Weekly Bite: The Power of Matcha

All of us health freaks know the many benefits of green tea, but did you know there’s a tea out there that has even more health benefits? It is called matcha!

Matcha is a powdered green tea with extremely high levels of antioxidants (better than acai, blueberries and pomegranates). Not only does matcha have antioxidants as well as vitamin C, zinc, magnesium and many powerful amino acids, a single serving is also is equivalent to 10 cups of green tea. Being a tea lover, we like the sound of that!

Unlike most green teas, matcha contains the entire leaf which makes the tea have super powers. Rather than steeping the tea in bags, you dissolve the entire leaves in your water so you ingest all of their antioxidant powers. The powdered tea is great for an on-the-go kick start to your day. No grounding, brewing or waiting to steep is necessary. Matcha powder can be whisked into hot water and you can be on your way. You won’t get the coffee jitters with matcha. Although matcha contains some caffeine it is known to have a calming or relaxing effect on the body and promote clarity of your mind without having nervous energy normally associated with coffee.

Truly a hero of green teas.

So, what does this powdered, alien green tea taste like? Try a green tea latte from Starbucks and you can get a hint of the delicate flavors of the green power powder. It has a rounded sweetness and that “green” flavor with a pleasant bitterness making it a sophisticated flavor in addition to being eye-catching.

Matcha is a very special Japanese tea of the highest quality (as it is known for its use in the “Traditional Tea Ceremony”) but the ancient tea is becoming more known in the American market. You can buy the concentrated powder in health food stores as well as online from iHerb. When shopping make sure to only purchase the bright green POWDER otherwise it is not true matcha and will not have the outrageous health benefits we want you to have.

And best part of all Matcha is delicious with a couple teaspoons of matcha powder you can make smoothies, lattes, cupcakes, cookies and even add it to your cocktail or toss some in your morning yogurt. Here are a few recipes to get you started with the powder powerhouse:

• Summer is just around the corner so you can’t go wrong with this matcha ice cream.
• Birthday cake idea? Make these matcha green tea cupcakes!
• Go green for breakfast with these matcha pancakes.
• Drink your matcha smoothie style with this matcha shake.
• We can’t really say no to matcha green tea donuts.

Have you ever tried matcha? What are you thoughts?