Matcha seems to be just about everywhere at the moment….matcha teas, matcha lattes, matcha shots and my personal favourite - iced matcha and cucumber water.
So here at the Honey&Date HQ we decided to do some recipe testing and see what we could create with this popular green powder. But first, let’s have a little look into what the hype is all about and why matcha has suddenly appeared on our shelves.
First a little bit of history ….. The preparation of matcha has been the focus of Japanese tea ceremonies for hundreds of years and still today is associated with zen throughout the Far East. (This is one of the reasons behind matcha’s recent rise to popularity seeing as meditation, yoga and mindfulness are all becoming more and more mainstream)
What are the health benefits?
1) Antioxidant Powerhouse: With the recent rise of healthy eating, a huge variety of products are suddenly claiming to be ‘packed with’ or ‘rich in’ antioxidants. However, matcha powder puts all of these to shame, containing a phenomenal 20 times more antioxidants than pomegranates or blueberries….no ‘matcha’ for this miracle powder! These antioxidants have been linked to protection against heart disease and cancer, and is said to improve blood sugar regulation, increase metabolism, decrease blood pressure and is anti-aging. Powerful stuff!
2) Improves Cholesterol: for those who drink matcha on a regular basis, it is said to reduce levels of LDL cholesterol (that’s the bad one), and increase levels of HDL cholesterol (the good one)…hooray!
3) Memory and concentration booster: Just before the leaf-picking season in Japan, matcha growers cover their bushes to shade them from sunlight. This causes the plants to produce Chlorophyll which contains huge amounts of amino acids (the good stuff!). It is one of these amino acids, called L-theanine, which makes you more alert, and productive….who doesn’t need a little extra boost of brain power every now and then?! Fun fact - Matcha contains up to 5 times as much L-theanine than green tea!
4) Stress relief and lower blood pressure: Stress is known to produce beta wave activity in the brain which leaves you feeling agitated. But don’t you fret! That good old L-theanine we learnt about earlier triggers alpha wave activity, helping to relieve stress and promotes relaxation…hence the association with zen.
5) Detox: Matcha naturally removes heavy metals and chemical toxins from the body.
Matcha v. Green Tea
It’s pretty simple really and all down to how the two are made. When you order a green tea, parts of the green tea leaf are infused in hot water (commonly in a tea bag) and then discarded. Since water can only extract a fraction of the leaf’s benefits, we only get a limited amount into our bodies. However, when you order a matcha beverage, you are actually drinking the whole leaf in powdered form. This means that one cup can provide you with the same amount of nutrients as up to 10 cups of green tea…..as the friendly meerkat from that well known (if not slightly annoying) advert says: ‘Simples!’
Matcha v. Coffee
Now, I know what some of you are thinking….there is no way you’re going to swap your morning coffee for a murky and mysteriously green alternative. Trust me, I get it! Having lived in Italy, I am a confessed espresso lover and I can safely say that there is next to nothing that can get between me and my morning cup of home brewed Italian roast….. That said, hear me out!
Matcha contains around half the amount of caffeine compared to coffee. However, the L-theanine in Matcha improves cognitive function whilst simultaneously inducing a calm soothing effect on the brain. In other words, it provides you with prolonged ‘steady energy’, allowing you to gain clarity and focus, without the shaky and frantic feeling of the coffee rush…. so why not give it a go and see for yourself!
Warning – drink responsibly!
There is one minor health concern linked to the over-consumption of matcha:
All tea (even organically grown green tea) contains lead, absorbed by the plant from the environment. When traditional green tea is steeped, about 90% of the lead remains in the leaf, which is then discarded and therefore not consumed. However since the whole leaf is consumed when you order a matcha drink, we will inevitably ingest more lead…. Now, this is not the end of the world, it just means that (like everything else) we should drink it in moderation – experts recommend that we stick to one cup daily.
Now for the fun part….Recipe Testing!!
Chocolate Matcha Cups
Ingredients
1/2 cup softened coconut oil
5 tablespoons almond flour
3 tablespoons powdered xylitol
1 teaspoon matcha powder
Melted homemade chocolate (see previous blog)
1) Mix the coconut oil, almond flour, xylitol and matcha. Chill in the fridge for 10 minutes, or until it has hardened slightly to a paste like texure.
2) Make the chocolate (from previous blog) but instead of spreading the liquid chocolate onto a baking tray and chilling, spread half of the mixture into 8 cupcake cases in a muffin tin.
3) Chill the chocolate in the fridge for 5 minutes until it is slightly hardened.
4) Place a teaspoon of the matcha mixture into each cupcake case and then spoon the rest of the chocolate over the top to cover.
5) Chill in the fridge until solid and enjoy!
Matcha Coconut Macaroons
Ingredients
2 egg whites *(For the vegans among you: replace the egg with more honey and oil)
1 tbsp matcha
2-3 tbsp of honey
2 1/2 cups shredded coconut
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
1) Preheat oven to 180 degrees C.
2) Whisk egg white to soft peak.
3) Add matcha and whisk until incorporated.
4) Add honey, coconut, vanilla, salt and combine.
5) Line a baking tray and scoop tablespoons of the mixture into little mounds on the tray.
6) Bake 10 min.
Matcha Balls with a Raspberry Filling
Ingredients
1 cup of pitted Medjool dates
1/4 cup of almonds
1/4 cup of cacao powder
1 tablespoon of maple syrup
1 teaspoon of maca powder
1 tablespoon of filtered water
16 crushed raspberries mixed with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
1 tablespoon of Matcha powder
1) Blend dates, almonds, cacao powder, maple syrup, maca and water in a blender.
2) Roll into 8 balls.
3) Cut balls into halves and make a small indentation in the middle of each half.
4) Fill each half with a little of the raspberry mixture.
5) Press the halves back together, pinch the seams with your fingers and then roll the ball s gently in
between your palms.
6) Smooth the seam by gently rolling each ball in your hands.
7) Place the matcha powder on a plate and roll balls in the mixture evenly so each has a light dusting.
8) Store in the fridge and enjoy!
Until next time,
Stay Happy. Stay Healthy. Eat Natural.
xxx Amy xxx
Sources:
health.com
naturallivingideas.com
matchasource.com
breakawaymatcha.com