Hot Matcha Tea
Matcha tea has always been my go to beverage for most of my adult life. In my opinion, it’s the perfect way to start the day. It’s energizing and calming, as well as nutritious and delicious. Before I share my recipe with you, you may be wondering, “What is matcha tea and what makes it so nutritious?”
What is Matcha Tea?
Matcha is a high grade Japanese green tea powder made from dried Japanese tea leaves. It has a slightly earthly umami flavor and a vibrant green color that results from the leaves’ high chlorophyll levels. It has been the cornerstone of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, but it recently became popular in the US because of its health benefits.
What Makes Matcha So Nutritious?
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, including catechins, which help support detoxification, reduce inflammation, aid in weight loss, and protect cells from damage that can lead to aging and disease. It also contains an important amino acid known as L-theanine which has been shown to promote relaxation, relieve anxiety, and mitigate some of the common side effects of caffeine. Green tea is also rich in polyphenols that could protect the brain from mental decline and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative disease. I could go on because the list is long, but suffice it to say, Matcha Tea has endless health benefits.
How Do You Make Matcha Tea?
One: Sift 1 tsp of matcha into a wide mouth mug or bowl. (I use a matcha bowl with a spout that I bought off of amazon)
Two: Add 2 ounces of hot water to the matcha powder and whisk with a bamboo matcha whisk from side to side until a thin layer of froth appears on top.
Three: Steam/froth your milk of choice using a milk steamer (I prefer the taste and consistency of oat milk best)
Four: Pour the milk into a mug and then pour the matcha over the top
Five: Top with cinnamon and enjoy!
Tips
Tip #1: Not all matcha is created equal. Make sure to look for single origin ceremonial grade matcha that is deep green in color. Ceremonial grade is best for beverages because it is made from the youngest tea leaves, harvested in spring when they are at their highest quality.
Tip #2: Store matcha powder at about 40 degrees Fahrenheit to preserve its antioxidant content. Also, one study showed that matcha brewed at 90 degrees Celsius (195 degrees Fahrenheit) for 10 minutes maintained the highest concentrations of health-protective polyphenol antioxidants.
Hot Matcha Tea
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Ceremonial Grade Matcha I use the brand Matcha Kari
- 2 ounces Hot Water
- 1/2 cup Oat Milk (or milk of choice) I use the brand MALK
- Cinnamon to taste
Instructions
- Sift 1 tsp of matcha into a wide mouth mug or bowl. (I use a matcha bowl with a spout that I bought off of amazon)
- Add 2 ounces of hot water to the matcha powder and whisk with a bamboo matcha whisk from side to side until a thin layer of froth appears on top.
- Steam/froth your oat milk using a milk steamer
- Pour the milk into a mug and then pour the matcha over the top
- Top with cinnamon and enjoy!
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I hope you give this Matcha Tea a try! It is so delicious and nutritious AND so easy to make.
If you do give this recipe a try, I want to know! Leave a comment with a star rating below. You can also snap a photo & tag @wholisticmandy on Instagram. Your reviews help support this blog and make it possible for me to continue to create the recipes you know and love.
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