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11 Things You Should Know About Matcha Preparation and Consumption
About 5 years ago, a colleague of mine asked me to test out a new Matcha beverage he was making for a recipe on his site.
My first response was, ‘what the heck is Matcha?’
He looked at me kind of stunned and then began to salivate every fact he knew about Matcha and this zen-like beverage he created.
Matcha is very diverse in its sippable options from hot to cold, and everything in between!
Additionally, Matcha is gluten-free, offers antioxidants, and it offers amino acids.
But wait, there’s more, (lol) it is also vegan-friendly, as well as rich in fiber, and can fit any lifestyle.
Better yet, there is an influx of new Matcha products that range from bottled to powdered and even ready-to-drink!
So no matter your lifestyle there’s a way to ingratiate a daily dose of Matcha.
Want to see a healthy, energizing beverage meld over into your daily coffee spot?
This is the beverage you have been looking for.
Your daily lifestyle demands have met their match and it is gonna make you go green!
Now, are you ready for 11 things you should know about Matcha Preparation and Consumption?
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Matcha Preparation and Consumption
What You Don’t Know Makes A Difference (1)
Back to my personal story of Matcha!
The more my friend talked, the more it made sense to me.
Matcha was what I needed in my life and I needed to best figure out how to incorporate it into my life.
His quick overview persuaded me to try the GREEN beverage (it was quick because he did not want the Match Tea he had created to go cold before I took my first taste)!
Ever since that day, I’ve been a Matcha kinda girl, creating new ways to drink Matcha within the realm of my dietary options.
Quick translation in case you missed that sentence: It fits all diets/lifestyles because you can mix it with so much!
Have you tried a centrifugal juicer?
Matcha Preparation and Consumption ~ What’s In A Cup Of Matcha?
I am going to be very specific as though we are talking about what is in MY CUP OF MATCHA!
Use Spring Water brought to a temperature of about 170° F.
After it reaches its boiling point, remove it from the heat and allow it to rest for about 1 and 1/2 minutes before beginning preparation.
My contents include 1/2 teaspoon (up to 1 Tsp – the strength of taste preference) of Matcha into the 1 cup of prepared Springwater via the Chasaku Spoon for perfect measurements each time (we will cover this in more depth below!)
Prepping Matters ~ Matcha Preparation and Consumption
Use the Matcha Whisk in a Zig-Zag-like motion to really suspend and aerate the leaves which creates a froth.
Stop.
Smell the hand-crafted beverage you are making.
Next, add in one Pure Stevia packet, and one Tablespoon of Pure Coconut Milk.
Again, whisk like a fiend, and finally, add in 4-6 Springwater icecubes that I make trays of ahead of time, just for my tea.
Use Springwater is for Matcha Tea.
Natural.
Wholesome and no cruddy shots of syrup sweeteners that Starbucks and all other coffee shops are using to create a Matcha Faux drink!
Mine is the real deal!
It’s Good For You? (3)
Food Science is a big world and not one I am a specialist in.
Just like you, I read to learn.
Google and you will find multiple sites concurring that Matcha is derived from high-quality tea.
Matcha leaves are the whole leaf, not pieces.
Thus, the whole is better for you (think skins on fruits and veggies, nutrient-dense like).
Also, an item termed ‘polyphenol’ in Matcha termed EGCG has shown in research that it can boost metabolisms and slow the growth of cancer cells*.
True Story – After Tasting His …..
Of course, as a self-taught culinary pro (Home Chef), I went home and figured, “anything he can do I can do better!”
His discussion about the Matcha seemed to be a push for me to challenge him, as we so often do to one another!
Tools Of The Trade Really (4)
Game ON!
What else could I do except order a bamboo Matcha set, which you just gotta have to create these drinks!
Trust me, I tried using a fork, a spoon, etc, they are useless in the creation of matcha other than the spoon allowing you to sip from it!
To be a ‘Top Home Chef’ you gotta own it, and I ordered the goods and Owned My Matcha Making Moments (well read on because this is subject to discussion).
I purchased a Japanese Matcha Whisk Set Matcha Tea Ceremony Set of 4
Why did I buy a set?
Because the set had everything I would need to break my culinary skills into Matcha making, including a 100 Prong Matcha Whisk, Traditional Scoop, Tea Spoon, and Ceramic Matcha Bowls.
Let’s just call that the All-Inclusive package minus the right Matcha.
Products Needed (5)
Just like any good barista at a coffee and tea bar, I needed the right tools of the trade!
In the Matcha making world, those tools include and are not limited to: a ceramic bowl, a matcha whisk, a teaspoon, a bamboo scoop.
You can buy them separately, or together.
Trust me, once you get one, you will buy more!
There are all colors of bowls and tools, just go basic to start and then up your game with colorful wares!
This Pink Teami is on my priority list, as I love this color and it definitely fits my Matcha drinking mode! Pretty in Pink and totally green on the inside!
Le Whisk A.K.A. – Chasen (6)
You might think, ‘you got this’ by using that metal mini whisk in your drawer!
Nope, 100x no!
Those whisks in your drawer are NOT for preparing Matcha!
In fact, you need a traditional matcha bamboo whisk, which has the proper name of Chasen.
The main job of the Chasen is to stir up the very finely ground leaves until they are moving and suspended.
Remember this, Matcha is leaves and they will never dissolve!
As the cup sits full, it will sink to the bottom again.
A Chasen is basically the broom beneath its wings and keeps it suspended and helps to get it frothy.
To understand how it works, consider this.
Whisking the Matcha forms bubbles.
Those bubbles, in turn, make the Matcha Powder stay suspended (no settling of the leaves), and basically, you are frothing (making foam) which in turn aerates the water if that makes sense.
Flavor comes from the aeration (like a greener lawn results after being aerated).
Aeration is the game-changer of taste when making Matcha.
However, this is not to say that you can make a cheaper brand of Matcha taste better.
It is to reiterate that procedure matters and this will make the best possible Matcha in the home environment.
I’m All-Pro With The Tools Or Am I? (7)
I walked into my local upscale grocer and purchased Matcha.
As soon as I got home, I heated my water to 170° F to a boil, and then whisked in the powder until it foamed.
Then I gave it one more stir.
Alas, I was ready to drink it, and what happened next, sent me almost puking!
The smell of Grass overpowered my olfactory senses.
What had gone wrong?
Why did my beverage resemble the texture and look of my friends’ but smell and taste do awful?
It’s All About The Matcha (8)
It’s all in the Matcha you choose! Don’t be afraid to SPEND as it delivers big in health benefits as well as taste and smell!
Think about how you purchase coffee beans, and the same rules will apply.
Cheaper is not ever the best solution in coffee beans, nor in Matcha.
Also, have the right ‘mix-ins’ if you will to make the best tasting Matcha ever!
This is not about a calorie fest of ingredients, rather, well-defined ingredients that provide a delectable aroma and deliver big on taste!
Over time, trial and error, I have learned to seek, Non-GMO, Gluten-Free, Vegan-friendly, Raw, Kosher, Pesticide Free Matcha.
Stems of the matcha leaf are de-stemmed, and leaves are deveined and then all is turned into Matcha powder.
Purity is the key!
Pricing is often indicative of this process!
Seek out the best you can afford.
Shop online and shop with a brand that dedicates its offerings to ONLY MATCHA.
IF a company focuses on just ONE Thing and does it well, they are the brand you want.
Matcha companies can be found in the USA, Australia, and Japan.
I prefer Japan and thus, I use the Kenko brand.
Their story resonates with the story I am sharing today.
Purity and ONE Product, not tea of every kind.
Quick Notes On Matcha (9)
Matcha comes in different forms.
If you want to make Lattes, make sure to find the right Matcha for this.
For instance, this Matcha has been well-publicized and does make great lattes.
It’s not overly expensive but tastes great when whisked and created with Spring Water!
Unlike the Kenko brand, the ENZO brand offers a more Milky Flavour, which I further enhanced with coconut milk and Stevia.
Really Kenko Ceremonial Grade and ENZO are 2 different Top Grade Matcha options, and I suggest either!
I do use both interchangeably, be it right or wrong in the world of Matcha.
Find what you like, and stick with it is the best advice I can offer.
Just stay away from the cheap brands and don’t just buy it for the Tin it comes in.
Do go for resealable bags to keep contents fresh and preserved.
Seeking Alternatives Please (10)
Are you the person saying, “I don’t want to make it, I just want to drink it?”
Or, are you the person that never drinks anything new unless it is alcohol?
Maybe you are really into the health aspects of beverages?
Know this fact: this is not a shot of coffee.
Therefore, the jolt of caffeine energy released from coffee is not at all equal to this.
Rather, Matcha steadily and slowly will release the energy and will serve as both a stimulant and a relaxing agent.
No highs and lows, it is great for those monitoring their waistline!
Also note that since it is green tea and green tea has been studied extensively, indicating that Green Tea may lend a helping hand in maintaining blood sugar levels.
Bottled Up (11)
Last, just because you don’t want to brew your own Matcha, you can still enjoy it!
There are options like this incredible Coconut Matcha, bottled, and ready to use! No mixing necessary.
As I said, there are endless options when it comes to Matcha, and how you get your daily dose in.
No matter your lifestyle there is a Matcha Product out there for you.
I do highly suggest reading about Matcha, and the benefits of Matcha.
You want to learn if your product is made of true Matcha or if it is just Green Tea.
There are a lot of great articles on Matcha and it really a great alternative to Coffee in my opinion. Last, I do believe it is an acquired taste.
IF at first, you don’t like it, try it again.
It will grow on you!
Trust me, I tried and tried, and then suddenly, the right brand and the right preparation captivated my attention and I am converted! ~ Enjoy ~ Dana XO
Reference Section & Disclosure:
*https://www.health.com/nutrition/what-is-matcha – Is it Good For You? I am not a doctor, this is not a medical advice site. Please seek medical help from a medical professional when considering health benefits and options.
