What is matcha?

Matcha has burst on the scene in popularity in recent years, despite having been drunk in Japan for centuries. This is due to its distinct umami flavour, creamy smoothness and host of health benefits.

There’s a host of ways to use matcha, from invigorating morning brews to start the day, from baked treats and refreshing summer beverages. We've listed some of our favourite below to get you started. 

For the traditionalist: Matcha Tea

Sometimes it’s best to keep things simple. Matcha has been enjoyed for centuries using the same basic ingredients and tools, and you can connect with this tradition in today’s busy world.

You will need:

• Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder
• a matcha bowl (a normal bowl or large mug will also work)
• bamboo whisk (a handheld milk frother will also work)

Instructions

1. Add ½ Tsp of Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder
2. Heat the Water:

Boil water and then let it cool slightly. You want the water to be around 70-80°C. Avoid using boiling water, as it can scorch the matcha and create a bitter and unpleasant taste.

3. Add a small amount of the hot water

Enough to create a thin paste, a bit like an espresso shot

4. Whisk the Matcha:

Using the chasen or milk frother, whisk the matcha and water together. Start slowly to mix the powder with the water, then increase your speed while using a zig-zag or W motion to create froth.

5. Fill up with the hot water 

6. Enjoy! 

This is one the healthiest ways to consume matcha, and the simplicity of traditional matcha truly allows you to appreciate the flavour notes, the fresh aroma and the invigorating caffeine boost.

For those who love all things sweet: Matcha Latte

Matcha Lattes can be found on most café menus these days, and it’s not hard to see why.

The intensity of matcha’s flavour won’t be lost with the addition of milk or sweeteners; in fact, they can enhance it and lead to a whole new avenue of enjoying matcha.

You will need:

• Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder
• A matcha bowl (a normal bowl or large mug is also fine)
• A bamboo whisk (a milk frother will also work)
• Milk frother or small kitchen whisk
• Milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
• Sweetener of your choice

Instructions

*The first four steps are identical to brewing a traditional Matcha tea. 

1. Add ½ Tsp of Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder
2. Heat the Water:

Boil water and then let it cool slightly. You want the water to be around 70-80°C. Avoid using boiling water, as it can scorch the matcha and create a bitter and unpleasant taste.

3. Add a small amount of the hot water

Enough to create a thin paste, a bit like an espresso shot

4. Whisk the Matcha:

Using the chasen or milk frother, whisk the matcha and water together. Start slowly to mix the powder with the water, then increase your speed while using a zig-zag or W motion to create froth.

5. Heat your milk

Tip: using a milk frother or a kitchen whisk can help make the milk frothy. Be careful not to overhear the milk, or it may burn.

6. Pour the hot milk gently over the whisked matcha

Tip: Those with a sweet tooth may want to add their sweetener or syrup here and stir into the matcha before adding the milk. This can also be done once the milk has been poured but may disrupt the foamy top.

 

For the tea trendsetters: Iced Matcha Latte

You will need:

• Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder
• A matcha bowl (a normal bowl or large mug is also fine)
• A bamboo whisk (a milk frother will also work)
• Milk of your choice (dairy or non-dairy)
• Sweetener of your choice
• Ice Cubes 

Instructions

*The first four steps are identical to brewing a traditional Matcha tea. 

1. Add ½ Tsp of Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder
2. Heat the Water:

Boil water and then let it cool slightly. You want the water to be around 70-80°C. Avoid using boiling water, as it can scorch the matcha and create a bitter and unpleasant taste.

3. Add a small amount of the hot water

Enough to create a thin paste, a bit like an espresso shot

4. Whisk the Matcha:

Using the chasen or milk frother, whisk the matcha and water together. Start slowly to mix the powder with the water, then increase your speed while using a zig-zag or W motion to create froth.

5. Add a handful of ice cubes on top of the matcha.

This soon cools down the hot water that was just added.

6. Pour over the cold milk of your choice

The icy coolness of this drink can reduce some of the natural bitterness of matcha, and many prefer Iced Matcha Latte without any sweeteners added, although you can add them at this point if you would like.

 

For the health gurus: Matcha Smoothie

Matcha is super healthy

The flavour of matcha can be used to complement a range of smoothies. Here’s one we recommend to get the best out of your matcha.

You will need:

• Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder
• A matcha bowl (a normal bowl or large mug is also fine)
• A bamboo whisk (a milk frother will also work)
• 1 Ripe Banana
• 125g Frozen Pineapple
• 125 Greek Yoghurt (dairy or non-dairy)
• 240ml Almond Milk (or another milk if you prefer)

Instructions 

1. Add ½ Tsp of Ceremonial Grade Matcha Powder
2. Heat the Water

Boil water and then let it cool slightly. You want the water to be around 70-80°C. Avoid using boiling water, as it can scorch the matcha and create a bitter and unpleasant taste.

3. Add a small amount of the hot water

Enough to create a thin paste, a bit like an espresso shot

4. Whisk the Matcha:

Using the chasen or milk frother, whisk the matcha and water together. Start slowly to mix the powder with the water, then increase your speed while using a zig-zag or W motion to create froth.

5. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a blender and blend.

Blend until smooth

6. Add the matcha and blend

Blend until the matcha is evenly distributed throughout the smoothie. Light green colour should be consistent.

7. Pour out and enjoy