Recently, I have been on a major matcha kick. Every time I’m at Starbucks, my go-to drink is the Strawberry Acai Refresher with coconut milk and a scoop of matcha—seriously amazing! But to help save my wallet, I decided to try my own recipes with matcha. It can be added to almost anything—smoothies, oatmeal, rice, popcorn—you name it. My new favorite way to enjoy it is a homemade matcha latte. Paired with coconut milk, it’s a matcha made in heaven! This recipe is easy to make and is a great way to kickstart your morning.
But first, what is it?
Matcha is a powdered green tea that is grown and made in Japan. The green tea leaves are kept away from the sun because it helps increase its chlorophyll content, giving the powder its rich green color. The leaves are carefully picked by hand and ground into a fine powder. Since you are consuming the whole leaf, the tea is more potent and contains many health benefits.
Matcha has a high concentration of antioxidants and also includes the amino acid L-theanine, which is known to promote relaxation without drowsiness. L-theanine helps balance the caffeine that is in the tea—it promotes steady energy without the unnecessary crash later in the day. Matcha also helps burn fat, increases your metabolism, increases focus, helps detoxify the body, and so much more. With its numerous health benefits, why wouldn’t everyone want to drink it all the time?
Which should I buy?
Choosing which matcha tea to buy is more important than you think. Considering you are consuming the whole leaf, it’s important to make sure the tea you buy is organic. There are also two types of matcha grades: ceremonial and culinary. Ceremonial grade is usually better because it has a smoother taste. It’s perfect for drinking the matcha mixed with water, as it is intended traditionally. Culinary grade is more bitter when it’s brewed. It’s better suited for being incorporated into foods, not on its own. It’s also important to make sure the matcha you are buying comes from Japan. Matcha from Japan is more likely to follow regulations and you will know you are getting premium matcha.
Coconut Matcha Latte Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1/2 tsp matcha powder
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ¼ cup water
Instructions:
Step 1—Boil water in a kettle then set aside.
Step 2—Heat up coconut milk with the coconut oil. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 3—Add matcha powder into the bottom of a mug and pour in the water. Whisk the tea until the powder dissolves.
Step 4—Use an electric milk frother to mix up the coconut milk to froth it up. Pour the coconut milk over the matcha.
Step 5—Drink immediately and enjoy!
Matcha is so versatile and there are many ways to consume it. How will you enjoy your matcha? Tell us in the comments below or show us on social media and tag @Cfashionista!
