Matcha Latte – Downshiftology
Oleh : DominoQQ
This matcha latte will have you feeling soothed and refreshed! It’s a delicious, earthy blend of fresh matcha powder, a dash of honey, and creamy milk. But its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and nutritious profile are what really makes this the ultimate “healing” drink.
Matcha 101
In short, matcha is a form of green tea that’s made from whole green tea leaves ground into very fine powder. Not just any green tea leaves though. Matcha undergoes a unique process where they shade the leaves several weeks before harvesting to increase chlorophyll levels and amino acids. That’s what gives matcha its vibrant green color and energizing nutrients!
So what’s the difference between matcha and regular green tea? Green tea is steeped in hot water, giving you about 75% of its nutrients. Whereas matcha powder allows you to consume the entire leaf with all its shining health benefits. Plus, it’s got a great kick with a slow and steady caffeine. It’s no wonder why matcha has become a morning ritual for so many people (including me!).
What’s In A Matcha Latte?
- Matcha Powder: I’m a big fan of this Akira Ceremonial Matcha. Three things to look out for are the origin (which should be a product of Japan), that it’s organic, and that it’s “stone ground”.
- Water: Make sure to use hot water. This will help break up the matcha powder as you whisk it!
- Milk: You can use any dairy or non-dairy milk (such as almond milk, cashew milk, or oat milk). Just warm it up and froth.
- Sweetener: I personally like to use honey or maple syrup, but you can use any sweetener that you like.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below
Different types of Matcha
Did you know there’s at least 5 or more different types of matcha? From a ceremonial grade to classic grade to kitchen grade, each one differs in quality and use. But the most common types are ceremonial, culinary and premium – here’s why.
- Ceremonial Grade is the highest quality made from young matcha leaves – sweet, mild, and rich in nutrition. Which is why it’s used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and meant to be consumed in its purest form with just water.
- Culinary Grade is on par with Ceremonial Grade, it’s just a bit more robust and bitter. This makes it the perfect option for mixed drinks or baked goods.
- Premium Grade matcha is similar to Culinary Grade in the sense that it can be used in your everyday routine, without breaking the bank. So if you’re looking for a green boost in beverages, this is a great choice.
How To Make Matcha Latte Perfectly
Although there’s a few ways to make a matcha latte (i.e. a frother or blender), there’s just something so soothing about the traditional Japanese way of whisking. So grab a bamboo whisk, your favorite mug, and let’s walk through the process.
- Sift the matcha. Add your matcha powder to a small sieve, and sift the matcha over a bowl or straight into a cup.
- Whisk the matcha. Pour hot water into the cup, then use a bamboo whisk to whisk vigorously in a “W” pattern for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s done when the tea becomes frothy and there’s no chunks of matcha powder in the water.
- Add the finishing touches. Froth up your favorite milk and pour it into the cup, along with your choice of sweetener. Give it all a stir and voila!
Want to make an iced matcha latte? Make the warm matcha tea as stated above, then chill it in the fridge. Pour that into a glass with ice cubes, followed by the frothy milk and sweetener. Give it all a stir and your iced matcha is ready. Just be mindful to use a liquid sweetener as a grainy sugar won’t dissolve in cold liquid.
Is Sifting Matcha Necessary?
It’s a good thing to note that matcha technically doesn’t dissolve in water. That’s why the sifting and whisking process is important for a smooth tea. It’ll help avoid any grainy, lumpy chunks, or even a chalky texture.
More Healing Drinks
A matcha latte is just one of the many healthy drinks to include in your routine. Below are warming delights that I hold dear to my heart. And if you need an anti-inflammatory boost, I’ve got a whole list of anti-inflammatory drinks to enjoy.
A warm (or iced) cup of this matcha latte will get your day off to a good start. Or enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up! If you make it, let me know how it turned out! I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below.
Matcha Latte
This matcha latte is a delicious, earthy blend of matcha powder, a dash of honey, and creamy milk that will have you feeling refreshed!
- I really do recommend buying a bamboo whisk to make matcha as it removes the lumps perfectly. But you can also use an electric frother.
- Alternatively, you can pour all of the ingredients into a high-powered blender or milk frother and blend together.
Calories: 53kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Sodium: 328mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 300IU, Calcium: 302mg, Iron: 1mg
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