 cups of matcha green tea daily. However, due to the caffeine content and price, it might be more beneficial to try to stick to around 3 cups a day. This amount should keep you energized and focused throughout the day and provide all the health benefits without going overboard.

When should I drink matcha?

You can drink matcha green tea at any time of the day. To get the most out of its benefits, have a cup of matcha tea in the morning to give yourself that boost and get your metabolism kicking into high gear. Having a cup of matcha green tea before workouts or strenuous activities will help stamina and reduce the amount of fatigue you may experience.

Can I drink matcha at night and before going to bed?

Of course! Although matcha will give you energy during the day, it will relax you and help de-stress your mind. Matcha tea has amino acids that promote alpha brain waves and quiet beta waves. This quiets that part of your brain that gets tense and rampant reminding you of what you could have done or said that day, just as you’re trying to relax.

Can I drink matcha on an empty stomach?

Drinking matcha on an empty stomach is actually the best time to consume it. On an empty stomach, your body absorbs the maximum of nutrients matcha has to offer. Some people may experience slight nausea or upset stomach if they are not used to it.

How long does it take for matcha to take effect?

Most people start to feel the effects of matcha green tea within minutes of consuming it. The benefits of matcha can be noticed up to 2 or 6 hours later.

Can I take too much matcha?

Unfortunately, in the case of matcha, you can take too much of a good thing. But that’s based on the caffeine content it contains. It is best to limit yourself to 5 cups of matcha tea a day.

Is there lead in matcha?

High-quality, organic, and properly cared for matcha leaves should be free of lead. Unfortunately, there is a large amount of matcha that is grown and harvested on land in China that is contaminated with lead. When the land is contaminated, so are the crops.

That is why it is so important that you look for the highest quality matcha, imported from Japan, or organically grown in the area. Always check the origin of your matcha and make sure it does not contain additives.