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Matcha: The Magical Green Tea

Matcha, traditionally used in East Asian cuisine, today enjoys the rank of one of the most popular teas around the world. Learn more about matcha and the incredible recipes that utilize this flavorful ingredient. 

What is matcha?

Matcha, commonly known as matcha tea, is a popular Japanese green tea powder. The matcha plant, Camellia sinensis, is grown in special conditions under shade for three weeks and processed upon harvest. Later, the tea leaves are ground to form a smooth powder. Matcha tea is believed to offer more health benefits than traditional green tea due to the increased theanine content, which promotes anti-stress properties. Today, matcha is used to make a wide range of recipes besides matcha tea, cookies, puddings, ice-cream, smoothies, and much more!

History of Matcha

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The origin of matcha dates back to the 11th century when Zen Buddhists in China used matcha for spiritual rituals. Eventually, this ritual spread to Zen Buddhists in Japan and as the ritual spread, matcha became more popular. Today, matcha is still a divine ingredient in Japan. Many Japanese tea ceremonies only serve hot matcha tea to boost spirituality. Today, matcha has gained more popularity in the United States due to its incredible health benefits and refreshing taste.

Flavor of matcha

Matcha offers a mix of varied flavors with a special buttery feel to it. You can experience a grassy, nutty, and sweet aftertaste in typical matcha powder. Some people also believe that matcha provides a subtle umami undertone. We think the unique frothy texture and aromatic creaminess of matcha is perhaps its most delicious aspect. 

How to use Matcha

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Traditional matcha green tea requires whisking the matcha powder with a few spoons of water. Once the mixture gets foamy, hot water is added. The matcha can then be poured into a mug to be enjoyed immediately or utilized in recipes. For a delish matcha latte recipe, try adding hot milk to the whisked mixture instead of hot water. Another contemporary variation of matcha tea is the Dalgona matcha latte. This latte is served with creamy matcha froth prepared from egg whites, sugar, and matcha powder.

Japanese desserts use matcha as a pleasant green dye and flavoring agent. Mochi is a traditional Japanese rice cake prepared from rice, cornstarch, sugar, and matcha powder. This matcha recipe is specifically prepared at Mochitsuki, a Japanese new year’s tradition.

Matcha ice-cream, also known as the green tea ice cream, is a well-known matcha recipe in Japanese, and American cuisine. Matcha cookies, cakes, puddings, and crepes are modern matcha desserts.

Some savory matcha recipes include roasted matcha chicken, matcha-herb scones, matcha hummus, and matcha gnocchi. The creamy matcha texture and flavor make it perfect for soups including our favorite matcha and mushroom soup. Pickup a bag of matcha and try it on its own or in any of the delicious recipes listed above. 

Feature Image: dungthuyvunguyen from Pixabay

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