Matcha green tea latte a fine substitute for your morning coffee.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a green tea powder is made from grinding leaves of young tea plant (camellia sinensis) harvested in Japan.
Fun fact: Teas- black, white, oolong or green, originate from the same leaf–what differentiates is the time at which they are harvested. Green Tea is picked early in the harvest and traditionally used in ceremonies in Japan as a ritual.
When purchasing matcha, the ceremonial grade matcha is a bright green color, the leaves are flash freeze process. Culinary matcha is still full of nutrients and slightly lighter flavor profile. Culinary matcha can be used for drinking, baking and cooking. When storing be mindful that matcha is very sensitive to light and heat and will oxidize in bright warm environments. Store your matcha powder in a cool dark place, in an opaque container in the refrigerator or freezer for best keeps.
Matcha Nutritional Benefits
Matcha is more nutrient-dense in comparison to the steeped green tea leaves commonly used in tea bags. Since instead of steeping, you ingest the entire tea leaf!
This delicate green tea powder has powerhouse qualities, boost concentrate without the jittery side effects of caffeine. Although it does contain caffeine, matcha also contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which helps to counter the effects of caffeine by triggering the release of feel good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin that stimulate brain waves for better concentration.
Antioxidants galore!
Catechins in matcha combat free radicals found within the chlorophyll also responsible for the bright green color. Green tea has long been studied for it potential anti-cancer activities. Being high in antioxidants means it seeks out harmful free radicals.
My dietetic internship thesis was on green tea and breast cancer risk and recurrence- findings showed those with highest consumption and frequency (5 or more cups of green tea a daily) drank green tea had a lesser chance of developing breast cancer and having a recurrence. There has also been research on skin, prostate and liver cancers as well, which are likely related to its role in several processes involving cells replication.
Metabolism Boosting?
Green tea has the ability to temporally boost metabolism but in terms of weight loss it has a minimal effect, unfortunately not the magic potion you are looking for, but it surely is a delicious and nutritious addition to a
How to Use Matcha:
- Smoothies
- Lattes
- Baked goods
- Oats
- Cereal
Matcha Green Tea Latte can be enjoyed hot or cold, making a great morning drink.
Giving this recipe a go? Tag me at #sidebarnutrition
With Gratitude,
Jamie
Matcha Green Tea Latte
Ingredients
- 8 oz. almond milk
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 1 1/2 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)*
Instructions
- Heat water to boil on stove top kettle. In microwave or on stove top heat almond milk until hot but not boiling. Remove milk from heat, pour carefully into tea mug, stir in spoonful of honey.
- Whisk matcha green tea powder with hot water until smooth.
- Pour green tea/water mixture into milk filled mug and stir.
- Enjoy!
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