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It’s no secret I am obsessed with matcha. My first memory of matcha was in Japanese (日本語) class in primary school, which to date is still one of my favourite classes. I still remember the only way Mamiko Sensei (先生) could make it palatable for our little 6-year-old taste buds was with the addition of a spoonful of sugar or honey. Or maybe we were the ones that went behind her back and sweetened our matcha. Regardless, it was an acquired taste but I loved it.

Flash forward 14 years and I’m quite literally obsessed with matcha. It is my preferred drink, alternating with the occasional golden turmeric latte. A day does not go by without my matcha and I’m even considering bringing my matcha powder with me to Europe. The love is real. Health benefits would never sway me if I didn’t like the taste, and that is something I live by.

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This recipe appears to be way too simple for a post, and I’m sure there are hundreds of similar recipes floating around, but for something that I gain so much happiness from I thought it was deserving of a little blog time – my own little recipe. Despite detracting from its traditional roots, as I do not have a bamboo whisk (chasen) yet and with the addition of some milk (mylk* anyone?), I still believe mindfulness is most important when making and sipping your matcha. It is on the pricey side and admittedly the only superfood powder I invest in, but I do only use ½ teaspoon for every latte so I personally ensure I always treat myself to a packet. I have also included delicious optional add-ins to supercharge your morning matcha. Over time I have slowly increased the amount of water to mylk I use as I have become accustomed to the delicate unsweetened taste but feel free to include more mylk in yours.

*Mylk = almond, coconut, nut, rice, macadamia, oat milk etc.

Pictured also are an adapted version of these oat and ginger cookies.

Nutrition Talk
Matcha is essentially stone-ground green tea leaves. Simple. Instead of brewing the leaf and discarding, as you do with green tea, you are consuming the whole leaf including it’s amazing qualities. A study published in the Journal of Chromatography A conducted by the University of Colorado highlighted that the concentration of the catechin credited for matcha’s beneficial health properties, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), is present in an amount 137 times greater than that available in regular green teas. The study compares matcha to a specific brand of green tea therefore this number may not correlate across the board and definitely not definitive. I have found many studies exploring the potential of EGCG though this is the first analysis of its kind therefore I look forward to further studies as there is a lack of clinical trials currently available.

The primary amino acid present is L-theanine which acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain, promoting α-brain wave activity benefiting the central nervous system. This induces a heightened state of relaxation and focus counteracting the effects of caffeine, which some describe as a “calm state of alertness”. There are so many more benefits to matcha so definitely read up if interested. All the studies utilised for this Nutrition Talk can be found in a list below the recipe because as you must know by now, I love this stuff!

As always though, pay attention to your body and notice any side effects as caffeine is still present in matcha, usually in lower amounts depending on source. Too much of a good thing may become not so good in the end and not everyone’s bodies may agree so above all, listen to that bod! 😉 Remember matcha is a concentrated source of nutrients, so less is more. If you are unsure, please consult with a health practitioner. 🙂

♥

Morning Matcha Coco Latte

Serves: 1 mug

½ teaspoon matcha powder
2 tablespoons hot water (I’ve started using ½ cup water and ½ cup milk)
1 cup / 250 ml milk of choice (I love a mix of coconut and rice milk OR coconut and almond)
Optional:
– sweetener: 1 teaspoon honey, maple syrup etc.
– add ½ – 1 teaspoon of cacao powder for a cacao-matcha latte.
– experiment with any of the following: vanilla bean powder, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 teaspoon coconut oil, collagen, nut butter – like almond, sea salt, ginger etc.

Method:

Put the matcha powder in a mug and dissolve in 2 tablespoons of hot water, stirring with a spoon. If using more water, decrease the amount of milk you warm up. This should create a clump-free paste/syrup.

Warming the milk is next. I use my coffee machine’s steam wand to heat up the milk and create some lovely froth. I then pour this slowly over the matcha liquid saving the froth for last…yum! If you have got a milk frother or blender (you will need to add all the ingredients to this version) you can use them to heat the milk. Using your stove top or microwave to heat up the milk and then pouring over the matcha are also options though no froth will be created.

Add the sweetener at the end if using. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon, cacao, coconut flakes or more matcha if desired. Hope you love this so matcha like me!

Notes:
– as noted above, store your matcha powder in the fridge to minimise oxidation.
– ceremonial-grade matcha powder from Japan is is the highest quality matcha and ensures exposure to lead is minimal.
– some brands that I love to use and readily available at health stores in Australia are Matcha Maiden and Konomi Matcha. Please check quality matcha brands, sourced from Japan, in your country.

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References:

Head, K. A., & Kelly, G.S. (2009). Nutrients and botanicals for treatment of stress: Adrenal fatigue, neurotransmitter imbalance, anxiety, and restless sleep. Alternative Medicine Review, 14(2), 114-140.

Nobre, A. C., Rao, A., & Owen, G. N. (2008). L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 17(1), 167-168.

Weiss, D. J., & Anderton, C. R. (2003). Determination of catechins in matcha green tea by micellar electrokinetic chromatography. Journal of Chromatography A, 1011(2), 173-180. doi:10.1016/S0021-9673(03)01133-6