THE MULTITASKING MATCHA TEA

Everyone has them.  Whether they are in your head or written down somewhere.  The sometimes, well, mostly, exasperating “to do” list. That never-ending account of actions you must take to keep things humming. And, as soon as you delete one item off the record, another ten pop into its place.  Been there?  I think we all have.

Meet Matcha. Here is a multi-tasker that I envy.  He or she does so much in a day, it is marveling. Matcha is a powdered green tea from Japan that delivers greater health benefits than even brewed tea. The brewed tea is great for you.  That is well established, but studies show Matcha powder is even superior to brewed tea.  This is so because the green tea nutrients, which are many, stay locked in the leaf when making Matcha.  Some of these are lost with brewed tea during the steeping process.

Keep scrolling to learn the benefits of drinking and cooking with Matcha tea and find some very useful tools and recipes, too!

WHY MATCHA TEA IS SUCH A HEALTHY CHOICE

So, why else should we consider incorporating this bright green, multitasking powder into our life? There are multiple reasons:

1. Matcha cleans house. The high chlorophyll contained in the leaves is a known purifier of harmful elements like heavy metals and chemical toxins.
2. Matcha fuels your metabolism.  According to some studies, it makes you a fat burner, whether you like it or not. It increases metabolism in individuals to help maintain your weight.
3. Matcha is an antioxidant workhorse.  Matcha is rated at 1300 according to the ORAC scale (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, which is the scale to measure the antioxidant level of foods). This is a high number considering the antioxidant-rich pomegranate is 131.  The antioxidants like EGCg as well as the amino acids, high chlorophyll levels and vitamins A, C, and E in Matcha have been linked to longevity, prevention of cancer and other diseases.  These also play a big role in its detoxification and mood enhancement capabilities.
4. Matcha is an aide to your oral health. The amino acid, catechin, in Matcha has antibacterial properties that can protect your tooth enamel and also counteract the effects of germs and bacteria in your mouth.
5. Matcha increases your energy and concentration.  The energizing properties of Matcha are largely due to its combination of nutrients. Japanese Samarui drank it before a battle, and Buddhist monks drink it to assist in meditation by creating an alert calmness.  Matcha drinkers typically do not experience the usual side-effects of stimulants such as nervousness and hypertension.  Many find it to be a good stable source of energy.

THE TASTE OF MATCHA TEA

Much like green tea, many call the flavor of Matcha “grassy.” Others find the taste a bit bitter.  Because of this, in Japan, Matcha is many times served with a sweet. Others see it as serving as the fifth taste, or umami or savory taste.  This is especially growing among respected chefs and home cooks that use Matcha in this way when creating their dishes.

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HOW TO USE MATCHA OTHER THAN DRINKING IT AS A TEA

You can always take the traditional route and sip Matcha by preparing it in a ceramic tea bowl and whisking the tea and water into a beautiful frothy beverage using a bamboo whisk.  However . . . you can also cheat a bit and pour the tea and water into an electronic frother to achieve those results in seconds. (See the Shop Matcha section below for both options!)

You can now find Matcha used in restaurants with the preparation of lattes, iced drinks, milkshakes, and smoothies. I have even seen it incorporated into beautiful cocktails and many baked sweets and desserts.

But here are some very quick ways to use that tin of matcha right now besides in preparing tea that maybe you have not considered:

• Blend it into organic yogurt with berries and honey
• Whip it into a frosting or topping for a healthy dessert
• Add a teaspoon to your morning smoothie for a luscious green color and a great stream of energy
• Sprinkle it on the end of savory dishes much like salt
• Pop some popcorn with it for movie night this weekend

And, you could even try some of these interesting recipes:

• Pasta with matcha, zucchini, raisins, and pistachios, perhaps?
• In the mood for a frothy coconut matcha latte?
• Fix your sweet tooth with these matcha butter cups and they are sooo pretty!
• Maybe even miso eggplant with matcha sushi rice for a gorgeous vegetarian meal

SHOP MATCHA

Make your perfect cup of matcha with these tools below and check out the beauty products and gift items using the amazing matcha, too!