A few years ago, matcha started popping everywhere- in lattes, frappuccinos, ice creams, smoothies, literally everything. But do you know what is matcha?
Pronounced as ma-chuh, it is a Japanese green tea powder made from finely ground green tea leaves.
Good quality matcha will be slightly bitter as well as it will have a very little sweet taste with vibrant green color.
It’s been the cornerstone of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, but it recently became popular because of its health benefits.
How is matcha different than regular green tea?
Regular green tea has loads of antioxidants but matcha has even more benefits. This is because, when you make green tea, it is in sold as green tea leaves which are discarded once boiled in water. When you make a matcha, it is sold as a fine powder that is whisked along with hot water or milk.
As a result, you’re actually drinking the whole leaf and not a part of it! I know it sounds weird but it’s the truth!!
The antioxidants that matcha contains helps in lowering blood pressure, reduces the risk of heart diseases, and even boosts your metabolism!
However, matcha contains more caffeine than green tea but it doesn’t give you a buzzy rush like coffee.
Health benefits of matcha-
1. Boosts metabolism and helps in burning calories
2. Detoxifies the body slowly and naturally
3. Helps in calming the mind and also relaxes the body
4. High in antioxidants
5. Boosts brain function
HOW TO INCLUDE MATCHA IN YOUR DIET?
1. Make matcha tea
The traditional preparation of matcha is a simple green tea. To make matcha tea, combine two teaspoons of matcha with hot water in a mug and stir to dissolve. You may want to add a sweetener like honey or sugar to balance the bitter taste of matcha.
2. Add it in your baked goods
Since matcha is available in powdered form, it can be easily added into baked goods. Many like to add matcha powder in muffins, cupcakes, scones, and even frosting.
3. Mix it in your morning oatmeal or bowl of granola
One of the easiest ways to add matcha to your diet is to simply stir some into your breakfast.
4. Add matcha in your smoothie
Adding a few teaspoons of matcha powder to your smoothie will make it even healthier and enhance the flavor. You may even feel an energy boost as matcha contains natural caffeine.
Chasen- The Matcha Whisk
It is a special whisk for making matcha. Chasen is a bamboo whisk. Its purpose is to mix the matcha powder and hot water and help to incorporate matcha into the water which helps in incorporating the matcha flavor.
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