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Matcha powder: benefits, uses & side effects
You’ve heard of green tea, but what about Matcha green tea?
Just as popular as green tea, Matcha dates back to the 12th century and has been a part of Japan’s tea culture for hundreds of years.
But what is it exactly?
Keep reading for all you need to know about marvellous Matcha!
What is Matcha and how is it used?
Matcha is a green tea powder that’s produced by crushing green tea leaves.
Unlike green tea, which is made by steeping whole leaves or parts of leaves in hot water and removing them, Matcha powder is a finely ground powder that you don’t have to strain.
You just stir the powder into hot water to create a Matcha green tea drink.1,2
Camellia Sinensis plants, the same type of plants that are used to make black, oolong and white tea, are used to make Matcha powder.
They are grown in the shade before they are harvested, which increases their chlorophyll and amino acid content.
After harvesting, the leaf stems and veins are removed and the remaining parts of the plant are steamed, dried and stone-ground into a fine powder.
Summary
- Matcha is a green tea powder that’s produced by crushing green tea leaves
- It contains entire green tea leaves
- These leaves (from the Camellia Sinensis plant) are grown in the shade before being harvested to boost their chlorophyll and amino acid levels
9 Matcha powder uses
Here are some ideas for how you can use Matcha powder.3,4
1
Make a mug of Matcha tea
Combine 2 teaspoons of Matcha with hot water and stir until the powder’s fully dissolved then, enjoy!
Tip: Add a sweetener, such as honey or agave to combat the bitter flavour of raw Matcha powder.
2
Bake with it
Sprinkle it into your muffins, scones, cookies and other baking! Simply replace a bit of your flour with Matcha.
Tip: Whip up a batch of lime green pancakes or waffles; the kids will love the crazy colour!
3
Stir it into your cereal
Mix some Matcha into your morning bowl of porridge or granola.
Tip: Start with ½ to 1 teaspoon until you get used to the taste.
4
Make Matcha stock
Add hot water to 2 teaspoons of Matcha, give it a stir until it’s nice and creamy and then use it as a ‘stock’ for risotto, curries, marinades and more.
Tip: Brew a smooth and creamy Matcha first before adding it to anything. There should be no powdery bits.
5
Create a Matcha broth
Brewed Matcha goes well in dishes, such as ramen and traditional chicken soup.
It also pairs particularly well with Asian ingredients, including soy, ginger and coconut milk.
Tip: If your Matcha tastes too strong, add some traditional chicken or vegetable broth to it.
6
Make super green smoothies
Make your smoothies even greener (literally!) by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of Matcha powder to give them even more depth and an antioxidant boost!
Tip: Remember that Matcha is also loaded with caffeine, so don’t go overboard with it!
7
Make a Matcha latte
Put a few teaspoons of Matcha powder into a cup. Fill about a quarter of your cup with hot water, then top it up with a layer of steamed milk.
Tip: Switch the steamed milk for dairy-free alternatives, such as almond, soy or coconut milk.
8
Sprinkle it on your snacks
A sprinkling of Matcha goes great on popcorn, but you can add it to most other snacks, such as crisps and nuts, too!
Tip: Just a light sprinkling is all you need, anything over 2 teaspoons is more than enough given Matcha’s high caffeine content.
9
Make a Matcha fro-yo
Swirl some Matcha into a tub of yoghurt and then pop it into your freezer for whenever you fancy it!
Tip: You can do the same with ice cream too!
Is it safe to drink Matcha every day?
Yes, providing you enjoy it in moderation!
It really is possible to have too much of a good thing when it comes to Matcha because it’s extremely potent.
One cup of Matcha tea powder alone contains 3 times more antioxidants than green tea plus, there’s the caffeine content to factor in too.5
Summary
- There’s no end to what Matcha can be added to – drinks, breakfast, smoothies, main meals and baking
- Ideally, you should have no more than 400g/2 cups a day of it.
3 of the best Matcha powder products to try
The following 3 products have been tried-and-tested and highly rated by our customers!
One serving of Pulsin's Vitality SuperShake provides 20g of complete plant protein, which contributes to the maintenance of muscle mass.
It also contains a custom-formulated blend of vitamins and minerals.
Key benefits
- Plant-based complete protein shake with B12
- Each serving contains 20g of plant protein
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
Customer reviews
Beatriche – Love it – 5/5 stars
“I bought this several weeks ago and I am very happy with it. It gives a tasty additional taste to my morning smoothies. Importantly, it's rich in vitamin B12, iron, zinc and magnesium.”
Vivid have sourced the finest ceremonial organic Matcha green tea from the hills of Nishio, Japan.
This powder is ideal for adding to smoothies, sprinkling on porridge or enjoying on its own.
Key benefits
- Contains 100% pure ground Matcha green tea leaf
- Organic premium grade powder
Customer reviews
Anonymous – Excellent Matcha tea powder – 5/5 stars
“This Matcha green tea tastes absolutely perfect, it’s rich and creamy.”
Golden Greens produce their Matcha by covering their tea leaves for 2 weeks before picking them.
The darkness forces the Matcha leaves to increase the chlorophyll within, making the leaves that special vibrant green colour.
Key benefits
- High in chlorophyll
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Certified Organic by the Soil Association
Customer reviews
J0d1e – Delicious Matcha – 5/5 stars
“Makes a really delicious latté with almond milk. A great start to the day.”
Takeaway
Matcha green tea powder is enjoyed the world over a) for its taste and b) for its many health benefits.
If you haven’t tried it, there are lots of easy ways you can add it into your everyday diet – just make sure you stick to the recommended daily dose to avoid experiencing any unwanted side effects.
Would you like to know how to make yourself a perfect cup of Matcha tea? Take a look at this article, ‘How to make Matcha tea.’
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Last updated: 8 December 2021
- https://www.verywellfit.com/matcha-what-should-i-know-about-it-89227
- https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/how-much-matcha-per-daya-is-safe-to-drink
- https://www.chowhound.com/food-news/221481/how-to-use-matcha-green-tea-powder/
- https://www.bulknationusa.com/how-to-use-matcha-powder-in-everyday-foods/
- https://www.verywellfit.com/matcha-what-should-i-know-about-it-89227
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