NOT TOO TRICKY | 1 SERVE
We’ve all seen it on TikTok or in cafes: matcha lattes. That green drink, but what exactly is it and how can you make the best matcha lattes yourself? I’ve been obsessed with matcha for a long time and I can’t stop talking about it. I’ve tasted many different matcha powders and tried many different recipes. In this blog, I’ll tell you about my favourite matcha and my go-to recipe.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a green tea from Japan. Matcha is used in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where various Japanese sweets are served alongside it. Matcha is produced by growing tea plants in the shade. This process begins several weeks before the tea leaves are harvested. About twenty days before harvest, the plants are shaded from direct sunlight. This method slows down growth and promotes the production of chlorophyll, giving the leaves a deep green colour and increasing the concentration of amino acids.
Only the highest quality leaves are hand-picked and processed into matcha. After harvesting, the leaves are dried. Then, the stems and veins are removed, and the leaves are ground into powder using a stone mill. This is the traditional process followed to produce matcha.
EQUIPMENT
Alright, let’s get to the point. How do you make the best matcha latte yourself and what should you focus on while making it? There are a few things you need to know before you start, such as: what do you need?
First, you’ll need your favourite quality matcha powder. At the bottom of the blog, you’ll find a list of my favourites. Make sure to store it in a tin to avoid exposure to sunlight and keep it fresh longer. Additionally, you’ll need a sieve to make the powder fine, a matcha whisk (chasen) to mix the warm water and powder. It’s best if it’s made of bamboo.
STEP GUIDE
1) Heat water to about 70 to 80 degrees Celsius. If it’s too hot, the matcha will taste bitter.
2) Soak your matcha whisk in warm water. If you skip this step, there’s a chance the tines may break because they’re still stiff.
3) Sift about 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into a bowl. Add 40 to 60 ml of water (70 to 80 degrees Celsius).
4) Mix the matcha with water in a zigzag motion. It’s more effective than mixing in a circular motion. It introduces more air. Mix until you see a layer of foam. If you mix it for more than 30 seconds, the matcha may taste bitter.
5) Add your desired amount of (plant-based) milk. For plant-based milk, I recommend oat or coconut milk.
6) Want sweeter matcha? Add honey or maple syrup.
the best matcha
– Ceremony – Organic Matcha (€32,00)
– Hojicha Co. – Isuzu Matcha (€27,00)
– Chamberlain Coffee – Matcha Green Tea (€25,00)
– Rocky’s Matcha – Ceremonial Blend (€26,95)
– Joy of Matcha – Ceremonial Organic Matcha (€32,45)
You can make so many different types of drinks with matcha, like an iced matcha latte or add delicious strawberries! Hopefully, this blog has inspired you to make your own matcha latte. Do you have any tips I should know? Let me know! Feel free to send me an email at [email protected].
