Konichiwa!
Today you're in for a treat with my very favorite matcha latte!
A few years ago, no one knew what matcha was, but it's become super popular recently and is pretty commonly available mainstream at Starbucks, bubble tea shops, and even Dunkin' Donuts.
So if you haven't tried it yet, give it a go.
Where Did the Craze Come From?
Matcha is actually nothing new. In fact it's pretty old and has been around for centuries, first originating in China and then being brought over to Japan in the 12th century.
The Japanese have been enjoying matcha in tea ceremonies (chanoyu) for centuries, but it wasn't until the 1990s that the matcha latte was invented.
Nowadays, matcha lattes are everywhere - with good reason - because not only do they taste great, but they also have great health benefits, including...
- being high in antioxidants
- boosting metabolism and energy levels
- having a calming effect on the body.
And with so many variations on the classic plain matcha latte, there's a version for everyone! Unless you're one of those people who doesn't like the taste of matcha and thinks it tastes like grass (which is a fair point).
Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is originally made with just hot water. None of the fancy foamy milk. And if you're up for it, that's probably the best and most healthy way to drink your matcha.
It's more than just a pretty green powder, it's a superfood in its own right with some seriously great health benefits.
So without writing an entire blog post dedicated to the health benefits of matcha... here are the key points.
#1. Matcha is loaded with antioxidants
(more than blueberries and gogi berries), which help you deal with free radicals that can damage your cells and cause disease.
#2. The caffine in matcha contains L-theanine
(an amino acid), which helps give you a natural energy boost without the jitters or crash that are characteristic side effects of caffeine from coffee.
#3. L-theanine also helps promote a calm and focused state of mind,
which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
#4. Matcha can even help you slim down
thanks to its metabolism-boosting properties and ability to aid in fat burning.
#5. Some other potential health benefits of matcha include:
- lowering cholesterol levels
- reducing inflammation
- improving brain function.
Now it's time to put on your kimono and get to actually making some matcha.
Ingredients for a Matcha Latte:
1 teaspoon matcha powder
1 cup milk of your choice (I love almond milk, but any milk will do)
1-2 teaspoons honey or sweetener of your choice (optional, but highly recommended)
Whisk or electric frother
Step-by-Step How to:
- Heat up your milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Don't boil it, just heat it up until it's hot and steaming.
- While the milk is heating up, add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to a mug or bowl. (If you are using a whisk I highly recommend using a bowl or a larger measuring cup to give you enough room to whisk vigorously.)
- Add a small amount of hot water (about 1/4 - 1/3 cup) to the matcha powder and whisk vigorously until it becomes a smooth paste.
- Pour the hot milk into the matcha mixture and use either your whisk or electric frother to combine it all together until it becomes frothy and creamy. (If you whisked your matcha well initially, you might be able to get away with combining the matcha and milk just by stirring with a spoon.)
- If you want your matcha latte to be sweet, add 1-2 teaspoons of honey or sweetener of your choice.
- Pour the matcha latte into your cup and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Use high-quality matcha powder for the best taste and health benefits. (Super important! Your latte will only taste as good as the matcha you use.)
Make sure your milk is hot but not boiling, as boiling milk can alter the taste and texture of the matcha latte and cause an annoying skim on the top of your drink.
Use a whisk or electric frother to get the perfect frothy and creamy texture. (I'm more of a traditionalist, so I like using my bamboo whisk.)
Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less honey or sweetener.
Feel free to experiment with different milk types and sweeteners to find your perfect matcha latte.
And there you have it! Now you too can enjoy a delicious and healthy matcha latte from scratch anytime, anywhere.
*Caution: Matcha is a superfood so even though it tastes amazing it's best to have it in moderation. I personally drink matcha two or three times a week is my limit.
Go Crazy with Variations of Matcha Latte
Iced Matcha Latte
Matcha Latte with Coconut Milk
Matcha Latte with Honey
Matcha Latte with Almond Milk
Where do I Find Matcha Powder?
I was going to end this post with the recipe, but decided to include this blurb since I've had trouble locating good quality matcha in the past. (I ended up with a pound of yellow culinary grade matcha, which is still sitting in my fridge.)
#1. Pay attention to the type of matcha powder.
There are different grades of matcha powder, ranging from ceremonial grade (the highest quality) to culinary grade (ideal for cooking and baking).
Do NOT use culinary grade for a latte. It won't taste right. But for frequent drinking you probably don't need ceremonial grade either unless you have money to burn.
Aim for something in between. Typically anything labeled as "sweet matcha" "classic" or "cafe" should be safe.
#2. Pay attention to color.
Look for matcha powder that is bright green in color, finely ground, and has a fresh aroma.
Check the origin and harvesting process to ensure quality.
#3. Buy a good brand.
Recap!
- Matcha is high in antioxidants, which can help fight against disease and aging.
- It boosts metabolism and energy levels, making it a perfect morning pick-me-up.
- It has a calming effect and reduces stress, helping you to feel relaxed and focused.
- It can aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and promoting fat burning.
With just a few simple ingredients and a whisk, you can enjoy a frothy and creamy matcha latte anytime, anywhere. If you do make a latte I'd love to hear how it turned out!
Originally published on April 12, 2023
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