Iced Matcha Latte

There has been a lot of talk lately about matcha powder and its superfood powers. Some have called it the "Superfood of all Superfoods." Truth is, for the last year,  I have incorporated matcha into my diet and am familiar with the claims. But you are probably wondering, what exactly is matcha?

• Matcha, by definition, is a premium green tea power from Japan used for drinking or as an ingredient in recipes. While other green teas are grown around the world, matcha is unique to Japan. 

We all know, and have heard that green tea has some health benefits. So what makes matcha different from all the other green teas out there?

• Matcha is a more concentrated form of green tea. For example, 10 cups of green tea= 1 cup of matcha
• Matcha contains the whole leaf of green tea, not just the water surrounding the leaf like in green tea

Here are some other health benefits unique to matcha.

• packed with antioxidants, including the powerful EGCg
• boots metabolism and burns calories
• gives more of a sustained energy, rather than a jolt, like other stimulants
• lowers blood sugar and cholesterol
• provides vitamin C, chromium, zinc and magnesuim
• aids in concentration
• has more antioxidants than blueberries and spinach 
• contains no calories
• can help slow the aging process

Since I have started making matcha a part of my diet, I can say that I have experienced all of these things above. It really does give you a more sustained energy throughout the day. I do not like, nor can tolerate caffeine or any stimulant supplements. But matcha affects my body much differently than any of the other stimulants I have taken. I will be totally honest when I say, the one downside at first, was the taste. I do not care for any type of tea, or tea type flavor. Matcha has a strong flavor and smell. I have been mixing in with my morning smoothies, but it is such an overpowering flavor I knew that I wanted to drink it in a different form. 

Matcha prices can range from anywhere from a few dollars to over $2,000 a pound. This range can depend  on where the match was grown, the concentration of amino acids and the complexity and aroma of the tea. Think of it in terms of wine or chocolate, you get what you pay for. If you are looking for a good quality matcha, this is what I order and use. It's not too pricey but has a great deep green color and is a fairly high quality powder. 

Matcha is a versatile food. Some people bake with it, you can make ice cream or even use the powder to sprinkle over some truffles. But I am a simplistic person, without a lot of extra time on my hands. Also, I don't really like the idea of adding a bunch of unhealthy things to healthy things, thus making them 'kind of' healthy. This is my favorite way to enjoy matcha (p.s you will not want to have matcha in the afternoon or evening..it is a stimulant, therefore if you are in any way sensitive to caffeine, it can affect your sleeping pattern...i enjoy my matcha first thing in the morning)

Iced Matcha Latte

8 oz. unsweetened almond milk (or cashew, rice, or soy)

1 tsp matcha powder

2 drops of liquid stevia

crushed ice

I like to shake mine in a shaker bottle and then pour into a glass. It will be green and frothy and smell a lot like tea. Since, I don't like the tea smell, I usually drink it through a straw. This tends to help me not smell it as much. Within a few minutes of drinking it, you will feel energized and focused.

ENJOY!

XO,

Veggie Lisa