5 Ways to Make Matcha Tastier and Better for You

Do you love tea?

If yes, you’re in for a delight.

I hope we both can agree on the fact that there's nothing as refreshing and relaxing as a cup of tea (sorry, dear coffee lovers).

Tea has always been my #1 hot beverage and it will forever remain that way. I just love the aroma produced by different kinds of tea like Black Tea, Lemon Tea, Oolong Tea, Green Tea etc. The list just goes on and on.



However, things changed when I was offered some matcha tea and matcha inspired delicacies.

Wham!

I was absolutely head over heels in love with the special tea, almost immediately! My first experience was truly amazing and ever since then, matcha tea has been a staple part of my diet.

Before I go on and on about matcha, let me just give you a basic idea of it.

Matcha literally means "powdered tea". Matcha is a type of green tea made with young, tender tea leaves and grinding them into a bright green powder. The powder is then whisked with hot water and there you have it- the special green tea from Japan.

Trust me when I say this - matcha has plenty of health benefits! Way more than your average green tea as it contains many nutrients, antioxidants, fiber, and chlorophyll. It also contains caffeine and creates a “gentle buzz” due to a natural substance called L-theanine, which is present in matcha along with caffeine and induces relaxation without drowsiness.

Did you know?

As I mentioned earlier, matcha powder has an amazing flavor and it’s hard to resist a cup of matcha tea. It’s even harder to resist a matcha flavored drink or dish.

Here are 5 different ways on how matcha can jazz up your appetite

1. Power-packed Matcha Smoothies

Matcha smoothies are very easy to make and require just a few ingredients. You will need a teaspoon of matcha powder, coconut milk, chia seeds, bananas, strawberries, or even mangoes to jazz up the sweetness. Add all these ingredients into a blender and your power-packed fruit smoothie is ready in no time.

So go ahead and add some smoothie to your life!

2. Matcha Flavored Ice Cream

Guess what’s hot right now?

Matcha flavored ice cream!

Hard to believe, huh?

Why would anyone go gaga over this? Isn’t it bitter?

Well, the fact is that it tastes awesome! It isn’t your regular ice cream. It’s healthy, delicious and most importantly, vegan!

3. Greeny Milkshake

The Matcha milkshake is the perfect drink to have after a rough day at the office or school. It’s creamy, dreamy and greeny. The best thing is that it can be made in under 2 minutes.

If you have some matcha, fat-free milk and ice cream at home, then you are ready to go.

4. Nutrient-Rich Cheesecake

Who doesn’t love cheesecakes?

That’s right! Everybody's nuts about cheesecake and, if you are a fan of matcha, then the matcha flavored cheesecake will be your favorite dessert. Just add a tablespoon of matcha into your batter and ta-da, you have it all figured out!

5. Verdant Lemonade

Who doesn’t love a refreshing lemonade, especially, when it’s power-packed with health benefits like longer life, rejuvenation, weight loss, detoxification, prevention of cancer and prevention of hair loss as well.

Just add ½ teaspoon of matcha to your regular lemonade and make it an energy buzzing drink with an inviting flavor.

Wait, there’s more!

Here are a few easy mouth-watering recipes that are both yummy and healthy at the same time.

Simple No-Churn Matcha Ice Cream

Prep time: 10 minutes // Cook time: 20 minutes // Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt


• 1 tablespoon sugar


• 2 tablespoons matcha powder


• 2 cups heavy cream


• 1 (14 ounces) can condensed milk


• 1 cup whole milk

Method:

• In the bowl of a standing mixer, whisk together salt, sugar, and matcha until combined, add heavy cream and whisk until you obtain stiff peaks.


• Remove whipped cream from mixing bowl and set aside.


• To the bowl, add condensed and whole milk. Whip 90 seconds or until lightly frothy.


• Using a plastic spatula, slowly pour the frothy milk into the whipped cream while gently folding to mix.


• Freeze for 4 hours and serve.

Matcha Green Tea Lemonade

Prep time: 5 minutes // Cook time: 30 minutes // Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of hot water


• 1/2 teaspoon matcha green tea powder


• 1 cup sugar


• 1/2 cup fresh squeezed lemon (or lime) juice (about 3 lemons)


• 6 cups cold water

Method:

• Stir the Matcha green tea powder and sugar into the hot water.


• Once dissolved, add the lemon juice and cold water.


• Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Do try these enticing recipes and add more matcha into your life. Be it baked goods, appetizers, sandwiches or even salads, add a teaspoon of matcha and make it more happening.

As I mentioned before, matcha has many health benefits. It can help you burn calories, detoxify the body, fortify the immune system, increase the energy levels, lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, etc. So, add matcha to your diet and it’ll surely help you lead a better, healthier and longer life.

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Author Bio:

Catalin is the founder of Ecommerce Platforms and Web App Meister. He blogs about matcha, the Japanese lifestyle, and mindfulness at matcha-tea.com. He's a design enthusiast and loves matcha, and is uber passionate about blockchain technology and travel.

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