I was working on big popsicle and ice cream recipe articles recently and kept coming across the word Matcha. The fact that I was writing articles about food clued me in that it was something edible and being used in a variety of ways. Beyond that I was clueless.
Since I was unfamiliar with the word, I figured a number of other people might be as well, and thus this post that tells you what in the world matcha is and how to use it.
Turns out matcha is a special, premium-type of green tea ground into powder form. During the last three weeks or so of its growing cycle it is kept in the shade yielding a very rich, green color. The stems and veins of the leaves are removed before the leaves are stone ground processed into powder (Wikipedia).
For centuries, matcha as been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese tea ceremonies. Today a large amount of premium matcha comes from Japan (Eater). This green tea is rich in antioxidants which are thought to have a variety of possible health benefits in proper quantities. Also, it does contain caffeine (Health).
Currently, it is very in style to not only make beverages containing matcha, but to also include it as a major ingredient in a variety of dishes. Check out these examples.
Matcha Green Tea Chia Pudding from Fearless Dining
Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte by Celebrating Sweets
Matcha Green Tea Banana Ice Cream from Oh, How Civilized
Matcha White Chocolate Bark with Coconut and Raspberries by Milly’s Kitchen
Coconut Vanilla Matcha Smoothie by The Garden Grazer
Matcha Green Tea Truffles from Good Morning Cali
Roasted Blueberries and Cream Matcha Popsicles by With Food + Love
Matcha Mint Iced Tea from Love & Lemons
Matcha Green Tea Waffles from Fit Foodie Finds
5-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Matcha Coconut Butter Cups by Fit Mitten Kitchen
Matcha Marshmallows from 40 Aprons
Pistachio Green Tea Cupcakes with Matcha Cream Cheese Frosting by Spoonful of Flavor
Green Tea Crepes With Matcha Ricotta Cheese & Raspberry Sauce from Recipe Runner
Iced Matcha and Salted Latte from Downshiftology
Matcha Cookies With Almonds by Rasa Malaysia
Baked Matcha Glazed Doughnuts by Cooking At Sabrina’s
Spicy Matcha Margaritas from Wicked Spatula
Matcha Cream Puffs by Joleen Cuisine
Coconut Cherry Matcha Smoothie from 3 Boys Unprocessed
Chocolate Pound Cakes With Matcha White Chocolate Ganache by Apt. 2B Baking Co.
Apricot Matcha Breakfast Rolls by Probably This
Matcha and Strawberry Layer Cake with Mascarpone Filling from Supergolden Bakes
Matcha Avocado Ice Cream by A Calculated Whisk
Raspberry Matcha Macarons from Her Cup of Joy
Ginger Matcha Latte Doughnuts by Donna Hay
Vegan Coconut Matcha Ice Cream Cakes from Elephantastic Vegan
Matcha Moss Cupcakes by Thirsty For Tea
Based on its long culinary history and its current popularity, it looks like matcha will be eaten and used in drinks by people for many years to come.
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I drink matcha tea everyday. It does have a strong taste but what I do is add a small scoop of it to a regular cup of tea or a bottle green iced tea.
Great idea.
I’ve wanted to try matcha, I’ve never tried it though because I want sure exactly how to use it or if i’d like it. These recipes look great though.
Amazing the range of foods that matcha can be incorporated into isn’t it?
So, it’s green tea in powder form. But you can use it for things other than tea.
Basically what I’m saying is I don’t “get” health food xD But this has definitely helped clear up the murky waters – I’ve seen the name around the Internet, but never looked into it.
Yes, matcha turns out to be one of the original health foods judging by its longevity.
I drink a teaspoon of matcha almost everyday. Thanks for the links to all the great recipes. Thanks for sharing at Let’s Get Real Party. Hope you continue to link up with us. I will be sharing this on my Inner Savvy Wellness Facebook page as well.