Matcha is quite the trend these days, however, I've found most people love it or hate it. The taste of matcha is definitely acquired, but personally I love it! If you have organic, pure matcha it will be unsweetened and have a slightly chalky taste, but making it a latte with almond milk or coconut milk with a touch of honey and cinnamon, adds just a hint of sweetness to create a super tasty and healthy treat!
I'm not a regular coffee drinker because I can't handle the caffeine and it's too acidic for my stomach, so I drink it sparingly because I do like the taste, however, with matcha I can handle the caffeine better and there's no acidity to worry about. As such, matcha is a great alternative to coffee when I need that caffeine boost – and I can feel good about drinking it because of it's many health benefits! Check it out, I've listed all of the health benefits below!
Benefits of Matcha:
Packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCG
Boosts metabolism and burns calories
Detoxifies effectively and naturally
Calms the mind and relaxes the body
Rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins
Enhances mood and aids in concentration
Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
Prevents disease
Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
Ingredients:
1 tsp. Matcha powder - make sure there is no added sugar, organic and Japanese grade, I like the brand Laka Living (use code "LAKAJENNA" for 20% off)
1 c. cashew milk
1 tsp honey or pure maple syrup
4 oz. water
Ceylon cinnamon to top with (optional)
Preparation:
Boil water
Use milk frother to heat up milk or simply heat milk on stove top
While water is boiling and milk is heating, if you have a mesh tea filter (like this or something with similar holes) pour matcha powder through filter to ensure matcha is as smooth as possible.
Once water is boiled let it cool for a few minutes before pouring over matcha powder - you don't want it to be boiling hot, so you may even want to stop it before it gets to boiling.
Once slightly cool pour 4 ounces of water over matcha powder
Add sweetener
Use a small whisk or a matcha whisk, to make W and M movements in the matcha/water until a slight froth is formed on top
Pour warmed almond milk into matcha
Top with a few dashes of cinnamon, I like lots of cinnamon so I add quite a bit :)