Matcha, a vibrant green tea powder from Japan, has gained worldwide popularity not only for its unique taste but also for its impressive health benefits. Whether you’re a long-time tea enthusiast or just curious about the buzz around matcha, this article will guide you through everything from making the perfect matcha latte to understanding its caffeine content and daily intake recommendations.
What does matcha taste like?
Matcha has a rich, earthy flavor that is often described as slightly bitter with a hint of sweetness. The taste is distinct, grassy, and full-bodied, with umami notes. For those new to matcha, its intensity can be a bit surprising, but many come to love its deep flavor, especially when mixed into drinks like matcha lattes.
🍵 How to make matcha latte
Making a matcha latte is simple and can be easily customized to your taste. Here’s a basic recipe to help you get started:
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp of matcha powder
- 1/4 cup of hot water (not boiling)
- 3/4 cup of milk (almond, oat, coco or cow’s milk, or any other of your choice)
- Sweetener of your choice (optional, such as honey, maple syrup or orange blossom syrup our favourite)
Instructions:
- Sift 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a bowl to avoid clumping.
- Add 1/4 cup of hot water (around 80°C/175°F) and whisk vigorously in a zigzag motion using a bamboo whisk (or regular whisk) until frothy.
- Warm 3/4 cup of milk in a saucepan and froth it using a milk frother or by shaking it in a jar.
- Pour the matcha into a cup, add the frothed milk, and stir gently. Sweeten to taste if desired.
- Enjoy your creamy and delicious matcha latte!
How much matcha can I drink per day?
While matcha is loaded with health benefits, it’s important to consume it in moderation. Experts generally recommend drinking 1 to 2 servings per day, which is about 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha powder. This amount provides a good balance of caffeine and beneficial antioxidants without overloading your system.
How much caffeine is in matcha?
Matcha contains a moderate amount of caffeine. A single teaspoon of matcha powder (approximately 2 grams) has about 70 milligrams of caffeine. This is roughly the same amount as in a cup of brewed coffee but with one key difference: the caffeine in matcha is absorbed more slowly due to the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation. This combination provides a calm, steady energy boost without the jittery feeling often associated with coffee.
Health benefits of matcha
Matcha isn’t just a tasty treat—it’s packed with numerous health benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants: Matcha contains a high concentration of catechins, particularly EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which can help fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and protect cells from damage.
- Boosts metabolism: Some studies suggest that matcha can enhance fat burning and improve exercise performance, making it a popular choice for those looking to support weight loss.
- Calm alertness: Thanks to the combination of caffeine and L-theanine, matcha provides an energy boost without the usual caffeine crash. It promotes a state of calm focus, making it a great alternative to coffee for sustained energy throughout the day.
- Supports heart health: The antioxidants in matcha can help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering bad cholesterol and improving overall heart health.
- Detoxification: The chlorophyll in matcha gives it its bright green color and also acts as a natural detoxifier, helping the body eliminate toxins.
Enjoy your cup of matcha!
Matcha is a versatile and health-boosting tea that can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Whether you enjoy it in a traditional tea ceremony or in a modern matcha latte or in a matcha-collagen-combo, this green tea powder offers a range of benefits, from steady energy to powerful antioxidants. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation—1 to 2 cups per day—and you’ll reap all the incredible health benefits that matcha has to offer!
