Coffee has finally met its matcha with the surprisingly versatile, wildly popular green tea powder. Matcha actually means “powdered tea,” and it’s taking the world by storm!
Matcha is made from the tips of the young, nutrient-rich leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, which are steamed, stemmed and removed from the vine before they’re ground into the fabulous, fine powder you’re about to get to know and probably love.
Matcha powder is typically combined with boiled water and whisked to a froth. Although many find it hard refuse the bold, earthy flavor of a steaming, hot cup of matcha, brewing is only one way of consuming the high-quality green tea. Think of matcha powder kind of like protein powder for tea drinkers—it can be added to almost anything!
It’s time to think outside the teacup. Following are 10 other satisfying ways to add some much-needed matcha to your life:
1. Augment your “Arnold Palmer.”
Add 1 teaspoon of matcha tea powder to take this classic combination of iced tea and lemonade to the next level. The legendary golfer would definitely approve!
2. Jazz up your smoothie.
Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha to your go-to smoothie recipes. It doesn’t get much easier—or more flavorful!
3. Enhance your eggs.
Do you like to dress spice up your scramble with salt, pepper and paprika? Next time, toss in some good-for-you matcha powder, too!
4. Set the syrup aside.
Move over maple syrup, there’s a new topping in town! Dust your pancakes with a mixture of matcha powder and powdered sugar.
5. Boost your baked goods.
Add between 2 and 4 teaspoons of matcha powder to cookie dough and cake batter prior to baking. Try it with your mom’s famous banana bread recipe, too!
6. Balance your granola.
Sometimes the store-bought stuff simply tastes way too sweet. The next time this happens, sprinkle in a teaspoon of matcha powder to help balance the flavor.
7. Make your guac rock. Add a few teaspoons of matcha powder to your signature guacamole recipe—before you start smashing the avocado. And you thought your favorite dish had no room for improvement!
8. Make it really pop!
Mix one part matcha powder with two parts kosher salt and sprinkle the clever combo over popcorn. Then sit back and enjoy the show—and the fabulous flavor!
9. Season your stir-frys and sides.
Replace your typical spices (e.g., salt and pepper) with beneficial matcha tea powder when preparing protein-packed meat and vibrant veggies.
10. Pop it in the freezer.
Combine plain, low-fat yogurt with one to two teaspoons of matcha powder, spoon the mixture into a popsicle mold and pop it into the freezer. When the concoction hardens, it’s time to chill out and enjoy your matchasicle!
