It's the era of matcha supremacy, becoming a quick replacement for everyone's coffee obsession. Let's be real, most of us absolutely disliked matcha when we first had a sip a few years ago. This sudden hype has replaced complaints about its grassy and bitter taste.
From gatekeeping matcha cafes to opting for 'ceremonial grade' matcha without even understanding it, we've seen a huge shift. It's on every menu, in every moodboard, and all over Instagram stories. Somehow is it cool now? What even is matcha, let's spill the tea.
What is matcha, really?
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from shade-grown green tea leaves, originating from the Camellia sinensis (yes, it’s complicated) plant. When you drink matcha, you’re consuming the entire leaf, which means more antioxidants, caffeine, and a fuller flavor.
It's typically consumed as a hot beverage, and is also used as a flavoring and coloring agent in various foods and beverages. While matcha originated in China, it's most famously produced in Uji, a small town in Japan.
The difference between matcha tea and green tea is that green tea is soaked and sipped whereas matcha is whisked and consumed whole leaf and all.
PRO TIP FROM US
Expensive matcha = Vibrant green in colour
Low quality matcha = Dull or brownish in colour
A quick guide to making a 10 on 10 matcha latte
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Sift the finely ground matcha powder to remove any clumps
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Add a small amount of hot water (around 80°C) to the sifted powder
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Whisk the mixture briskly using a bamboo whisk called a chasen in a zigzag or “W” motion until a smooth, frothy layer forms
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For a hot version, top it with more hot water or steamed milk
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For an iced version, pour the matcha over ice and finish with cold milk
Many are making unique matcha recipes by mixing matcha with something out there. You will spot cafes serving matcha espresso, matcha bubble tea or even matcha smoothie with berries, pineapple and strawberry.
At the BTR studio, we love a twist to our matcha, especially during the humid season. Here's our go-to recipe for a matcha lemonade that's a perfect kick of caffeine and zest.
Ingredients: 1 tsp sifted matcha powder, hot water (around 80°c), lemon, honey or maple syrup (if you want it sweet) and ice cubes.
Step 1: Add matcha powder and warm water to the bowl. Whisk the matcha powder thoroughly with the water making Z and M motions, this helps prevent clumps in your matcha.
Step 2: Squeeze the fresh lemon and add ice cubes in a glass. This should be the glass where you will serve the matcha lemonade in. Add water and honey or maple syrup (optional) to the glass and stir to combine.
Step 3: Pour the green matcha tea over the lemonade and serve.
Add a splash of vodka to turn this drink into progressive cocktail which is much needed after office.
From quiet tea ceremonies to mango matcha drinks, it has come a long way. It’s not just a healthy drink but also a cafe staple and a lifestyle flex. Do you think matcha is the new coffee?