MATCHA MATCHA MATCHA
Its kind of a big a big deal in my house. I hate to admit it but ive become a Matcha snob because not all Matcha is the same. It took me a while to see the difference and graduate to different levels of quality. But I’m really glad I was exposed to different kinds of Matcha. You can use different qualities for different recipes but you save the good stuff for sippin on ;-)
How to Prepare Matcha:
1. Warm water to medium high heat (176 degrees farenheit to be exact). Basically not boiling hot or you’ll burn the tea.
2. Gently pour some of the water into your tea bowl (or cup) to warm it up.
3. With a wooden spoon (preferably) ladle 1 tsp of matcha powder into a tea bowl (or cup if you don’t have one)
4. Add about 1/3 cup of water to the cup.
5. With a bamboo whisk, mix the powder and water in a quick back and forth motion. Try to move your wrist in a “M” shape motion.
6. The Matcha will slowly turn into a vibrant green color and become frothy.
7. Enjoy
I recently asked my instragram followers to send me any questions they have about Matcha. This way I cover all the topics and I can write the information in a question and answer format. If you have any more questions, please include them in the comment section below. Thank you so much for all the feeback. Here we go…
Questions & Answers:
Does Color Matter?
Yes! The brighter and more vibrant Matcha teas the better. It will be less bitter and smoother to drink. Other low grade Matcha powders still taste good but are better suited for desserts, lattes and baking recipes.
The best quality matcha comes from the leaves picked during the first harvest of the season. First-harvest matcha leaves contain the most chlorophyll and amino acids.
The more chlorophyll the matcha contains, the more vibrant green color and sweeter taste. It’ll also contain better health benefits like L-theanine.
What Does Ceremonial Mean?
Ceremonial Grade indicates the highest quality leaves were used. It’ll be a bright rich green color. It will also taste smooth and sweet, not bitter.
Does Matcha have Caffeine?
Matcha containes 50% less caffeine than coffee. Its caffeine is released slowly unlike coffee. The caffeine from Matcha lasts about 4-5 hours because its releases slowly.
Where do you buy it?
I buy my Matcha at a local Japanse market. The brand I use the most is called Maeda-en Ceremonial Quality. It’s a 1 oz. container that lasts me about 4 months.
Whats your Favorite Brand(s)?
My go-to inexpensice brand is called Maeda-En Ceremonial Grade. The best brand Ive tasted (and was gifted to me) is Ippodo Tea. I was purchased in Japan but is also available on Amazon.
Any Health Benefits?
Matcha contains L-Theanine, an antioxidant that gives you sustained energy and focus. It contains less caffeine than coffee but still gives your body a boost. The only difference is that its spread over time not a quick jolt like you get from drinking coffee. Its LOADED with antioxidants to protect your body from harmful radicals. Drinking it helps to boost your metabolism and burn fat. The antioxidants boost your immune system. One of the things I love the most about drinking Matcha is that it enhances my mood. Its been proven to alleviate symptoms or anxiety or depression. Yes please!
#Matcha #Maedaen #DIY #Foodblogger #Ippodo #Vegan #Tea #organic