How to Make Matcha Tea
Unlike most teas, matcha is whisked rather than steeped, which is what gives it a frothy cup. Traditionally it is made with a bamboo whisk and bowl, though a small kitchen whisk or a milk frother works well too. Watch our video on how to make matcha.
To make a cup of matcha:
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of matcha to your bowl or cup
- Add a little cool water and mix into a smooth paste
- Add about half a cup of warm water, no hotter than 170°F
- Whisk vigorously until the tea is frothy
- Add the remaining water to reach your preferred strength
How Is Matcha Green Tea Different?
Matcha is a powdered green tea, shade-grown near Kyoto and in Kagoshima, Japan. After harvest, the leaves are air-dried and stone-ground into an ultra-fine powder that tastes sweet, grassy, and vegetal. Unlike other teas, with matcha you whisk the whole leaf into the water rather than steeping and straining it, which is part of what gives the cup its color, body, and depth.
Caffeine in Matcha
As a green tea, matcha contains caffeine, and because the whole leaf goes into the cup, a serving can carry nearly as much as a small coffee. Many drinkers find matcha's caffeine feels steady and even, thanks to the L-theanine that occurs naturally alongside it. It makes a thoughtful choice for anyone moderating their caffeine, and a lovely cup on its own, in a latte, or blended into a smoothie.
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