5 Simple Ways to Enjoy Matcha

What is Matcha?

Matcha has been around for centuries although Americans are now jumping on this newest trend. What is Matcha and Why is it so good for you? Not everyone loves the taste but don’t toss it to the side just yet. There are 5 Simple Ways to Enjoy Matcha and make your experience more enjoyable.

What is Matcha

Matcha is made from the Green Tea leaf. The best quality leaves are at the top of the plant or shrub called the Camellia sinensis These young leaves are picked only once a year in May as this is the most delicate time to ensure the best quality. It is then dried and ground into a fine powder called Matcha.The Camellia sinensis is also the source of green, black and oolong teas. Not to be confused with the tea tree oil made from the Melaleuca alter ni folia tree.

Why is Matcha so good for you?

Matcha is a concentrated version of Green Tea. It is known to be 137 times stronger in antioxidants than regular green tea because the whole leaf is used in a very delicate production. Some benefits are Energy, Weight-loss, Detoxification, Lower Cholesterol, Boost Immune system, Stress relief, focus, and clarity as well as s mood enhancing qualities.

 5 Simple Ways to Enjoy Matcha

Traditional Matcha tea is made using a hand-crafted bowl, Bamboo  Tea Whisk, Ceramic Whisk Holder, & a Small Bamboo Spoon. If you like tradition and a unique way of serving up a great cup of Matcha tea this works great. If you prefer an easier route using a bullet mixer works just as well.

Teas

For Teas, Use 1 cup of boiled water, let stand for 5 min  Mix in blender till frothy. pour into a cup and enjoy.

1. Ginger Vanilla Match Latte- 1 c boiled water. (let stand 5 min) using 1/2-1 tsp of Matcha powder, 1 nickel sized chunk of fresh ginger (1/2 Tsp) or a 1/8 tsp ground powder, 1/2 tsp vanilla flavor/extract, or (vanilla earl grey tea bag lightly steeped)1 packet of stevia and a dash of cream.
2. Coconut Matcha Latte- 1/2-1 tsp Matcha powder,  1/4 c coconut milk, stevia, and blend.
3. Bullet Proof Matcha- 1/2-1 tsp Matcha powder, tsp butter or Ghee, 1 tsp coconut oil, cream to taste, stevia.

Body Care

4.  Matcha in your bath- 1/4 c Baking Soda, 1/4 c Epsom Salt, 1 tsp Matcha powder, 1 tsp coconut oil, essential oil for the fragrance of your choice. Add to your bath, put on some Stingray Spa or Nature or Wholetones music, add a De-stress, Relax, or Harmony candle, and sit back and relax.

5. Matcha Mask- Add 1/2 tsp Matcha powder, couple drops of coconut oil, 1/2 tsp pure honey, 1/2 tsp Greek yogurt. Mix well and apply to face. Leave on at least 15 min. Great time to lay and relax with soft music or meditate.

Finding the best Matcha

The only way to really find a good quality Matcha powder is by experience.  Prices vary so get what you are comfortable with in size and price. If your Matcha when mixed looks cloudy, dirty, brownish than chances are it is lower quality powder. A good quality powder will be a bright green. The brighter the better.Matcha is very powerful and may take some time to get used to. Start with small amounts and work your way up, May a cause headache and nausea when starting a new health food. Here are some of my top picks.