Who doesn't like to sip a good cup of Matcha green tea? But did you know that with every sip, you join a centuries-old Zen tradition? It's true! Way back in the 12th century, Matcha travelled from China to Japan. The credit goes to the Japanese Buddhist monk Myoan Eisai. Eisai found that Matcha improved his Zen meditation sessions and brought a serene alertness.
Besides being a cultural icon, Matcha is also beneficial for your health. Packed with caffeine, amino acids, and antioxidants, it protects your cells by fighting off free radicals. Plus, it keeps your heart healthy and improves brain power.
The best part? Matcha can be more than just a tea. You can turn it into refreshing drinks or delightful desserts. C'mon, let's give your taste buds a treat!
What is Matcha? What are the different types of Matcha?
Matcha is a green powdered tea that's so versatile. Depending on what you're cooking, there's a different kind to use. Here's a quick overview for you!
Types of Matcha and Their Uses in Cooking
Ceremonial Matcha
Ceremonial Matcha green tea has a gorgeous green colour, super smooth texture, and a hint of sweetness. Reserved for fancy Japanese tea ceremonies, this rare and high-quality tea is worth it.
Just a heads up, it's best to enjoy it on its own to savour its delicate flavour and nutrients.
Premium Matcha
Premium matcha is like a laid-back cousin of ceremonial grade. Not as fancy but very versatile, it is perfect for making hot tea and many matcha-infused beverages. It's got a sweet spot where flavor meets affordability, making it the go-to choice for your everyday matcha fix.
Culinary Matcha
Now you know how Matcha isn't just for tea anymore, right? Culinary Matcha takes things up a notch in baking, desserts, and cooking. It has a bright green colour and a bit of a bitter taste, but when you mix it just right with other ingredients to make cakes or sauces, it adds an amazing depth of flavour.
Ingredient Matcha
Ingredient matcha might be outside the top tier, but you'll find it in mass-produced drinks and all sorts of matcha-flavoured snacks and treats. Sure, it might not have all the finesse of higher grades, but it's budget-friendly and still brings that matcha flavour you all love.
How to Choose the Best-Quality Matcha?
To pick a top-notch matcha, you've to check out the colour, give it a sniff, taste it, learn where it's from, and see how long it lasts. Here's how:
- Look for a bright green matcha. It means it's fresh. Ceremonial matcha is darker green, while culinary matcha is lighter. Avoid yellowish tones. They mean it's not good quality.
- Good Matcha smells fresh and smooth, like veggies with a buttery scent. Ceremonial Matcha tastes rich and savoury, while culinary Matcha might be bitter. Pick a Matcha that tastes nice and smooth, not too bitter.
- Matcha from Japan is usually the best. They have a long history of making it and take good care of their plants.
- Keep Matcha in a tight container away from light and air.
- Fresh Matcha tastes better, so try to use it soon after buying it.
What Tools Do You Need For Matcha Tea?
When making this Japanese tea, having the right tools is super important. Take the following, for example:
- A Chasen is a bamboo whisk with really fine tines. It brings out the smell and froth of Matcha, making sure it tastes just right.
- A chasen tate is a stand made of ceramic. It keeps the chasen safe, so its tines don't get damaged.
- A chashaku is a long bamboo scoop that measures Matcha perfectly.
- A furui is a tool for sifting Matcha, making it nice and smooth.
- A yuzamashi is usually used to cool water, but it also helps whisk Matcha, making serving it up look great.
How To Store Matcha?
Keeping your Matcha green tea fresh is important! Here's how:
- Use airtight containers to keep out air and protect its nutrients and flavour. You can even use a bag inside for extra protection.
- Keep it away from light. Use opaque containers to preserve its pretty green colour.
- Don't let it get too hot or humid. Store it in a cool spot away from heat sources.
- Pour just what you need for the day into a smaller container to keep the rest fresh.
Classic Matcha Beverages
1. Traditional Usucha (Thin Tea)
Usucha is like the main character of Japanese tea culture. Imagine finely ground matcha powder whisked with hot water using a bamboo whisk. The result? A frothy, delicate brew that's not only tasty but also elegant.
Beyond the flavour, Usucha is a big part of the Japanese Tea Ceremony, known as "Chado." So, you can have a sip of tradition and culture in every cup of this matcha beverage.
Here's a matcha tea recipe video to help you make the Usucha: How to make Matcha | Usucha
2. Koicha (Thick Tea)
Koicha offers a richer and more intense matcha experience compared to Usucha. Packed with more matcha powder and less water, Koicha brings on a velvety smoothness and bold flavour. You'll usually find it at classy tea parties or special celebrations, where its rich taste is a big hit.
You will need 5 scoops of sifted Matcha and 20 ml of hot water for this matcha tea recipe. Pour some water into the matcha powder and knead it with a whisk. Once whisked, add the remaining water. If your Koicha is thick and has a luster on its surface, you'll know it's perfect!
3. Matcha Latte
Matcha latte drink is the latest matcha variant that's been making waves everywhere! It is a tasty blend of Matcha mixed with creamy milk and a hint of sweetness (if you like!).
And the best part? You can customize it however you want! Here are some suggestions for you:
- Milk choice: Almond, oat, or coconut milk
- Sweetener: Honey, maple syrup, or a dash of vanilla
- Spice: Cinnamon or cocoa powder.
4. Matcha Smoothie
A matcha smoothie is not just tasty; it's nutritious, too! This green wholesomeness is packed with antioxidants and vitamins.
All you need to do is gather the following ingredients and blend them together until smooth:
- 1 to 2 teaspoons of Matcha powder, depending on your taste
- A medium-sized frozen banana to make it creamy and sweet
- A handful of washed and stemmed spinach or kale leaves for an extra dash of nutrients. It will also give the smoothie its vibrant green colour.
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or non-dairy yogurt for creaminess and proteins
- 1 cup of any milk you prefer
- 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup if you want to make the smoothie sweeter
Additionally, you can add Chia seeds or flax seeds, protein powder, and vanilla extract
4. Matcha Iced Tea
This one is for a cool sip on a warm day. Whisk the matcha powder with cold water or shake it up with ice for a frothy drink.
You can also add some agave syrup or stevia to your liking for some sweetness. Tada! It's ready! Really, matcha iced tea is a versatile and customizable drink for any occasion.
Creative Matcha Drinks
5. Matcha Mocktail
Looking for a tasty, non-alcoholic drink option? Try a matcha mocktail. It's a fizzy blend of sparkling water, fruit juices, and Matcha!
Blend Matcha with fruits like tart berries, melons, or lychee and create a delightful balance of flavours, perfect for any occasion.
6. Matcha Hot Chocolate
This comforting beverage is a great twist on the classic hot chocolate. It combines the earthy notes of Matcha with the luxurious sweetness of chocolate.
It is a mix of creamy milk with velvety matcha powder. And you can go for white or dark chocolate. The choice is all yours!
7. Matcha Frappuccino
How about the coffee shop vibe right into your kitchen? Well, you can do so when you make your own Matcha Frappuccino. Just blend Matcha with milk, ice, and sweetener. And there you go! A creamy and refreshing beverage, perfect for hot summer days or a sweet treat any time of year.
But wait, did you know you can customise it with all sorts of tasty extras? Think whipped cream, vanilla syrup... and whatnot!
8. Matcha Smoothie Bowls
Imagine a gorgeous, nourishing breakfast or snack that's not only delicious but also Instagram-worthy. Start your day with a burst of color and nutrition with a matcha smoothie bowl.
Mix Matcha with frozen fruits, yoghurt, and toppings like granola, fresh berries, and coconut flakes.
9. Matcha and Banana Overnight Oats
Matcha overnight oats could be the best option for a tasty, healthy breakfast. Just mix oats, mashed banana, and matcha powder with your favourite milk and sweetener. Then, keep it in the fridge overnight.
But what's the secret to its deliciousness? Adding fresh fruit, nuts, or granola for that extra flavor!
Sweet Matcha Treats
10. Matcha Cookies
Whether you go for the classic recipe or mix it up with white chocolate chips or a fancy matcha swirl, a matcha cookie promises a flavour adventure. How does that sweet-bitter combo taste? Just bake and find out!
All you need to do is follow the normal recipe, but just add matcha powder when mixing the dry ingredients.
11. Matcha Ice Cream
Whether you make it at home or grab it from the store, churned matcha ice cream is a tasty treat! The creamy, green treat will cool you down on a hot day or finish off a meal perfectly.
Liked what you saw? Imitate the same with the help of following recipe:
- Start by whisking together the matcha powder and whole milk until the Matcha is fully dissolved.
- Then, add granulated sugar and mix it until dissolved.
- Pour in the heavy cream and add a pinch of salt to the matcha milk mixture. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Next, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the matcha ice cream mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Once chilled, pour the matcha ice cream mixture into your ice cream maker and churn until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned matcha ice cream into a freezer-safe container, cover it with a lid or plastic wrap, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Finally, scoop it out and savour your hard work!
12. Matcha Pancakes
How about kicking off your morning with some fluffy matcha pancakes? Just add 1 tablespoon of matcha powder to your everyday pancake batter. Pour some honey or maple syrup on them, or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra taste.
These pancakes are a fun twist to your usual breakfast.
13. Matcha Mochi
Matcha mochi will give you a soft, chewy mochi texture along with the umami flavour of Matcha.
To make this yummy mochi, follow these instructions:
Just whisk 1 cup of mochiko flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon matcha powder, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Then combine with 2 eggs brought to room temperature, 3/4 cup of milk, ¼ cup of coconut milk, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and vanilla extract. Bake until golden, and you'll get a tasty dessert that's great anytime.
14. Matcha Mug Cake
Satisfy your matcha craving in minutes with a quick and easy matcha mug cake. This single-serving cake is perfect for indulging in a sweet treat without the headache of baking an entire cake. Just mix flour, matcha powder, sugar, salt, baking soda, oil, and your choice of milk (soy/almond/coconut milk) in a mug. Then microwave it and enjoy!
PS: Follow the typical ingredient measurement!
15. Matcha Cheesecake
You can make your desserts extra special with a yummy matcha cheesecake. It'd make a creamy treat, blending the smooth cheesecake with the bold kick of Matcha.
You just need the usual cheesecake ingredients — cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, butter, sugar, salt, vanilla, and lemon zest — along with matcha powder. Follow the same process, and tada! Matcha cheesecake ready to be devoured.
Savoury Matcha Dishes
16. Matcha Noodles
Who doesn't like slurping up delicious noodles swimming in a savoury broth? But here's the twist – what if it's infused with Matcha?
The Matcha will add a hint of bitterness that goes perfectly with the rich flavours of the broth, making it a cosy and satisfying meal.
17. Matcha Salad Dressing
Give your salads a tasty upgrade with a zesty dressing starring Matcha's unique flavour! The bright green colour adds a pop to your plate, while the gentle taste of green tea gives your veggies a fresh kick.
It's ideal for pouring over crisp veggies or mixing into grain bowls for a wholesome, delicious dish that'll leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
18. Matcha Hummus
A creamy matcha hummus is not just your regular dip; this green-coloured dip has a hint of nutty vibes. Imagine dunking fresh veggies or pita bread into this flavorful goodness! You can even spread it on sandwiches for a tasty snack.
It is not just it; it's loaded with antioxidants, too.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Keep your Matcha fresh; store it in a tight container away from light and moisture. A cool, dark spot works best. Use it within a few months for the yummiest taste and colour.
- Got clumps? Just sift Matcha before using it and whisk it well with hot water. To avoid bitterness, adjust the water temperature and matcha ratio.
- Try different recipes to find the right mix of flavours. Change up sweetness and acidity based on what you like. For summer, you can make matcha lemonade or iced matcha lattes. In the fall, you can treat yourself to pumpkin matcha muffins or matcha-spiced cookies. On the other hand, prepare some matcha hot chocolate or matcha eggnog in the winter.
Matcha: Your Way To Healthy Lifestyle
Matcha isn't just for tea ceremonies! When you're whipping up drinks, baking sweet treats, or going out with savory dishes, Matcha has your back. So, why not get creative and try it out in your dishes? It's not just that it's good for you, too! So, grab some matcha, get cooking, and just enjoy!
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