Recipe Time: Matcha Latte
I love me a matcha latte, warm or iced!
Matcha is green tea powder that contains vitamin C and a wide range of other vitamins and minerals. It’s also rich in polyphenols known as catechins, which act as powerful antioxidants.
While matcha powder contains about 35 mg of caffeine in a 1/2 tsp. serving, that’s far less caffeine than a cup of joe at 150-200 mg per serving. Matcha also contains l-theanine, a calming amino acid. So drinking matcha can provide a clear, focused sort of energy vs. a jolt or buzz.
Matcha lattes are easy to make. However, using a few special tools — a bamboo whisk and a milk frother — will yield the best results. Sound high maintenance? Well, a little bit. But for the love of matcha, I am all in. Preparing a matcha latte has become an enjoyable ritual that culminates with that first sip. (Alternatively, you can use a regular whisk.)
An iced matcha on a hot summer afternoon hits the spot with the tea’s grassy flavor & a hint of sweetness.
There are many matcha varieties. I buy Daily Matcha from Matcha.com, as well as Sencha brand matcha from Costco. Both are delicious and taste a bit different. The latter is a more economical choice! Both are also organic.
Like wine, coffee and other drinks, you'll find a range of quality and flavor profiles with matcha. Ceremonial matcha, at the high end, has a smooth and slightly sweeter flavor.
(Also like wine and coffee, you can drink too much matcha. The green tea contains fluoride, which can be dangerous to health at high levels. As such, I suggest limiting matcha to 1 cup per day.)
In my recipe, I add vanilla, honey, and often a scoop of collagen to bump up my daily protein.
Matcha tastes great paired with my no-bake Apple Cinnamon Energy Bites!
Ingredients
1/2 to 1 tsp.organic matcha powder
1⁄4 C boiling water
8 oz. of your favorite milk (dairy, almond, oat, cashew, etc.*)
1 tsp. honey
a dash of vanilla extract, to taste
pinch of sea salt (optional)
1 scoop collagen protein (optional)
Matcha whisk and/or frothing wand (or a regular whisk)
*Note: Many nut & seed milks are comprised mainly of seed oils your body doesn't need. Malk and a few other brands keep it simple with only their main ingredient (i.e. almonds for almond milk) plus salt. Also, check the sugar content. If your milk already contains sugar, you can skip the honey.
Matcha is rich in antioxidants known as catechins.
Instructions
Warm
Boil the water. In a small saucepan heat your milk over medium heat, stirring frequently.
While the water and milk heat, add the matcha powder and sea salt to a mug.
Once the water boils, turn off the heat and let it settle a few seconds. Pour the water into the mug and use the matcha whisk or a handheld frother to dissolve the tea and salt.
When the milk is warm (don't boil!), add the honey, vanilla and collagen to the pot, if using. (For collagen, pour it in slowly while using the frother or continuously stirring with a spoon until it dissolves.)
Pour the milk mixture into your mug, then settle in for a nourishing treat.
Iced
Follow the same process above using a large glass, but don't heat the milk.
After adding the boiling water to your glass and dissolving your matcha and sea salt, add a bit of cold milk. Mix in your honey and collagen until dissolved. Add the vanilla and the remainder of your milk. Give it another stir, then scoop in some ice and enjoy!
Looking for other tasty drinks? Check out my golden milk recipe.
