Hi all!
The weather is getting chilly and we’re well on our way to that winter season. For many of us, a warm beverage will be accompanying our chunky knits this season. However, with so many beverage options these days, both new and old, how do we know which to choose? While coffee was once always my drink of choice, things changed as explained in this previous article and I’ve now moved to a different path.
This year I’m fully on the green wagon. That’s right, the green matcha wagon! I remember first trying matcha WAY before it was trendy, 4 years ago at a Starbucks in Lille (yes, I will do anything to mention my time spent in France) and finding the taste a little odd. However, fast- forward to the present and I can’t get enough of the bright green beverage, when prepared correctly. Plus, the health benefits of matcha will make it become your new drink of choice even quicker. Since I am an avid matcha fan myself, I’ve done all the research and am here to help show you all the good that accompanies every sip. I’ll even teach you my favorite ways to prepare it if you read just a little further!
Benefits of Drinking Matcha:
- Matcha is rich in antioxidants. Now more than ever it is so important to have our antioxidant levels high to fight off all illnesses, trading your typical morning beverage for matcha isn’t a cure all, but it is great start.
- More effective than other versions of caffeine, matcha contains L-theanine, an amino acid. This amino acid specifically alters the effects of caffeine that prevents the typical caffeine crash and is even proven to decrease stress. Perfect for Monday mornings.
- Matcha is a type of green tea which means it contains all the same benefits of green tea such as could help boost weight loss and prevent against heart disease.
- Since matcha uses the whole tea leaf and doesn’t just steep over it, it contains a higher levels of nutrients.
What To Look for when Buying Matcha:
- Ceremonial grade: always look for this title when you are buying matcha to drink straight or make lattes with, this kind of matcha contains the most antioxidants and nutrients
- Culinary grade is perfectly fine to cook with, just typically a little more bitter and not usually used for drinking, this does not mean the quality is any lower, it is typically just harvested at a different time.
- Color: You want matcha to be bright green! Like super super green. This signifies good quality. Low quality matcha will be army green or have a tinge of yellow
- Research the brand: if you decide to embark on your own matcha journey, doing some research will bring you across some great high-quality matcha brands with full transparency about their sourcing
- Taste: this one is of course hard to tell until after the fact that you’ve made a purchase (which is why it is important to purchase from a reputable company. However, the taste of a good quality matcha will be smooth and far less bitter than a poor quality matcha. Not to be confused with earthy. A flavor that is very unenjoyable would not be a high-quality matcha (and not an enjoyable experience for you, the consumer either!)
Here are some of my all time favorite matcha powders:
Now that you know all the amazing benefits and have all the needed supplies, on to step 2:
How to Make a Matcha Latte:
- If you’re ready to dive full force into the matcha world, invest in a bamboo whisk (click to buy) or use a spoon/ whatever you on hand to mix.
- Whisk together 1 tsp matcha + 3 tbsp hot water, this should form a paste
- Whisk in a sweetener of your choice, or leave out if you prefer
- Pour over hot or cold milk for either a hot or iced latte (I prefer oat milk).
If you’re more a Starbucks or Dunkin kind of gal/guy, here is how I order:
Starbucks
- Matcha green tea latte + almond milk (or coconut milk if I’m wanting a slightly creamier taste)
or
- Matcha Lemonade
Dunkin
- Iced matcha latte + oat milk
Local Coffee Shops
- Matcha + oat milk + 1 pump liquid sugar (for sweetness)
- if an option, add CBD oil for an extra relaxing beverage
Will you switch up your morning beverage choice this week? What are your thoughts on matcha? Let us know in the comments below!
xo
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