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I enjoy starting every day by sipping a hot green matcha coffee. Find out the steps to prepare this energetic and antioxidant-rich drink at home!
A few years ago it was discovered that matcha teas were popping up everywhere: as drinks, ice cream, smoothies, icing, and much more. Although I’m not going to say no to the delight of a matcha donut today I’d like to concentrate on the most simple method of enjoying it: mixing it with hot water to make the most delicious, creamy tea. I’ve been enjoying matcha this way ever since Jack and I went on one of our very first trips to Japan several years ago. I still enjoy each morning with a cup. For me, it’s the ideal way to begin your day. It’s both energizing and relaxing simultaneously and more importantly is that it tastes great.
Is Matcha a matcha?
If you’re unfamiliar with matcha macha is a Japanese macha powder made of delicately powdered tea leaves. It has a slightly bitter, vegetal flavor and a vivid green color resulting from the leaf’s high levels of chlorophyll. It’s been a central element for traditional Japanese rituals for a long time, but it’s recently become popular in the US due to the health advantages it offers.
Green tea that is regular in its consumption is widely regarded as a powerful antioxidant, however, macha offers even greater advantages. This is why: When you make other types that are green tea-based, you infuse tea leaves with hot water and then throw them away. If you prepare matcha tea, mix the powder with hot milk or water. This means that you eat the entire tea leaf each time you take a sip! The antioxidants in it can reduce blood pressure, lower the risk of developing heart disease as well as boost the metabolism of your body.
What is the deal with caffeine? Macha indeed has greater amounts of caffeine than normal green tea but it’s not going to give you an energy boost like coffee. It leaves me feeling refreshed and focused yet at peace.
What is the Optimal Matcha Powder?
The first time you buy macha time may be a challenge – there are numerous brands and they differ significantly in terms of quality. The biggest difference is the difference between culinary and ceremonial quality macha. The ceremonial grade is more expensive as it’s made with the newest tea leaves and has a sweet taste.
I recently tried each of the most popular powders for macha. I use the powders in tea, with water, in lattes, and even in baking recipes. I discovered that my preferred cup of matcha to sip is the Ippodo tea Ummon. I’ve been drinking it for many years and love its earthy, rich flavor and a touch of bitterness. It blends well, too!
Purchase the Ippodo Tea Ummon from Amazon priced at $30.99, or check out other macha powders I tried to determine which is the desirable option for your needs! WHAT IS SHUFFLEBOARD GAME?
Beneficial Hints
- It won’t last forever. Matcha doesn’t have a very lengthy shelf time. When you’ve opened it, you should use it within two months to get the desirable flavor and color. I suggest buying it in small amounts and storing it in your refrigerator to keep it fresh.
- You may need to purchase a macha whisk. If you are a frequent maker of macha I would suggest purchasing the bamboo whisk known as the chasen (pictured here). The unique design breaks apart lumps and forms a layer of foam that sits on the top of the tea. If you don’t have a whisk you can use a standard whisk or an electrical milk mixer instead. Stirring or whisking with spoons or forks won’t work in this case.
- Taste sweetener to your liking. Matcha’s umami, grassy taste can be a naive taste. If you’re brand new to creating it, do not be afraid to add some drops of honey or maple syrup. It is also possible to add some sweetness to your cup in case your matcha powder is bitter.
How to Make Matcha Green Tea? Matcha Green Tea
Here’s my matcha recipe along with the dimensions below. However, since there are several ways to make matcha, I decided to break it down step by step. Here’s what you have to do:
First, pour it into small bowls or mugs. Matcha is very easy to clump which is why I recommend making sure you sift it before adding any water. If not, it’s difficult to make the tea disperse evenly throughout the liquid, and the drink will be clumpy. ARE DORITOS HALAL IN 2024?
Then add a tiny quantity of boiling water and then whisk. But wait! This isn’t the kind of circular whisking that is required to make baked recipes as well as scrambled eggs. Instead, you should vigorously whisk in a zigzag pattern – or straight back and back as well as in a circular design to evenly disperse the powder in the water to make a foamy layer on the top. If you mix circularly, the tea will not foam.
Finally, top the drink with a little hot milk or steamed. Traditional matcha green tea is made using just water and powdered green tea however, you can create lattes by completing the drink with steaming milk. I like making mine using coconut milk, almond milk, or homemade oatmeal milk. Stir until it becomes foamy, adjust the sweetness to your liking, and then take a sip!
