Matcha. . .another variety of tea that I don’t seem to find myself enjoying enough of. Being the huge green tea fan, you’d like I’d drink matcha regularly but I always seem to forget about it. Recently I finally gave myself the pep talk of this is the year I’m going to get into shape and be healthier. As it stands right now, I’m not unhealthy but I could be in way better shape and take better care of myself.
One of the first changes I’ve recently made is to cut back my coffee intake. I LOVE my coffee. Especially in the morning with some steamed almond milk. . .just puts me in the right frame of mind to take on my hectic days. Today instead of reaching for that next cup of joe, I went for a matcha latte instead and that was absolutely the right call for the day.
Kenko Tea offers a Super Premium Matcha Tea that became my co-pilot for the morning. I whisked up the matcha and sat myself down to enjoy. And enjoy I did. The matcha provided a sweet and vegetal note all at the same time that I instantly fell in love with. I didn’t add in any kind of cream or sweetners. Just delicious bright matcha.
And I will be perfectly honest, I did find myself to have more energy during the day today and I didn’t find myself reaching for a lot of snacks. But again, I’ve been working on my eating habits and trying to lose some weight so the matcha really just fit well into my efforts.
After I got back from the office today, I actually ended up making myself another cup. Same as with the first cup, I was not disappointed with how the matcha whisked up (quite easily) and delivered a wonderful flavor. . . delicious. The flavors actually reminded me of spring which is perfect since today was the first day of spring!
Want to Know More About This Tea?
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Kenko Tea
Description
One month supply of Kenko’s Premium Ceremonial Grade Japanese matcha green tea powder.
Our premium ceremonial matcha tea is a high-quality matcha made for daily consumption. This ceremonial grade tea is an intense jade green powder with a delicate sweetness, grassy overtones, and very light astringency. It whisks to produce a creamy froth, and is ideal for a morning energy lift or a calming afternoon treat.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Iced Jasmine Matcha Latte Recipe. . . .
There has been a lot of talk recently about blending Matcha with other teas. I am a HUGE supporter of tea blending and Matcha is no exception! One of my favorite “hot weather” combinations is a Iced Jasmine Matcha Latte. It combines two of my absolute favorite green teas- Jasmine Pearls and Matcha. Add just a touch of sweet cream, or any other sweetener and a splash of milk (or milk substitute) and you have the perfect iced tea latte!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 tsp Imperial Grade Matcha
4-5 tsp Jasmine Pearls Green Tea
10oz water heated to 175ºF
Italian Sweet Cream (optional)
16oz Cup (I’m using a glass) full of ice
Directions:
1. Heat the water to 175ºF
2. As the water heats- sift 1 1/2 tsp of Matcha into a Matcha bowl
3. Once the water is at the correct temperature, add 8oz of water to the Jasmine Pearls and let steep for 3 minutes- If you plan to use a sweetener add to the Jasmine now to allow it to dissolve
4. While the Jasmine is steeping prepare the Matcha
5. Once the Jasmine has finished steeping, add it to the cup of ice.
6. Optional- I like to use an electric whisk on my Matcha before I add it to my Jasmine. This gives my latte a nice foam at the top
7. Add Matcha to the Jasmine
8. Optional- Add a splash of Sweet Cream or any other Milk/Milk Substitute product you’d like to taste
Now Enjoy Your Iced Jasmine Matcha Latte!!
MMU05 / Material Matcha Uji
MMU05, organic matcha blend. Currently this product is still waiting to be certified by the JAS/JONA, USDA, and EU. However, if you know anything about organic certification in Japan it is no simple task. It is appreciated though; that is the extra effort put in to get the certification and that which makes it so. Being that it is only in the prototype stage still I can’t guarantee that my review will be the same as anyone after me but if it’s anything like the original three blends I know each batch will be amazing. Upon opening the bag the aroma is reminiscent of MMU03, chocolaty and smooth. It is easy to sift and incorporate with ones desired liquid. Thus far I have tried almond milk and regular water. Both have turned out wonderful. It has an umami and sweetness like MMU03 but the grassy tones are a bit stronger. Luckily for those of you who aren’t interested in grassy tones they do dissolve nicely when mixed for a latte.
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Matcha
Where to Buy: Material Matcha Uji
Description:
MMU05 is Material Matcha’s first ever try at Organic Matcha: we selected leaves from strictly organic batches of land and tried to achieve flavor as good as our conventional blends!
(Note: This prototype is currently pending official JAS/JONA Organic certification, to be followed by USDA Organic & EU Organic certifications)
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
DoMatcha-Ceremonial Grade
Today has been an incredibly fall like day and I’m loving it. Working from home, while listening to some classic horror movies, and listening to the rain-doesn’t get much better than this, especially since at the beginning of the week I was dealing with strep, ear infections, and a sinus infection all at once.
So today I decided I was going to treat myself to a delicious matcha latte after lunch. I was so excited! Especially since I’ve been dying to try Do Matcha for such a long time.
Per the instructions on the container, I scooped out 1/2 tsp into my bowl and added in 3 oz of 175F water. Using my bamboo whisk, I went to town briskly whisking in the recommended W motion until there was froth. I then added in more water- about 3 more ounces, and gave the beverage a few more whisks, because, whisking is fun.
Took a sip and I was in heaven. I love matcha and do drink a lot of it, but unless I’m drinking one of my favorite matchas from Wendigo Tea Co, you just never know what you are in for. With Do Matcha’s Ceremonial Grade, you are in for quality. This matcha is delicious. It hits every note perfectly and doesn’t have that awkward weird too vegetal flavor that sometimes you can get from other matchas I have had in the past.
Smooth is just the word I keep hearing in my head. Not too sweet, not too vegetal, just the right amount creating this delicious delight that I can see becoming super addicting.
I frothed up a bit of french vanilla creamer and added to the top of this delicious afternoon treat and was set for my afternoon. I love how the sweet vanilla tones mingled with the bright matcha flavor. Really delicious and I am already thinking about making this a thing with the weather getting cooler.
Sometimes your spirits just want something different and today they wanted matcha and I’m all to happy to oblige. This matcha is delicious! And now I have my sights set on a few other varities DoMatcha has to offer. . . .
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Matcha
Where to Buy: DoMatcha
Description
With DōMatcha® Ceremonial grade only the finest leaves are selected to guarantee the highest nutritional value, as well as sweet and pleasant flavor. Can be used to make thick or thin Matcha.
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
Tropical Mango Green Tea Latte from Sencha Naturals. . . . .
I love lattes. I am not a vegan, though, so I usually make them with milk and sugar.
When I saw this, my first thought was, “Can they pull this off? Let’s see.” And honestly, I didn’t think they could do it. I didn’t think 07I was going to like it. I considered making it with milk instead of water, but decided to give it a chance as a vegan option. After all, I just got home from a lecture on The Plant Based Diet.
The first sip bowled me over. Thick. Creamy. And super, super sweet. Almost TOO sweet for me, so if you love sugar this will be just right. If you don’t like lots of sugar, I really think you can just add extra water and get away with it. I did use ten ounces of 190F water, and they call for 8-10 ounces. I could drink the whole thing straight down and smack my lips right now. I am using restraint and sharing.
The mango flavor is just right. The coconut sugar is delightful. This is worth a try for latte lovers, and vegans – rejoice!
Here’s the scoop!
Leaf Type: Green
Where to Buy: Sencha Naturals
Description
Japanese matcha takes a trip to the South Pacific in this tropical twist. Sweet, juicy mango and creamy coconut, along with green tea, make a summer sensation best served cold
Learn even more about this tea and tea company here!
