What to Do With Matcha Powder: 7 Creative Ways to Use Matcha
Matcha powder is a type of green tea powder produced in Japan. The preparation of matcha involves covering the tea bushes several weeks prior to the harvest period in order to prevent exposure to sunlight. As a result of the lack of sunlight, the tea leaves become dark green and start to produce large amounts of the amino acid theanine. Theanine is responsible for many of the beneficial health effects of matcha green tea powder. Matcha powder is used in Japan to brew high quality green tea which is consumed in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, but this nutrient-dense powder, along with other types of green tea powder, can also be used in cooking and baking. This article aims to provide creative ideas on what to do with matcha powder (and green tea powder in general) as well as tips on how to use matcha succesfully in the kitchen.
1. Make Matcha Green Tea Latte
Here's a simple recipe for a delightful matcha green tea latte which you can enjoy as a cool, refreshing treat during hot summer months or as a warm treat during winter months when temperatures plummet below zero. To make one large cup of matcha latte, place 1/2 teaspoon of matcha powder in a small bowl, then add a few spoons of hot water and up to 2 teaspoons of honey or agave nectar, depending on your taste. Mix with a small whisk until smooth. Add more hot water, about 1/3 cup. Put the bowl aside for a moment and fill a large cup with 1 cup (8 fl. oz.) of heated milk or soymilk. Add the matcha-water mixture to the heated milk. If you are making cold matcha green tea latte, add ice cubes to the mixture. For hot matcha latte, top your drink with a bit of milk (or soymilk) foam and dust with matcha powder. Enjoy!
2. Go for a Bowl of Matcha Porridge
Matcha oatmeal may not be the most famous recipe using matcha powder, but it's certainly one of the most creative ways to use matcha. For detailed instructions on how to create this super healthy breakfast dish, check out our matcha oatmeal recipe. Of course, you can also use matcha to add a healthy twist to other types of porridge such as cornmeal porridge (polenta) or millet porridge. To add aesthetic appeal to your matcha porridge, use sliced bananas or strawberries as garnish.
3. Add Matcha to Light-Colored Soups and Purees
You can also add matcha powder to soups and purees. Light-colored soups and purees — such as those made from parsnips, turnips or sunchokes (Jerusalem artichokes) — will get a lovely green hue if you add a bit of matcha powder to the dish during the pureeing process.
4. Make Your Own Cha Soba Noodles
In Japan, green tea powder is commonly added to buckwheat noodles (soba noodles) to make what the Japanese call cha soba noodles. Cha soba noodles are available in many Asian markets and specialty stores in Western countries, but you can also make your own green tea noodles or pasta. Simply replace some of the flour in your noodle or pasta recipe with matcha or other green tea powder. The ratio 1 heaped teaspoon of matcha powder to every 100 grams (3.5 oz) of flour usually works well.
5. Turn Matcha Tea into Stylish Ice Cubes
A great way to use up extra matcha tea is to turn it into ice cubes. Simply fill an ice cube tray half way with cold matcha tea and place the tray in the freezer. Once the tea is frozen, remove the tray from the freezer and twist it gently in order to pop out the matcha ice cubes. You can use matcha green tea ice cubes to dress up cocktails, lemonade, and fizzy water.
6. Use Matcha in Your Favorite Smoothie
Macha powder is a great addition to smoothies, and mixing yourself a healthy smoothie is one of the best ways to get your daily dose of fruit and vegetables. To make a matcha-enriched smoothie, place 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a cup, then add a bit of hot water. Whisk the mixture with a bamboo whisk in a zigzag motion until a smooth paste forms. Add the paste to your favorite smoothie and blend well.
7. Make a Cup of Traditional Matcha Tea
Last but not least, you can use matcha green tea powder to make a traditional green tea beverage used in Japanese tea ceremonies. This is how: First, place a little less than 1 teaspoon of matcha powder in a pre-warmed bowl. Then, add about 1/4 U.S. cup (60 ml) of hot water at 175°F (80°C). Whisk the mixture quickly in a back-and-forth motion using a chasen, a traditional matcha whisk made from bamboo. Once a froth forms on the surface, stop whisking; your matcha tea is ready to be drunk. Note: Metal whisks and other kitchen utensils may not be able to create enough froth.
Sponsored Links / Ads
Don't Miss This
Matcha vs Maca Root Powder - Which is Better?A head-to-head comparison of matcha and and maca root powder.
