Matcha: The Green Goddess of Teas

Story by Ashley Schafer
Feature Photo via Flickr

Trend alert: matcha.

Matcha is finely ground from green tea leaves – used for making drinks and adding to recipes. It originates from China, however it is largely used in Japanese ceremonies and dishes. Matcha’s bright green color and plethora of health benefits makes it the perfect additive to teas and other beverages.

Traditionally, green tea is made by infusing the leaves in hot water, which then get discarded. When drinking matcha tea however, the leaves themselves are actually being consumed. Because of this, there is a wider range of health benefits and more concentrated nutrients in matcha tea compared to regular green tea.

Matcha is much higher in antioxidants than other teas. Antioxidants help stop or prevent cell damage in your body, due to naturally occurring oxidants. So potentially, antioxidants can help prevent cancer and heart disease. Specifically, Matcha is full of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), an antioxidant known for its cancer fighting properties.

The chlorophyll rich leaves that make up matcha have also been known to help boost metabolism, create a sense of relaxation and detoxify the body. Matcha also helps increase energy levels, which could make it a great substitute to your daily cup of joe. By drinking tea instead, you could eliminate the “crash” associated with coffee. It may even be your saving grace during finals week!

Because matcha is such a fine powder it can be easily added to any drink as well as sprinkled onto many dishes.

You can purchase matcha at the Mount Pleasant Walmart, or GreenTree Cooperative Grocery on Franklin St.

Here are a few 3-step matcha recipes for you to try:

Matcha Coconut Latte Recipe:

• ½ teaspoon matcha
• ¼ cup hot water
• ¼ cup warmed coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon cane sugar, or sweetener of choice

1. Combine the matcha, hot water and coconut milk.
2. Whisk together until frothy. You can use a matcha whisk if you have one, or just a small kitchen whisk.
3. Taste and add sweetener or more water to taste.

Matcha Lemonade/Limeade:

• 2 cups hot water
• ½ teaspoon matcha
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup freshly squeezed lemons or lime juice
• 1 ½ quarts cold water

1. Stir matcha, sugar and hot water together.
2. Once dissolved, add lemon or lime juice and cold water.
3. Refrigerate until cold (about 30 minutes).

No-Bake Matcha Energy Bites

• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 4 tablespoon almond flour
• 2 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon matcha green tea

1. Throw all the ingredients into a food processor. Blend until thoroughly combined.
2. Roll into bite-size balls.
3. Enjoy.