Energize Your Day with a Deliciously Healthy Matcha Green Tea Latte
Kickstart your morning routine or enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up with this vibrant and flavorful Energizing Matcha Green Tea Latte. This recipe is packed with health benefits and boasts a delightful taste that will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. It is made from shade-grown tea leaves that are stone-ground into a vibrant green powder. Unlike regular green tea, where you steep the leaves and discard them, with matcha, you consume the entire leaf, resulting in a more concentrated dose of nutrients.
Matcha’s Health Benefits:
- Rich in antioxidants: Matcha is a powerhouse of antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Boosts energy: Matcha contains caffeine, but unlike coffee, it also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and focus, leading to a sustained and calmer energy boost.
- May aid in weight management: Studies suggest that matcha may help boost metabolism and promote fat burning.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, etc.)
- ½ cup hot water (not boiling)
- ½ – 1 teaspoon ceremonial grade matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon MCT oil (optional)
- ½ teaspoon maca powder (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- Pinch of sea salt
- Sweetener of your choice (honey, maple syrup, stevia, etc.) (optional)
Instructions:
- Warm the Milk: Heat the plant-based milk in a saucepan or microwave until steaming hot, but not boiling.
- Whisk the Matcha: In a separate mug or bowl, sift the matcha powder to remove any clumps. Add a small amount of the hot water (about 1/4 cup) and whisk vigorously using a bamboo whisk or electric frother until smooth and frothy.
- Combine & Enjoy: Pour the remaining hot water and warmed milk into the matcha mixture. Add MCT oil, maca powder, cinnamon, ginger, and sea salt (if using), and whisk to combine. Taste and adjust sweetness with your preferred sweetener (optional).
Tips:
- Use high-quality ceremonial grade matcha powder for the best flavor and health benefits.
- If you don’t have a bamboo whisk, you can use a milk frother or a small hand whisk.
- Experiment with different plant-based milk options to find your favorite flavor combination.
- For a creamy latte, add a scoop of collagen or protein powder.
- Enjoy your latte hot or iced. For an iced latte, simply cool the matcha mixture and pour it over ice.
Embrace a Healthier and More Energized You
With its vibrant color, delightful taste, and impressive health benefits, this Energizing Matcha Green Tea Latte is the perfect way to start your day or enjoy a healthy and refreshing treat any time of day. So, ditch the sugary coffee drinks and embrace the power of matcha!