Posted on , Last modified on September 5, 2020 by Renee Stubbins, PhD, RD, LD, CSO

Matcha Matcha Matcha!!!!

Matcha Tea has become more popular in several coffee/tea cafes in the past few years and it is famous for its bold flavor and green color. Matcha tea is technically a green tea and it is special for several reasons but the way it is grown and processed gives it its unique qualities. Matcha green tea leaves are grown in the shade for 3-4 weeks, which increases its chlorophyll and theanine content. Theanine is a metabolite of L-glutamine (an amino acid aka building blocks of protein) and studies suggest that it can improve cognition, boost your mood and perhaps decrease stress and anxiety. Matcha tea also contains a fair amount of caffeine, so it can serve as a nice substitute for your morning coffee. During harvesting, only the tea leaves are processed (not the stems and veins), the tea leaves are then stone-ground into a fine powder. Matcha tea is enjoyed has a hot/warm beverage and is whisk into milk or water; the powder does take some time to dissolve but with the proper whisk it should dissolve nicely.

Studies suggest it can improve cognition, boost your mood and perhaps decrease stress and anxiety, so try this Matcha Tea Latte Recipe.

Purchasing matcha green tea powder can be intimidating because there are different grades (ceremonial and culinary). Ceremonial grade is more expensive but will have a more mellow taste and is best used when consuming as a hot beverage. Culinary grade is less expensive and has a more bitter taste, and is is best used in desserts or smoothies. If you decide to make this part of your daily diet, then I would suggest purchasing a bamboo whisk (see picture). It is specifically designed to break up the clumps and create a frothy beverage. Below is a recipe I have been tweaking for a few months and I think it is almost perfect.

FYI: I prefer the taste of almond or coconut milk but any milk or milk substitute can be used.

Studies suggest it can improve cognition, boost your mood and perhaps decrease stress and anxiety, so try this Matcha Tea Latte Recipe.

Matcha Tea Latte

1 tsp of matcha green tea powder
1/4c of hot water
1c of unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 tbsp of maple syrup or honey or other sweetener

  • Studies suggest it can improve cognition, boost your mood and perhaps decrease stress and anxiety, so try this Matcha Tea Latte Recipe.In a mug, add matcha powder and sweetener to hot water and whisk until powder dissolves.
  • Heat almond milk on the stove top or if you are feeling fancy you can use a frother.
  • Add heated milk/milk alternative to your mug and gently stir together or if you are feeling creative try doing some latte art (see picture). *this can also be enjoy cold, just simply chill and pour over ice.*

Stubbins, R. (2020). Eat Good . . . . Feel Better [PDF document]. Retrieved from R. Stubbins, personal communication, September 1, 2020.