Dont know much about matcha? Follow our guide to this green ingredient, and youll be an expert in minutes.
The nation is still in full-swing matcha madness, with the grassy green drink popping up in Instagram posts and cafés everywhere thanks to its vibrant taste and myriad health benefits. Everyone’s drinking it, but what exactly is matcha, and how can you use it? VegNews has the answers.
Ancient preparation
Made from grinding green tea leaves into powder, this ceremonial drink is infused into boiled water with a wide, stubby bamboo whisk and served frothy and hot in a stone bowl, savored on its own without milk or sweetener. Enjoying the drink straight from the ceremonial bowl helps keep drinkers alert, nutrient-enriched, and feeling well, but this versatile wonder powder is making an appearance in recipes and packaged foods across the nation.
Drinks
Adding matcha to a morning smoothie provides an energy boost and imparts a vibrant emerald color sure to make health-conscious onlookers green with envy. Here are a few other ways to get your sippable matcha fix.
Secret Ingredient Matcha Smoothie/Shake
Vanilla Matcha ‘Milk’shake
Matcha Coconut Latté
Matcha Mojito
Baking
Matcha is also edible and makes a great addition to baked goods. Depending on the amount, you can whip up something earthy and mellow or bright and intense.
White Chocolate Vanilla Matcha Cheesecake
Vegan Matcha Green Tea Donuts
Green Tea Pancakes
Matcha Granola with Blueberries
Savory
With a deep, earthy flavor and slight vegetal notes, this green stuff is ideal for flavoring savory dishes. Here are a few of our favorites:
Miso Eggplant with Green Tea Rice
Romanesco and Cauliflower Green Tea Quiche
Creamy Greens Matcha Soup with Tofu Croutons
Matcha Sea Salt French Fries with Sriracha Ketchup
Sweets
Matcha is 10 times more full of antioxidants such as EGCG, chlorophyll, and vitamins than traditional green teas, which means you’ll feel practically guilt-free when you eat it as ice cream, enrobe it in chocolate, or have it as pudding. Remember—balance is key.
Green Tea Chia Pudding with Berries
Green Tea Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Pistachio and Matcha Truffles
Mango Green Tea Pops
Chocolate Matcha Butter Cups
Photo courtesy of Keepin’ It Kind
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