Discover Matcha - Japanese Prized Green Tea Powder
Matcha, the prized powdered green tea traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, has sweet, floral, and bitter notes, and is the perfect addition to or pairing for desserts. In fact, wagashi (Japanese confectioneries) are often served during the Japanese tea ceremony to symbolize both the bitter and sweet moments in life.
Matcha comes from green tea leaves known as “tencha”, which are shaded from sunlight three weeks prior to harvest. The increased chlorophyll production results in its bright green color and slightly sweeter taste. Instead of being rolled like other green teas, the leaves are laid flat so that the stems and veins can be removed before being ground into a fine powder.
The most common matcha grades are ceremonial and culinary. Ceremonial grade matcha uses ichibancha (first harvest) leaves and is typically reserved for traditional preparations such as mixing with hot water and being consumed as tea. Culinary-grade matcha is made from nibancha (second harvest leaves) and is the best choice for incorporating into baked goods. More robust in flavor, culinary-grade matcha is better suited to stand up against other flavors and high-heat cooking.
Our recommendation
Our producer, Yamaei, has a longstanding connection with Shizuoka’s abundant nature. Located in the heart of Japan with the iconic Mt. Fuji in the background, Shizuoka Prefecture is blessed with cool mountain air and mineral-rich soil that provides the ideal environment for growing green tea. This organic matcha from sunny Shizuoka is cultivated using a shading process that enhances the umami taste, producing the smooth, balanced flavor profile Shizuoka matcha is known for.
Today the company has received a wide array of awards from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries and the Governor of Shizuoka for its high-quality green tea and tea-based food items.
Usage
Matcha can be used to make beverages, smoothies, desserts, and other baked goods.
To prepare a basic matcha drink, add 200-300ml of hot or cold water to 0.5-1g (about 1 tsp) of matcha powder and stir.
To make tea ceremony-style matcha, sift 1-1.5g (about 2 tsp) of matcha into a tea bowl. Pour 5-10ml of hot water (90℃) into the bowl and mix the matcha carefully. This softens the matcha and prevents any lumps from forming. Pour 50-60ml of hot water (90°C) into the bowl. Whisk the matcha swiftly back and forth using a chasen (bamboo whisk) in a zigzag motion until the matcha has become frothy with small bubbles.
Recipes
Matcha Latte
Once considered a niche ingredient, matcha has risen in popularity to become a staple beverage in coffee and tea shops around the world. Matcha is made from young and tender leaves known as “tencha” that are grown in the shade before being picked by hand and slowly stone-ground into powder. Earthy and deep, matcha is a delicious beverage to enjoy hot or cold!
Matcha Rosettes
From tea ceremonies to cafes, matcha powder has risen in popularity all around the world. Full of antioxidants and imbued with a unique earthy taste, matcha has solidified its place as a caffeinated beverage of choice and stand-out dessert flavor.
If you are looking for an easy matcha cookie recipe, these rosettes should be your go-to. These cookies bake at a lower temperature to keep the beautiful green hue locked into the cookie while maintaining a luxurious flavor and melt-in-your-mouth bite!
Matcha Pasta
This recipe includes all of the ingredients found in an authentic carbonara but employs matcha as a secret ingredient to add a robust, earthy flavor and beautiful pale green color to this Italian classic. If you’re looking for a fun, Japanese-inspired twist on a tried-and-true dish, look no further than this unique Matcha Pasta.
Matcha Nama Choco (Chocolate)
“Nama choco,” loosely translated as “raw chocolate” is a uniquely Japanese chocolate ganache. These powdered squares of chocolate are dangerously addictive for their richness and smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Among Japanese candy makers, Royce’ Nama Choco and Meiji’s Meltykiss have made this style of chocolate well-known and loved. However, with a little patience, you can easily make nama choco at home. While dark chocolate varieties are certainly tasty, our version incorporates bitter and earthy matcha powder with luxurious white chocolate.
Mochi Donuts with a Matcha Glaze
If you are looking for an easy gluten-free dessert, look no further than our delicious baked mochi donuts!
Mochi donuts are made with glutinous rice flour known as mochiko. They are often associated with the Pon-De-Ring style donut that originated around 2003 from Japan’s Mister Donut franchise. They come together in a quick, pourable batter that is baked in the oven in a donut mold. The result is a golden donut with a soft, chewy center.
Decorate these donuts with a yummy and easy matcha glaze and sprinkles for a fun, Japanese-inspired treat!
About the author:
Britney Budiman
Britney Budiman (@booritney) is a writer, minimalist, aspiring effective altruist, and runner-in-progress with a penchant for saying “yes.” Previously, she has worked in Cambodia at a traditional arts NGO, in Brazil as a social sciences researcher, and in San Francisco at a housing start-up. She currently lives in the countryside of Kagoshima, Japan, where she teaches English. Her favorite thing in the world is good conversation.
