What is Matcha, and how do you make it?
Lately everyone's been on the "Matcha Mindset." Whether it's a latte or ice cream, matcha has quickly taken over as one of the most popular flavors. But what exactly gives matcha its sweet, earthy flavor? Keep reading to learn about the ins and outs of your favorite drink; from its growing process to how to handle it in your own kitchen.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a fine powder made from ground green tea leaves. The tea originates to 1st century China, being drank for years and being spread to Japan where it began to grow equally as popular. Originating originally from Buddhist practice, Matcha became a popular item in many asian ceremonies (Such as the Japanese "Way of Tea" Ceremony.) It represented qualities such as harmony and discipline, and today continues to be practiced. While the tea is most well known for being part of this ceremony, it is also seen worldwide in popular drinks, deserts, and even skincare. Check out this informative animated video from Confused Confucian for a short run down on the history of this delicious drink.
What sets apart Matcha and Green Tea ?
Unlike green tea, matcha leaves go through a very specific growing process. The tea bushes are covered in shade rather than grown in direct sunlight, which helps to alter and enhance the flavor. Matcha is known to come in three quality levels: Ceremonial, Premium, and Culinary grades. While Green Tea is typically steeped in hot water in the form of a tea bag, Matcha is a fine powder made from the ground tea leaves. While they both come from the same plant, they are significantly different in taste and preparation.
What are matcha's health benefits?
Matcha is full of powerful antioxidants that provide many health benefits. It is a well known detoxifying drink, and can also stimulate your metabolism and encourage weight loss. Many of its properties, such as green tea extract, are also known to prevent cancers. Because of its unique shaded growing process, matcha is more nutritional than traditional green tea.
Compared to coffee, matcha has many shared benefits. Although it contains smaller levels in caffeine unlike coffee it helps to promote both energy and concentration levels. It is easy and quick to make, and also now widely available at most coffee shops and cafes. Matcha is a more vitamin loaded drink, and might be a good switch in between your classic cup of joe.
How do you make Matcha?
There are many methods to making matcha, but the preferred and traditional way is to prepare it using a bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) and a deep matcha bowl. Add your matcha powder to your bowl followed by the required amount of hot water. Begin whisking using a W or M shaped stir, and continue for about 30 seconds or until the matcha reaches your desired froth and enjoy. (For a more detailed guide and information, check out our Chasen Blog Post!)
If you don't have a whisk, don't fret! A milk frother will get the job done (maybe not as restaurant quality as a whisk, but not bad at all!) Or for some quick matcha on the go, you can transfer your tea into a mason jar or glass bottle and shake to get the desired froth effect.
One of the easiest (and most delicious) recipe to make is a matcha latte!
Easy Matcha Recipe:
- matcha powder
- hot water
- a glass of ice
- milk of your choice
- (Optional) Vanilla Extract or Honey
Start by making your matcha using your preferred method. After you've reached your desired froth level, gently pour over a glass of your choice of milk (I personally find 2% to work the best, but recommend using oat milk if you're dairy free!) For an added touch of sweetness, try adding a dash of vanilla extract or a teaspoon of some fresh, local honey.
Find more easy matcha recipes to try in this video by Rowena Tsai. :)
Check out these great options for making your very own Matcha right at home!
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