I Love You So Matcha
Coffee, step aside… time to take a backseat.
If you’ve been following the trends, you’ve definitely seen pops of green on your social media feeds among your typical, neutral-colored aesthetic photos of cold brew and latte art. Matcha, a form of Chinese green tea known for its bright, distinctive coloring and health benefits, has seemingly taken the world by storm. From iced matcha lattes and matcha ice cream to matcha tiramisu and matcha cheesecake, it seems to have become a staple in supermodels’ routines and cafes’ desserts alike.
Instead of being sold in tea bags, matcha is sold in bulk in its natural powder state. This makes its distinct flavor profile all the more distinct, with strong earthy undertones.
Matcha has also been deemed a superfood, packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that provide a wide range of health benefits, including helping prevent heart disease and diabetes, detoxifying your gut, and increasing your metabolism, as presented by TIME. It also provides that energy boost from caffeine — without the crash that coffee may bring!
Though the bright green color may be daunting at first, when incorporated into drinks and desserts, matcha adds a wonderful depth and level of sophistication to your palate. However, it is important to distinguish between the two main types of matcha: ceremonial-grade and culinary-grade. If you’re planning on drinking matcha, buy ceremonial-grade; if you’re planning on using it in baked goods, purchase culinary-grade matcha (it will typically be labeled on the packaging, so make sure to check!).
Though I have yet to love the slight grassy taste of a pure cup of matcha tea, I can definitely say that I am an avid lover of matcha lattes and sweet treats.
Here’s my favorite way to make your own matcha latte at home:
- Add 1 tsp of your ceremonial-grade matcha powder into your cup.
- Add a minimal amount of hot water (lukewarm is fine, but hot will dissolve the powder more easily) and whisk until you form a paste-like consistency.
- Add ¼ cup water and ½ cup milk of your choice.
I like to drink mine cold, so I pour it all over some ice and that’s it! If you like your drinks on the sweeter side, you can add agave or honey and you’re all set. If you want to get all fancy and live out your cafe barista dreams, you can also purchase a little bamboo mixing set as well.
And if this inspired you to incorporate matcha into your pantry staples, here’s a couple of my favorite matcha recipes:
- Matcha almond loaf
- Matcha chocolate bark (from our very own PA staff member!)
- Matcha white chocolate chip cookies
If you’re feeling like switching up your same old coffee routine, I highly suggest you give matcha a try — you, too, just might fall in love.