There are a number of ways to drink matcha green tea. So many in fact that it can get kind of overwhelming for all you matcha newbies
It's totally ok though. We are here to help you by sharing 3 simple and easy recipes to get you started.
It really just boils down to the grade and flavor you prefer.
We suggest 1 of the following methods:
Traditional Ceremonial Matcha
Matcha Green Tea Latte'
Smatcha (not a typo-LOL) With Lemon and Honey
Up first...
TRADITIONAL CEREMONIAL MATCHA
We have really simplified this down quite a bit. If you were wanting to keep up with true Japanese Tea Ceremony Traditions it would be a longer process than most people have time for.
To get started gather up the following:
-Matcha Bowl (if you have one) or a simple soup bowl will do
-Bamboo Whisk (Chasen) or small wire kitchen whisk
-Bamboo Scoop (Chashaku) or 1/2 tsp. measuring spoon
-Tea Kettle
-Spring or Filtered Water
-Nature's Blueprint Ceremonial Matcha
Directions:
Step # 1 - Heat your water to no more than 175F.
(Just to the point of steaming)
Step # 2- Scoop matcha into the bowl
Step # 3- Pour 3oz of heated water into the bowl with matcha powder
Step # 4- Whisk until frothy and smooth
If you have the matcha bowl, whisk, and scoop you will definitely get a better result. But if you don't its perfectly ok to use the alternative equipment listed. It just may not get as frothy and smooth.
Tips:
Always use a clean source of water like spring or filtered. Tap water has a lot of chemicals treatments in it that can alter the taste.
Be careful not to overheat your water. Green teas are delicate and can produce a very bitter taste if the water is too hot.
Never reheat the water in your kettle. Just pour it out and start with new. Using previously heated water can also affect the taste of your matcha tea.
Next...
MATCHA GREEN TEA LATTE
This is the mot popular way. Even places like Starbucks make these, but this recipe tastes soooo much better and is better for you :)
You will need:
1 Heaping scoop/teaspoon Nature's Blueprint Culinary or Ceremonial Matcha
1/2 Cup Milk of your choice (we suggest homemade almond)
1/2 Cup Clean Water (spring or filtered)
1 Tbsp of Honey
1 Splash of Vanilla
Small Sauce Pan
Whisk
Mug or Cup
Directions:
Step # 1-Start by adding milk and water to your small saucepan. Heat on low until lightly steaming (do not boil)
Step # 2- Next add a splash of vanilla and a touch of honey.
Step # 3-Whisk until all ingredients are incorporated and then add the matcha.
Step # 4-Whisk again until smooth. Last, pour into your favorite cup or mug and enjoy.
Tips:
Be careful not to overheat your milk and water mixture. It can affect texture and taste.
Always use a clean source of water like spring or filtered. Tap water has a lot of chemicals treatments in it that can alter the taste.
You may substitute honey for agave or coconut nectar, but we suggest sticking with a liquid sweetener for easier blending.
This can also be made cold for an iced matcha latte'. Just add all ingredients to a blender without heating and pour over a cup of ice.
Last but not least...
SMATCHA TEA WITH HONEY AND LEMON
This recipe uses a combination of Sencha Loose Leaf Tea and Matcha Green Tea. That's why we call it Smatcha :)
Grab the following goods:
Nature's Blueprint Ceremonial Matcha
Nature's Blueprint Loose Leaf Sencha Green Tea
Tea Kettle
Clean Water (spring or filtered)
Honey
Slice of fresh lemon
Tea Cup
Tea infuser or strainer
Directions:
Step # 1- Make your sencha tea. (If you are new to sencha too, read "How to Prepare Sencha" for the perfect brew)
Step # 2- Add 1/2-1 tsp ceremonial matcha to your teacup
Step # 3- Pour your brewed sencha tea over the matcha powder in your cup
Step # 4- Whisk until combined
Step# 5- Add a squirt or 2 of honey to sweeten and squeeze in your fresh lemon juice.
Step # 6- Stir and enjoy
Tips:
Always use a clean source of water like spring or filtered. Tap water has a lot of chemicals treatments in it that can alter the taste.
Be careful not to overheat your water. Green teas are delicate and can produce a very bitter taste if the water is too hot.
Never reheat the water in your kettle. Just pour it out and start with new. Using previously heated water can also affect the taste of your matcha tea.
Also great as a cold cup of tea. Just wait for it to cool and pour over a cup of ice. Ahhhh... refreshing.
Hopefully, you will enjoy one of these recipes and get into the matcha lovin lifestyle. There are so many amazing benefits for you to discover.
Cheers to your health!!