Matcha coffee is an interesting mix of two drinks that has been turning heads and teasing taste buds. This amazing drink combines the best parts of both matcha and coffee by blending their different tastes, textures, and smells.
Matcha, celebrated for its vibrant green hue and earthy, slightly sweet notes, has long been cherished for its rich cultural history and a plethora of health benefits. On the other hand, coffee, renowned for its bold, robust taste and invigorating caffeine kick, has its own devoted following.
Yet, it is the harmonious amalgamation of these two beloved brews, aptly named "matcha coffee," that has taken the wellness community by storm on a global scale. This intriguing blend not only offers a unique and delightful flavor profile but also combines the energizing properties of coffee with the soothing qualities of matcha.
In this article, we will delve deeper into the world of matcha coffee, exploring the reasons behind its rising popularity and uncovering the secrets of its enticing blend.
What is Matcha Coffee?
History of Matcha and Coffee
Origins of Matcha
Green tea was first cultivated in China during the Tang dynasty, around the seventh to tenth century. In this region, tea was gathered and compressed into bricks for long-distance shipping.
The tea was first roasted and ground into a powder before being brewed in hot water with a pinch of salt. The method of whipping tea powder in hot water became popular in the 12th century during the Song dynasty as a result of this development into powdered tea for steam and dried tea leaves. This is still the standard way to make matcha tea.
Powdered tea was adopted as a ritual beverage by Zen Buddhists, who also began growing the medicinal Sencha variety of tea plant. Matcha is the Japanese word for this type of tea.
From its origins, it is clear that matcha tea was used to sharpen mental focus, increase alertness, and enhance overall well-being. Matcha tea gained notoriety as the preferred beverage of revered temple clergymen.
Powdered tea arrived in Japan in 1191 because of the religion's strong Buddhist influence there.
History of Coffee
The history of coffee dates back to centuries of old oral tradition in modern-day Ethiopia and Yemen. It was already known in Mecca in the 15th century. Also, in the 15th century, Sufi monasteries in Yemen employed coffee as an aid to concentration during prayers.
Coffee later spread to the Levant in the early 16th century; it caused some controversy on whether it was halal in Ottoman and Mamluk society. Coffee arrived in Italy the second half of the 16th century through commercial Mediterranean trade routes, while Central and Eastern Europeans learned of coffee from the Ottomans. By the mid 17th century, it had reached India and the East Indies.
Coffee houses were established in Western Europe by the late 17th century, especially in Holland, England, and Germany. One of the earliest cultivations of coffee in the New World was when Gabriel de Clieu brought coffee seedlings to Martinique in 1720.
These beans later sprouted 18,680 coffee trees which enabled its spread to other Caribbean islands such as Saint-Domingue and also to Mexico. By 1788, Saint-Domingue supplied half the world's coffee.
By 1852 Brazil became the world's largest producer of coffee and has held that status ever since.
The period since 1950 saw the widening of the playing field owing to the emergence of several other major producers, notably Colombia, the Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, and Vietnam; the latter overtook Colombia and became the second-largest producer in 1999. Modern production techniques along with the mass productization of coffee has made it a household item today.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Superfoods like wild blueberries, mushrooms, kefir, turmeric, and ginger all share the spotlight with matcha. Smoothies, drinks, and even baked goods can all benefit from adding this powdered supplement.
It's all over the place, from boba to iced matcha lattes to macarons and mochi, and even in sweet drinks and desserts like candy and ice cream. Matcha is enjoyed by some for its savory earthiness, while others drink it for its purported health benefits.
What exactly is this mysterious green powder that seems to be everywhere these days? "Matcha is a special kind of green tea, though it's thought to be richer in polyphenols than regular green tea," says William Li, MD, a physician and food researcher. Benefits to health from matcha's antioxidants include a speedier metabolism, lower cholesterol levels, and better blood flow.
Almost a millennium ago, in Japan, matcha tea was first created. Both matcha and green tea are derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, but matcha is harvested in a slightly different way, which may account for some of its supposed superiority.
According to a review published in the January 2021 issue of Molecules, Japanese matcha is made by shading the tea plant to increase the concentration of chlorophyll, caffeine, amino acids, and antioxidants.
Matcha is highly prized for its potent antioxidant properties, fresh flavor, and vibrant green color. Epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epicatechin gallate (ECG) are all antioxidants found in green teas; however, the aforementioned review notes that matcha is particularly rich in epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
According to Jenna Volpe, RDN of Austin, Texas, "matcha and green tea have been shown to support everything from digestion to heart health to metabolism, cognitive function, cancer prevention, and more" because of their high concentration of catechins.
There is no need to spend a lot of money on fancy pastries or Instagram-worthy beverages to give matcha a try (though that can be fun, too). Making matcha at home is easy; just whisk the vibrant powder into water, milk, or tea.
Here are seven potential health benefits of matcha in addition to its attractive appearance and delicious taste.
Matcha's caffeine content may increase energy levels.
More than a third of adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), don't get enough sleep, which may explain why so many rely on beverages for a boost in the morning and afternoon.
The default option? Coffee, although the popularity of energy drinks is on the rise as well. According to the National Coffee Association, roughly 62% of Americans consume coffee on a daily basis; however, there is another caffeine source worth considering in addition to coffee: matcha.
Matcha has more caffeine than coffee, green tea, or black tea, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Caffeine levels in matcha range from 18.9 to 44.4 milligrams (mg) per gram of matcha powder, depending on the source.
According to Volpe, the amount of caffeine in an 8 oz. cup of matcha made from matcha powder and water ranges from 76 mg to 180 mg. In comparison, the FDA reports that an 8 ounce cup of green or black tea contains 30-50 mg and that an 8 ounce cup of coffee contains 80-100 mg (FDA).
Not everyone would benefit from consuming more caffeine. Matcha's caffeine content "may cause irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, anxiety, or insomnia in some people," Volpe warns.
If you're not sensitive to caffeine, matcha is a great way to get your fix; just make sure to drink it first thing in the morning instead of later in the day when it might keep you up. The National Sleep Foundation recommends avoiding caffeine for at least eight hours prior to bedtime.
Matcha may help with attention and memory.
A study with sleepy college students found that caffeine not only increased energy and alertness, but also made it easier to complete memory tasks at inconvenient times like the morning.
The amino acid theanine, found in matcha, has been linked to increased alertness and decreased stress, suggesting that it may contribute to these benefits.
According to a randomized controlled trial conducted with young adults experiencing acute stress and published in April 2021 in Nutrition Research, "drinking matcha improves attention, focus, and cognitive function," says Dr. Li.
The same group of researchers also tested the treatment on middle-aged and elderly people, and their results were published in the May 2021 issue of Nutrients. People's ability to focus and get work done while under psychological stress was significantly enhanced by combining Matcha with caffeine.
Matcha has been called a "mood-and-brain food" due to the positive effects it has on focus and memory. These benefits are due to the presence of theanine, caffeine, and EGCG, all of which are found in matcha.
Matcha may help prevent neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive decline.
Concern about neurological disorders may be yet another incentive to give matcha a try.
While green tea and matcha are similar, Volpe notes that matcha contains significantly more quercetin, a pigmented flavonoid with special antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage and slow the ageing process.
A study published in the journal Nutrients in December 2020 found that matcha has a high vitamin K content. Researchers found that elderly women who regularly consumed matcha powder experienced less cognitive decline.
According to Volpe, "Matcha is often studied for its roles in Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative disorders, partially because it's high in quercetin, which can cross over the blood-brain barrier," citing a review published in the April 2022 issue of Molecules.
Another review, this one appearing in the January 2020 issue of Biomolecules, confirms the established link between quercetin and its neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer's disease.
Matcha's cardioprotective properties may help to maintain a healthy heart.
Despite the obvious significance of heart health, cardiovascular disease remains a major public health issue in the United States. According to the CDC, nearly half of all adult Americans have hypertension (high blood pressure).
Because there are no outward signs of the disease, it has earned the nickname "silent killer," and detection is limited to periodic blood pressure checks. According to the Mayo Clinic, high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and other serious health effects, so it's crucial to keep blood pressure where it should be.
The good news is that matcha can be included in a heart-healthy diet and routine. Volpe points out that there is no magic food that will protect you from illness, but a healthy diet that includes matcha may help. Cardioprotective benefits of matcha have been extensively researched.
"EGCG in matcha helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation," she says. However, most studies either focus on green tea or are conducted on animals. A lower risk of heart disease was found to be associated with drinking green tea, according to a previous meta-analysis.
Previous animal research suggested matcha may play a role in lowering total cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood glucose; however, more rigors research in humans is required.
Matcha's antioxidants may have anticancer properties.
There is currently no foolproof method of preventing cancer. Matcha may be beneficial as part of a healthy diet, though.
Volpe speculates that matcha's ability to inhibit and prevent the growth of cancer cells will be confirmed as more research is conducted. Researchers are only now beginning to understand the mechanisms by which green tea and matcha aid in the prevention of certain types of cancer, as Volpe explains.
EGCG is being considered as a potential mechanism. A review published in July 2020 in Molecules describes the chemo-preventive properties of this tea compound and the clinical evidence that EGCG plays a significant role in the inhibition and prevention of certain types of cancer.
Research into the cancer-fighting properties of matcha and EGCG has focused primarily on those of the breast and colon. According to a study published in the August 2018 issue of Aging, "Matcha could stop the growth of breast cancer stem cells," says Li. Sometimes, despite effective treatment, breast cancer can recur due to these stem cells. Another study found that EGCG inhibited the growth of colon cancer stem cells.
According to a review published in the November 2022 issue of Current Research in Food Science, matcha may have anti-tumor properties; however, more research is required.
Matcha may help with weight loss and metabolism.
What you drink can make a difference in your weight loss efforts. Previous studies showed why sugar-sweetened drinks shouldn't be considered, but what else can be consumed besides water?
Matcha, it turns out, is, and this green beverage may aid your weight loss efforts in a direct way.
An animal study published in August 2022 in Frontiers in Nutrition suggested that matcha may play a role in mitigating obesity and improving metabolic disorders; however, human studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Li says matcha has the potential to burn fat, based on the findings of other studies. According to Li, a study published in September 2018 in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that "drinking matcha before exercising on a treadmill increased whole body fat oxidation, a marker of metabolism, by 35 percent compared with people who did not drink matcha." The study involved healthy females between the ages of 19 and 35. Simply put, matcha boosts the body's ability to metabolize fat during exercise.
Adding matcha to a low-calorie diet may further aid in weight loss. A small observational trial published in September 2022 in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition demonstrated this effect in people who consumed matcha alongside a reduced-calorie diet. Both the matcha and control groups lost statistically significant amounts of weight. So, matcha may help with weight loss, but it's not the only factor.
Matcha may be beneficial to liver function.
The liver's primary function is to filter blood of harmful substances. It's common knowledge that consuming alcohol or taking drugs increases one's risk of developing a liver disease.
There are a number of lifestyle factors that can have a negative effect on the liver, not just drugs and alcohol. The accumulation of fat in the liver is a common condition known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The Mayo Clinic reports that obesity, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance may play a role in this. Matcha might help, but there isn't much evidence yet.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was reduced and liver function was improved in a mouse study of obesity published in June 2021 in Nutrients. More human studies are needed to determine if the catechins in matcha, especially EGCG, are helpful in people with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Reviewing the effects of EGCG on oxidative stress-induced inflammation, which can lead to liver disease, an article in the March 2022 issue of Medicines found positive results.
Matcha Coffee vs. Matcha Latte
What is Matcha
Japan is the birthplace of matcha, a special kind of green tea. The Camellia sinensis plant's leaves are used to create this emerald green powder. Matcha's distinctive cultivation method is one of the ways in which it differs from other types of tea. In order to increase the chlorophyll content and nutrient density of the tea leaves, the plants are shaded for about three weeks prior to harvest.
Due to its singular flavor, numerous health benefits, and adaptability, matcha has quickly become a global phenomenon. Smoothies, baked goods, and, of course, matcha lattes are just a few of the many ways that this versatile ingredient can be used. Matcha has a grassy or earthy flavor and contains between 19 and 44 milligrams of caffeine per gram (55 milligrams on average per 2 ounce serving).
What is Coffee
To make coffee, the bean, or seed, of the Coffea plant is roasted. Coffee's signature tastes and aromas can't be created without first roasting the beans. Coffee's flavor profiles can range from nutty and chocolaty to fruity, depending on the degree of roasting.
Drip, French press, espresso, and cold brew are just some of the ways that coffee can be brewed, each of which results in its own unique flavor and intensity profile. The average amount of caffeine in an 8-ounce cup of coffee is 96 mg. Espresso, a concentrated variety of coffee, is typically served in smaller quantities but contains more caffeine per ounce.
Therefore, the amount of caffeine in coffee can change depending on how it's brewed and how much you drink.
In conclusion, the caffeine in both matcha and coffee helps provide energy and promotes healthy brain function. Matcha, made from the leaves of the green tea plant, has a grassy, earthy flavor, while coffee, made from roasted coffee beans, has a deeper, more nuanced taste.
Both are popular among those looking for a stimulating drink because of their distinctive flavor profiles and individual qualities that appeal to a wide variety of people.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Matcha Coffee
While there are many specific implements required for the traditional Matcha ceremony, you can still enjoy a delicious cup with just these:
- MATCHA. If you're looking for a Matcha with subtle hints of freshly mown grass and rich umami, try our Mighty Leaf Organic Ceremonia gradel Matcha; if you're looking for something with warming spices, try our Organic Spiced Turmeric Matcha; if you're on the go, try our Organic Matcha, which is available in single-serving packets.
- WATER. Cold, freshly drawn, filtered water should be the first thing you use. Prepare a 175°F water bath (or cook time is 2 minutes off a boil).
- TEA BOWL (CHAWAN). Your palms should be able to completely enclose the bowl. Whisking is made simpler when the bowl has a flat bottom and high sides to contain any spills.
- TEA WHISK (CHASEN). In Japan, a bamboo whisk is the standard tool, but a portable frother will do in a pinch.
Instructions
- You should use a clean, dry tea bowl.
- Put in 1 teaspoon's worth of Matcha. If you want your Matcha to be extra smooth, you can sift it or whisk it before you use it.
- Add 1 to 2 ounces of hot water and stir. Stir with a whisk until the mixture is free of lumps and a bright froth forms on top.
- Take one big gulp of your Matcha right now if you like it extra creamy. Alternately, you can adjust the consistency by adding more water.
Follow the same steps as above to prepare the Matcha, but this time use a larger container.
- In a small saucepan, microwave, or steamer, heat 1 cup milk (cow, almond, oat, or whatever variety you like) until warm but not boiling.
- Whisk the prepared Matcha with the warm milk. Use a more vigourous frother or whisking motion to achieve the desired foaminess in your Matcha latte.
- Add sugar if you like, and savour.
Prepare your Matcha as usual, then whisk in some cold milk and pour it into a tall glass filled with ice for an iced Matcha latte.
Sprinkle some Matcha powder on top of your brewed Matcha for a decorative touch.
Customizing Your Matcha Coffee Experience
Matcha lattes are prepared in a slightly different way than your average cup of tea with a recipe index, so keep that in mind as you rummage through the cupboards for the necessary ingredients. There will be no tea for you to steep. Matcha tea is prepared by first grinding the leaves into a fine powder, which is then dissolved in hot water.
This is great news for maintaining a consistent flavor. In the same way that plain matcha tea dissolves and blends with milk, your matcha mix will do the same. So, let's whip up a cup of steaming matcha latte right now!
What You’ll Need
12 ounces of milk of your choice
1/3 cup of matcha powder
Prep Time
5 minutes
How to Prepare
- Green tea calls for milk heated to a specific temperature (about 170 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Add the powdered matcha mix to the mug of your choice. The steamed milk should be poured in and whisked vigorously. In the absence of a whisk, a small spoon will suffice. The desired result is a thick, dark-green paste. Keep whisking until the drink is smooth and creamy and a pale green color.
- You can customize your latte with foam, matcha leaves, and dried lavender or rose for an elegant touch.
Potential Side Effects
Careful planning is required to reap the benefits of matcha and coffee while minimizing the negatives associated with their combined caffeine content.
Matcha, a powdered green tea, offers a different kind of caffeine experience compared to coffee because of its L-theanine content. Think about how much caffeine you can tolerate on a daily basis and how sensitive you are to find the sweet spot.
Caffeine can cause jitters and anxiety in some people, and increasing the amount of matcha in your blend can help because it has less caffeine per gram than ground coffee. Comparatively, the caffeine content of an 8-ounce cup of coffee can range from 80 to 200 mg, while a cup of matcha typically contains 30-50 mg. Try out various combinations to see what works best for you.
It's also important to keep an eye out for any unwanted side effects that may manifest, such as trouble sleeping, racing heartbeats, or tummy aches. The stimulating effects of matcha and coffee can be maximized by tailoring the ratio of the two to your personal preference.
Why the World Loves Matcha Coffee
Matcha, or fine green tea powder, is made from freshly ground, fully fermented green tea leaves. In Japan, it serves as a staple. Although many countries now produce green tea, Japan remains the source of the finest matcha.
Matcha powder, which originated in Japan, is rapidly becoming the dominant form of tea around the world. People want to see more matcha-infused items on cafe and restaurant menus, and they're not just looking for it in stores. Why is everyone talking about it?
The study also aimed to explain the meteoric rise in popularity of matcha. To do this, they looked at the "captions" of influential YouTubers and took note of the language used to describe matcha flavors in their videos. Matcha's popularity is due in large part to the positive effects it has on one's health, not just to its creamy, rich, umami flavor palette.
The creaminess of matcha was mentioned by 21% of the top 100 videos, while 23% were concerned about its smoothness, and 24% thought it was rich. Sixteen percent of these influencers brought up metabolism, and twenty-seven percent were enthusiastic about the possibility that matcha could serve as a potent antioxidant.
The data presented earlier is not inconsequential; after all, we are discussing some of the largest tea markets in the world, and whether or not they are experiencing such dramatic shifts in tea trends is important.
Why is matcha so well-liked, exactly? Many factors contribute to this, including social ones. The health benefits of matcha green tea are essentially the same as those of regular green tea (but with more power). When compared to the health benefits of regular green tea, matcha green tea is 137 times more beneficial.
What Goes Best with Matcha Coffee?
Matcha's fame continues to grow. Green tea in powdered form is no longer confined to Japan; rather, it has become a global phenomenon. Matcha is widely available and is purchased by millions of people every year from places as diverse as Starbucks and local grocery stores.
It's only natural to try to find complementary flavors for such a widely consumed beverage. To maximize the health benefits of matcha, it's best to pair it with another flavor that complements its natural sweetness.
Let's move forwards and locate the perfect matcha (pun intended).
Frozen Yogurt
Matcha is a common additive to frozen yoghurt. Matcha is delicious with dairy. Milk, cream, and yoghurt are all delicious additions to a cup of green tea. Yogurt, however, stands out as the healthiest option. Frozen yoghurt improves things even further, contributing to both the flavor and the texture.
The sweetness of the combination complements rather than overpowers the other flavors. If you need a quick snack, using store-bought yoghurt is a good option. People who are concerned about their health should avoid eating yoghurt that has sugar added to it.
The Starbucks Way to Make a Matcha Latte
The iced matcha coffee latte has quickly become a staple at Starbucks, thanks to the popularity of matcha. You can get this delicious snack quickly and easily at your local Starbucks. Make this latte at home instead of buying it out and saving yourself some cash.
It's not a complicated recipe, and the flavor and texture are spot on. Foaming or frothing milk is a necessary skill for making lattes at home. Home baristas who enjoy cappuccinos and lattes have the skills necessary to steam milk. Add some matcha tea to the hot milk and continue the same procedure.
Cocoa Powder
Mixing matcha with cocoa powder is a great way to get a new take on an old favorite. Matcha and cocoa are a great flavor combination because of their shared earthiness. Even though cocoa powder isn't typically consumed with matcha, that's changing.
For those who are unfamiliar with matcha, the addition of cocoa powder's comforting flavor is a great way to ease in. Dark chocolate, unsweetened chocolate, or chocolate chips are all good alternatives to cocoa powder that pair well with matcha tea.
Wagashi is a traditional Japanese matcha pairing.
In Japan, matcha is typically served with wagashi. Rice flour and beans are common components of these sweets, though other ingredients, such as seasonal specialties, may be added as well. Since only plant-based ingredients are used in traditional Wagashi, these sweets are both unusual and suitable for vegans.
The sweets eliminate the need for sugar in the matcha tea. Matcha's mild bitterness complements the sweetness of wagashi very well, making for a delightful combination.
Wagashi comes in a variety of forms, such as mochi and anko. Mochi is the most popular of these to eat with matcha tea.
Matcha KitKat with White Chocolate and Wafers
Matcha-flavored KitKats initially seemed like an odd combination when they were introduced in Japan. The Matcha KitKat turns out to be very popular because the two flavors complement each other so well. Outside of Japan, it can be difficult to obtain a Matcha KitKat. The recipe, however, is straightforward.
Sugar wafer cookies, white chocolate chips, and matcha powder are all you need to make your own replica recipe. Melt all the white chocolate chips by microwaving them for 30 seconds at a time and stirring after each interval. Combine it with the matcha powder and use it to dip the sugar wafers.
If you want to speed up the drying process, you can put the wafers in the freezer or on wax paper. The end product will be a treat for your taste buds.
When compared to the cocoa powder (or chocolate) we initially suggested, how is white chocolate different? White chocolate, for starters, doesn't contain any cocoa solids. Its cocoa butter construction and distinctive flavor set it apart.
Pocky
Pocky is a delicious snack on its own, but it becomes even more delicious when dipped in matcha tea. These lollipop-like snacks are frosted in a variety of flavors, including chocolate and banana. Pocky comes in a wide variety of flavors, even matcha.
Try some matcha with your favorite Pocky and see how the flavors complement each other. You could also just get matcha pocky and be done with it.
Pocky may be common in Japan, but you won't often see it outside of the country. It's not the traditional matcha pairing, but it's easily accessible and definitely worth a shot. It can be purchased from a wide variety of retail outlets, including Amazon and Walmart.
Citrus Is Amazing - Try Some Lemon
There are many benefits to adding citrus to your matcha, especially lemon juice. Many people claim that drinking lemon tea is the best thing since sliced bread. If you're drinking matcha for its health benefits, adding a squeeze of lemon will elevate the experience.
The antioxidants in green tea are better absorbed by the body when consumed alongside citrus fruits like lemon. This theory is based on research conducted at Purdue University. Matcha tea, a type of green tea, is an especially potent form of antioxidants (catechins).
However, only 20% of these catechins are absorbed by the non-acidic environment of the intestines. By creating a more acidic environment with the addition of lemon juice, the body is able to absorb up to 80% of the catechins found in green tea.
Just the way we like it—healthy and delicious.
Matcha Smoothie
Smoothies made with matcha drink benefit from the addition of fruit and other ingredients with bright, slightly tart flavors.
Matcha is a delicious addition to traditional smoothie flavors like vanilla and banana. Try something new, like almond, spinach, or ripe blueberries if you're feeling daring. Smoothies made with peanut butter and matcha are a natural combination.
You could also opt for something simpler, like an iced matcha smoothie with a squeeze of lemon. The overall taste is very pleasant and light.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I upgrade my Matcha latte?
Iced Matcha Latte Recipe (Plus Variations) - The Flavor Bender
Add more ice (and perhaps less milk), and blend the drink to make a delicious matcha Frappuccino. Sweetened Matcha Latte – If you want a little sweetness in your matcha latte, you can add either honey or maple syrup. Vanilla Iced Matcha Latte – Add a few drops of vanilla extract to your drink.
Is it OK to mix matcha with coffee?
Matcha and Coffee… It's a match made in caffeinated heaven. When combined, we get all the health benefits of matcha tea and that familiar awakening boost of a cup of coffee.
Why does matcha make me feel amazing?
Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Matcha tea has high levels of l-theanine, an amino acid that contains many health benefits, one of which is combatting depression. L-theanine has been shown to alter the amounts of dopamine and serotonin that the brain emits.
What is the best flavor to add to matcha?
Umami flavors: Matcha goes especially well with umami-rich foods like mushrooms, miso, and soy sauce. Honey: A touch of honey can really help to round out the flavor of matcha and make it even more enjoyable. Lemon or orange: A squeeze of lemon can brighten up the flavor of matcha and give it a bit of zing.
What can I add to matcha to make it yummy?
Pairing matcha with creamy drinks like milk, oat milk or milkshakes can also help to disguise the flavor and tone down the color. Adding a dollop of whipped cream to a matcha-based drink would also have a similar effect.
Conclusion
Matcha coffee's health benefits can be amplified when consumed with the right snacks or meals. Sweet and earthy matcha baked goods are delicious, and avocado toast adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.
Sushi or sashimi embraces matcha's earthy notes in a traditional Japanese way, while Greek yoghurt parfaits with fresh berries and honey create a textural balance. Matcha smoothies are great for those who want a healthy pick-me-up.
These combinations showcase how matcha coffee is more than just a drink; it is also a highly adaptable ingredient that can be used to elevate a wide variety of dishes.
