The Mighty Green Powerhouse: Matcha!

One-word, endless possibilities: Matcha! Nowadays we see it in many beverages, infused food items, and on our favorite grocery store shelves. But what is it? Merriam-Webster defines matcha as a green powder made from ground green tea leaves used to make tea, other beverages, and as a flavoring agent.

Imagine this: farmers growing the Camellia sinensis plant in the shade, until it’s ready to harvest. The cool shade helps to boost their chlorophyll and amino acids. That's what gives matcha its stunning green hue! After harvesting, the leaves are finely ground to create a powder.

The saying goes “good things take time”, and the matcha process is no exception! As it uses the entire tea leaf. When you dive into a matcha tea latte, you’re able to delight in higher levels of nutrients such as caffeine, vitamins, amino acids, and fiber than other types of green tea. The catechins in green tea and matcha might help decrease oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals in the body, and may also prevent inflammation. This green powder is multi-purposeas you can use matcha powder in tea, iced or hot lattes, smoothies, and even some ono treats!

Web MD states that the benefits of matcha include high antioxidants and catechins, which help prevent damage to cells and lower risks for certain diseases. This green powerhouse may also:

• Promote heart health - possibly lowering the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and the hardening of your arteries, helping to keep a healthy and happy heart.
• Improve brain function - It may provide a temporary boost to the brain with better attention, memory, and response time. Drink some matcha a day to help keep the brain fog away.
• Protect the liver - drinking green tea and matcha could lower your chances of liver cancer. It's recommended to choose pure green teas and high-quality matcha over a supplement as they're mo’ betta for your liver!
• Protect against cancer - the epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) catechin might help protect DNA damage and slow tumor growth.
• Support dental health - The EGCG might help slow bacterial growth, meaning little to no cavities (following your daily oral hygiene routine of course).
• Reduce Inflammation - This stunning green powder is a major antioxidant boost and may protect your cells against damage from free radicals.

So, what’s in this green stuff anyways? Well, half a teaspoon (1 gram) of matcha powder contains only 3 calories! It has 1 gram of both protein and fiber, zero grams of fat, sugar and carbs. What a great way to treat yourself to some creamy and guilt free deliciousness! In case you were wondering, here’s the best way to make a cup of matcha:

1. Boil water and add 8 to 12 ounces to a mug.
2. Add 1-4 scoops of matcha powder (depending on how strong you prefer it).
3. Use a matcha whisk or a milk frother to blend the powder into the water until the mixture is frothy. We suggest adding a non-dairy milk such as Oat Malk (both organic and oil free)
4. If you have a sweet tooth, add honey, sugar, a sugar alternative, or simple syrup to crank up the sweetness!

Tea isn't the only way to enjoy matcha. You can add it to so many delectable things! Here are some suggested ways to use matcha (besides a latte or smoothie):

• Whisk it into a homemade salad dressing
• Add it to your morning oatmeal or yogurt
• Sprinkle a few tablespoons on some popcorn
• Make a matcha spice blend with garlic powder, pepper, paprika, and sea salt.

This powerhouse has all the health-supporting benefits and, without any additives, so there’s no crazy sugar or calorie content. Seriously, try it out for yourself! We hope you enjoy this creamy tasting powerhouse of magical green stuff. Cheers!