Adding matcha to your daily diet is easy and simple! The health benefits of this popular Japanese green tea are numerous, and adding it to foods and drinks is a delicious way to boost your nutrition. From lattes and cookies to traditional Japanese desserts and ice cream, the possibilities are endless!
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea originating from Japan. It is a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves and has a vibrant green color and unique flavor.
Unlike regular green tea, where the leaves are steeped in water and then discarded, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf. This means you get a higher concentration of nutrients and antioxidants.
The process of making matcha begins with shading Camellia sinensis tea plants several weeks before harvest. This increases chlorophyll levels, giving matcha its distinctive green color, and increases the umami elements of the amino acid and theanine. It also suppresses the production of catechins which give a bitter taste. The leaves are then hand-picked, steamed, dried and ground into a fine powder.
The health benefits of Matcha
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, especially catechins, known for their anti-tumor properties. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and reduces stress without causing drowsiness.
In addition to its calming effects, matcha can stimulate the metabolism and aid in weight loss. It provides a consistent energy boost without the jitters commonly associated with coffee. Additionally, it is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium.
How to incorporate matcha into your daily diet
Matcha is usually used for tea ceremonies and drinking in Japan. However, since it is available in powder form, it is also used as a natural source of flavoring and coloring for baking and cooking. There are different grades of matcha powder that can be used for different purposes. In general you will find culinary-grade matcha, which is best for adding to baked goods and desserts, and ceremonial-grade matcha, which is best for drinking. High-quality matcha has a bright green color and a strong fragrance, so watch out for this if you want great-tasting matcha. Do some research on the matcha you have available for purchase and choose the one that suits your tastes and needs when preparing one of the following recipes.
Delicious matcha drinks
Matcha
Matcha has been loved for centuries in Japan for its vibrant color, rich flavor and numerous health benefits. Make traditional matcha by whisking high-quality matcha powder with hot water. Use a bamboo whisk and make an “M” motion (instead of stirring in a circle) to remove any clumps of powder and create a smooth, frothy matcha. Enjoy your delicious homemade matcha!
Matcha Latte
Matcha latte has become a popular drink around the world because it is delicious and an energizing alternative to coffee. Simply blend the matcha with hot water and then pour in the milk. I like to use oat milk or regular cow’s milk because they are creamy and have a pretty neutral flavor. You could also use almond milk or coconut milk for other dairy-free alternatives.
Irresistible biscuits and baked matcha recipes
Matcha checkerboard biscuits
Checkerboard Matcha Cookies are a delicious twist on classic butter cookies. Matcha’s earthy flavor and vibrant color create a delicious surprise with a visually stunning checkerboard pattern. The buttery texture and delicate green tea flavor will make these cookies a favorite of any matcha lover.
Matcha black sesame biscuits
These matcha black sesame cookies combine the earthy bitterness of matcha tea with the sweetness of black sesame seeds. The flavors go very well together and give the cookies a traditional Japanese flavor. Get ready to up your cookie game with this delicious and unexpected flavor combination.
Matcha muffins
Matcha Muffins are packed with delicious matcha flavor and are perfectly fluffy and moist. Adding extra ingredients like white chocolate chips, kuromame (black soybeans), or macadamia nuts can make them even more delicious. Enjoy them with a cup of coffee at home or package them as a grab-and-go snack!
Match Madeleine
Matcha madeleines bring a Japanese twist to a classic French treat. These little shell-shaped cakes are my favorite Western desserts and while I love them just as they are, the addition of matcha makes them even better. Infusing traditional buttery madeleines with the vibrant, earthy flavors of matcha green tea powder creates a unique and delicious dessert. They are the perfect snack for afternoon tea and an elegant dessert for a meeting.
Creamy matcha ice cream and cheese cake
Matcha ice cream
Matcha ice cream is surprisingly simple to make! All you need is matcha and a few basic ingredients and you can make it in no time without an ice cream maker. It’s smooth, creamy and full of delicious matcha flavor.
Matcha cheesecake
This matcha cheesecake is rich, creamy and delicious! It requires no cooking and just needs to be left in the fridge to firm up. The cheesecake sits on an Oreo crumble crust which adds a chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the flavor of the matcha. It’s an easy dessert that everyone will love!
Matcha recipes for Japanese desserts
Cold Matcha Zenzai
Winter is the perfect time for a warm, comforting bowl of traditional zenzai. But this sweet red bean soup can also be prepared cold and is also perfect for the summer! Cold matcha zenzai is a twist on this classic dessert that adds a unique and refreshing flavor profile. This dessert is full of quintessential Japanese sweet elements like matcha, azuki (red bean), and mochi making it a must-try for all Japanese dessert lovers!
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