What do Buddhist monks, medieval samurai, and modern-day health nuts have in common? They've all sworn off coffee in favor of a more potent energizer: matcha tea. This means people learnt how to make Matcha tea centuries ago.
Matcha is a powdered green tea that's been around for centuries. It originated in China but later spread to Japanese culture. Unlike brewed green tea, which loses most of its antioxidants and nutrients during the steeping process, Matcha consists of ground-up whole leaves. You can consume it as a powder.
This means you're ingesting the entire leaf rather than just the steeped water. Because of this, Matcha contains up to 137 times more antioxidants than regular brewed green tea! It also has a mellower flavor and less caffeine than coffee. Whether you're looking for an energy boost or some added health benefits, give Matcha a try!
Origins
Matcha tea has been used for centuries in China and Japan for its medicinal properties. The leaves of the tea plant Camellia Sinensis are ground into a powder to make Matcha. The powder is then whisked with hot water to create a frothy green tea.
Matcha tea contains antioxidants and nutrients, including vitamins C and E, selenium, and chromium. Matcha tea can boost metabolism, improve concentration and memory, and reduce stress. Matcha tea is also a good source of chlorophyll, which some people believe has detoxifying properties.
Tasting Notes
When it comes to tea, there are many different ways to enjoy it. Some people like their tea hot, while others prefer it iced. Matcha has a robust flavor and might be a bit bitter if you’ve never tried it before. Start with a small amount and see how you like it.
One more thing to keep in mind is that the color can vary from one brand to another. Some brands will have a brighter green color, while others will have more of a dull green color. This has nothing to do with the quality or taste but the way it has been processed.
Finally, when it comes to tasting Matcha, pay attention to the texture. Some Matcha powders can be quite grainy, while others are smoother. Again, this is due to the way the Matcha is processed.
Recipe - How to Make Matcha Tea
Of course, there are tons of resources on how to make matcha tea. But we believe the following recipe is amongst the simplest.
To make a delicious cup of matcha tea, you will need:
-1 teaspoon of matcha powder
-1 cup of hot water
-A bowl and whisk OR a blender
Optional:
-Honey or sugar to taste
Instructions:
1. If using a blender, add all ingredients and blend until frothy.
2. If using a bowl and whisk, sift the matcha powder into the bowl. Add 2-3 tablespoons of hot water and whisk until the powder completely dissolves. Slowly add the rest of the hot water while whisking until frothy.
3. Enjoy as is or sweeten to taste with honey or sugar.
Important Notes on How to Make Matcha Tea
- Do not use hot water when making matcha tea. The ideal water temperature is around 80 degrees Celsius.
- Use a bamboo whisk (Chasen) or electric frother to mix the matcha powder with water evenly. Avoid using a spoon, as this will result in a clumpy texture.
- Once the Matcha is fully dissolved, drink it immediately. Do not let it sit for too long, as the tea will become bitter.
FAQs on How to Make Matcha Tea
Where can I find Matcha powder?
You can find Matcha powder in many Asian markets or online. It is a bit more expensive than other teas, but a little goes a long way since you are using the whole leaf.
Did you enjoy learning how to make matcha tea? Here are some more tea recipes you can try out:
