How to Use Matcha Tea: Alternative and Healthy Ideas
Matcha green tea has become incredibly popular in the last few years. Much like chia seeds, this Japanese powder made from ground tea leaves is famous because of its many nutrients and properties. Matcha tea boosts concentration and metabolism, gives you jitter-free caffeine and detoxifies your body - and on top of that, it has no brewing time!
Many chefs and bakers have made up their own alternative and healthy ideas with matcha green tea powder. Here at OneHowTo we want to share the best options so that you learn how to use matcha tea beyond the classic cup of tea - as delicious as that is. Read on!
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How to make matcha latte: Healthy alternatives
Before trying new recipes, it's very important to know how to make matcha green tea in the classic way. Don't worry: It's an ancient technique, but it's also very simple. Once you've mastered the art of making matcha tea, you can move on and learn how to make a very fashionable - and very green - matcha latte:
How to make a classic Matcha Green Tea Latte:
Add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to a cup - the result will be better if you've sifted it before. If you want a sweeter matcha latter, add the sugar or sweetener now. Dilute the tea powder in 1/4 cup of hot water and whisk until you have a smooth paste - it should take around half a minute. Add hot milk, and if you want, extra milk foam and flavoring (spices or syrups).
If you want, substitute the milk for coconut milk, or do half and half. Of course, you can use any type of milk you prefer: Almond milk is the most popular and healthiest choice.
How to make Chai Matcha Latte:
Warm 1 cup of milk over low heat and add 1 teaspoon of spices; chai mixes are sold in many stores, but you can easily make your own. Prepare matcha tea as you normally would and mix it with the milk later, or add the green tea powder directly to the spiced milk.
How to make Iced Matcha Latte:
Iced drinks require a stronger infusion, so add 2 teaspoons matcha powder to a shaker, together with ice cubes and half a cup of water. Shake and pour on a tall glass with more ice. Add frothed, chilled milk and sprinkle flavoring on top.
There are endless variations for matcha green tea latte; some people shake their drinks instead of whisking the powder. Others add lime juice, mint leaves, vanilla or their favorite spices. Experiment and read this article to learn more about the best herbal tea latte recipes.
How to make matcha smoothies: Antioxidants for breakfast!
Good news - everyone can make smoothies, and matcha powder is not a complicated ingredient at all. Learn how to make matcha smoothies for breakfast and you'll make sure you get all the sweetness and energy of standard smoothies, only with less calories and more antioxidants.
Your matcha smoothie will be as healthy as you decide depending on the other ingredients you combine it with. The most basic choice for a low-fat, low-calorie, high-taste matcha smoothie includes 1 teaspoon matcha, half a cup yogurt and half a cup ice. Sweeten with honey if necessary and blend well - done!
Combine this green smoothie with your favorite fruits - especially with berries! - and juices; you can't go wrong! Use low-fat Greek yogurt, or substitute it with almond milk.
How to make Matcha Green Tea Milkshake:
Mix 1 cup yogurt, 1 cup milk of your choice, 1 cup ice cubes and 1 teaspoon matcha. Blend well and add flavoring (sweeteners, syrups or spices). Remember to let it rest for some minutes, because the liquid will settle and thicken.
How to make a healthy matcha breakfast bowl
Breakfast bowls are simply smoothies - with extra texture and energy! In order to make a delicious and healthy matcha breakfast bowl start by making a basic, well-blended smoothie. However, add another teaspoon of matcha powder for a good morning kick and don't use any ice.
That's the blank canvas of your bowl; you can add seeds, nuts, granola, berries, syrups, honey and fresh or frozen fruit. Make it as colorful as you can! You can also play with the texture by adding more or less yogurt to the smoothie.
You can also make a chia seed and matcha breakfast bowl for extra superfood greatness. Soak 2 or 3 tablespoons of chia seeds in water until they have absorbed it - it will take around 10 minutes. Mix the 2 teaspoons of matcha and the yogurt as you would. Blend everything together and add your favorite toppings.
How to make matcha cakes, muffins and other desserts
Just like coffee or chocolate, matcha green tea powder works perfectly as keynote ingredient in all kinds of baking. A quick search brings all sorts of results, from healthy weekend breakfast ideas to the most decadent and creamy creations.
We especially recommend matcha truffles; they use dates as a base, and they're covered in chocolate and matcha dust. Since they're so small, it's easier to control the portions! Our favorite recipes are this one from Matcha Source and this one from The Healthy Maven. Yum!
To start the day, why not add some matcha powder to your crepe batter or dust it over your pancakes? You can also bake it into whole-grain muffins, cakes, cupcakes, tiramisu and even make bright green meringue kisses! And, of course, matcha tea can be turned into beautifully smooth icing.
How to make matcha ice cream
You're probably thinking: "Hey, didn't they say 'healthy' recipes? Is ice cream healthy?"
Well, it can be! It depends on what you use as a base. Switch whole milk and heavy cream for coconut milk and you get a much lighter and still delicious recipe! This coconut green tea ice cream recipe from the Minimalist Baker, for instance, looks amazing.
However, a much healthier alternative is to substitute ice cream for ice pops. Ice pops or popsicles, as they're called in the US, are super easy to make. You only need to make classic matcha green tea, pour it into a popsicle mold and freeze it. However, it will taste much better if you use the matcha latte version as a base. And, if you want to get fancier, why not dip the result in chocolate or chopped nuts?
Other ideas to use matcha
If all these matcha recipe ideas are not enough for you, or if you don't like sweets at all, don't worry; you can still use matcha green tea powder in plenty of recipes: People around the world sprinkle matcha powder on soup or their sandwiches, and even on popcorn!
Now that you know how to use matcha tea, give us more alternative and healthy ideas in the comments section.
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