What is Matcha Green Tea Anyway?

Matcha actually means “powdered tea.” So when you order green tea at the local coffee shop, what you’re getting are the leaves that have been infused in hot water. Afterwards, you typically toss away the tea bag. But when it comes to matcha, the leaves have been made into a fine powder and you’re drinking the actual leaves! Traditionally you would mix about a teaspoon of matcha powder with a third cup of hot water (not boiling), and whisk with a bamboo brush until it froths.

The preparation of matcha is fairly intense. The tea plants are covered with shade cloths before they’re harvested. The process of harvesting triggers the growth of leaves and makes more flavorful and promotes stronger texture. The leaves are then hand selected, steamed (to stop fermentation), dried and aged in cold storage. The drying and aging of the leaves helps to deepen the flavor before they are stone-ground into a fine powder.

Why drink matcha?

High quality matcha is a more potent source of nutrients than steeped green tea. Matcha also provides vitamins and minerals. Rich in antioxidants called polyphenols, consuming matcha has been shown to protect against heart disease and cancer, as well as, help to regulate blood sugar, reduce blood pressure, and prevent aging. EGCG, another polyphenol found in green tea, can also help to promote weight loss by boosting your metabolism.

Matcha Green Tea Latte

5 minutes. Gluten free. Vegan. Paleo.

Ingredients

• 1c Full Fat Coconut Milk
• 1c filtered water
• 1t matcha green tea
• stevia to taste
• *optional 1T hydrolyzed collagen protein (not vegan)

Directions

Begin by heating coconut milk and water in one pot on the stove (don’t boil). Add remaining ingredients. Pour the contents into a blender and blend or 30 seconds at a medium speed. [You could also use an immersion blender on the stove top].