If you want to enjoy all the extraordinary beneficial properties of matcha tea but don't like its particular taste, Matcha Latte is the ideal solution.
This simple recipe originated in the USA, specifically from Starbucks, which first used green tea in its "Green Tea Latte." This recipe then gained great success in Japan, where Matcha Tea Latte originated.
Let's recap what matcha tea is.
Matcha Tea
Matcha tea is a highly prized Japanese green tea, sourced from plantations that grow only in certain locations in Japan, and its processing follows an ancient and rich tradition.
The plantations are shaded from the sun for days before harvesting to preserve high levels of chlorophyll and theanine within the leaves.
The small, freshly sprouted leaves are carefully hand-picked, steamed for a few seconds, and then dried.
Finally, they are stone-ground at low speeds to keep the temperature low and not compromise their nutritional properties.
This produces a fine, fragrant powder of a dark, intense green color.
Everything follows a traditional method dating back about 2000 years. Its preparation also follows what is considered a true "ceremonial."
Matcha tea is prepared by suspension, so the powder dissolves directly in hot water, and special traditional Japanese tools must be used.
This preparation method allows you to savor and harness all the nutritional power of the leaves, unlike regular green teas, which are prepared by infusion.
Matcha Latte
Enjoyed either hot or cold, it will give you the right boost to face the day at its best.
It will allow you to taste the refreshing notes and all the beneficial properties of this extraordinary Japanese green tea.
How to Prepare It?
The recipe is very simple and only requires:
250 ml of milk
1 g of Matcha (half a teaspoon)
Sugar (to taste)
To enjoy a perfect matcha latte, you will need traditional Japanese tools:
Chashaku: a thin bamboo teaspoon with a curve achieved by steaming. It scoops the right amount (1 g) of matcha tea for one cup.
Chasen: a large, stout whisk made of bamboo, ideal for mixing the tea powder evenly without altering its taste.
Alternatively, you can use a regular kitchen whisk or a milk frother.
Preparation:
Heat the milk (without boiling it).
Pour the matcha with the help of the Chashaku into a nice big cup and add the sugar.
Add a couple of tablespoons of hot water (40 ml), stirring very well with the help of the Chasen.
At this point, you have obtained Koicha, one of the ways to drink matcha tea, which is also the base for Matcha Latte.
Once you have a creamy, lump-free mixture, add the milk.
You should achieve the perfect consistency, a smooth, light green liquid with a nice foam.
The final touch will be to sprinkle a little matcha powder on top as a decoration.
For those who do not have the Chasen, you can use a regular whisk or, even better, an electric milk frother, which can also be used to froth the milk before adding it to the green tea.
In this way, it will really look like a cappuccino... a Matchaccino!
Alternative Recipes
For a cold drink, you can use cold milk and add ice cubes before serving.
For those who are lactose intolerant, follow a vegan diet, or simply don't like milk, use a plant-based drink such as soy, rice, or almond milk.
If you want a lighter alternative, reduce the amount of milk and mix the matcha tea with hot water, then pour in the already frothed milk.
Why Start the Day with Matcha Latte?
An original breakfast... A tasty alternative to the usual cappuccino!
But not only that... Matcha green tea has many truly incredible beneficial properties.
Rich in antioxidants, it has higher amounts of theanine and caffeine than any other green tea.
Among the many benefits of theanine, one of the most important would be that it increases dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, which would stimulate memory and concentration.
Meanwhile, caffeine helps fight physical fatigue.
However, unlike the caffeine in coffee, which has a more immediate but shorter effect, the caffeine in matcha green tea is released more slowly, so the effect is longer-lasting.
Theanine would be able to stimulate cognitive and character spheres when taken in combination with caffeine, improving mood.
Which Matcha Tea to Use for Matcha Latte?
Depending on the processing of this incredible tea, you can find three different grades: Ceremonial, Premium, and Culinary.
For this recipe, you can use either the most prized Ceremonial Grade or a Premium Grade for a more delicate taste.
The Culinary Grade, on the other hand, is great for making cake and cookie recipes.
