Hi everyone! I hope everyone’s been well. I’ve been busy over the past few months writing, shooting, and recording projects, including my Woman’s Work podcast, which launched in April!
My recent episode features Elizabeth McDuffie, a White House domestic to President FDR, who changed the political game forever. I’d love your support and thoughts so please check it out :)
Now onto Matcha!
Did you know…
During World War II, Japanese soldiers took a ‘pep pill’ mixed with a nasty drug and green tea powder. While one can’t for sure say the powder was matcha, this green tea powder has been around since the Tang dynasty. Let that sink in.
One of the biggest misconceptions about matcha is its Japanese in origin. It isn't. The art of grinding tea leaves into a powder for easier transport is part of how matcha was introduced to the masses. It was primarily used for medicinal use before making its way into elite tea ceremonies.
My friend Jade, an all-star barista of 3 years, and I gab about this and more in the first-ever Roundup recording. As you listen, we talk recipes, recs, and dispel other matcha myths while we’re at it.
If you aren’t already obsessed with matcha, you will be by the end of this episode! Plus, I’ve got links to everything discussed!
Best Brands and Tips for Matcha At Home
If you're an at-home matcha aficionado such as myself, building and stocking your matcha supply can be a challenge. When I began building my matcha stash, the question was who, what, and how much?!
Not to mention, there’s a ton of at-home Matcha kits, whisks, bowls, strainers, which all go into crafting that smooth Matcha taste.
Jade personally recommends:
I’ve personally used Jade Leaf’s Barista Edition and their Ceremonial Matcha packs.
I also used Jade Leaf’s Matcha Kit that came with a whisk, mesh strainer, and scoop.
Now, each grade of matcha is harvested at different times and for different purposes. For the right temperature for your water, Jade uses an electric Gooseneck Kettle. You can set it to the exact temperature you want (matcha should technically be between 140°F and 175°F) and never worry about a burned tea again.
When making matcha at home, I switch between Ceremonial grade or the Barista blend depending upon my recipe. I pair the Barista blend with milk, sugar, or toppings. If I want pure matcha with water (a matcha americano or cortado if you will), I grab the ceremonial grade.
Key tip: If you're dairy free or desire an alternative to match and milk (like I do sometimes) matcha sparklers or matcha lemonades are also AMAZING!
One of my favorite recipes for the summer is Matcha Paradise tea. I replace lemonade, with Tazo’s Passion tea, + monkfruit, and top it off with my matcha.
Its gorgeous and delish!
As matcha tea is a powder, you consume the tea itself (versus steeped in a bag), and it can quite literally be mixed with anything. Here are several other recipes to try!
Matcha and Ube
Ube, a purple yam from the Philippines, is known for its natural nutty, sweet flavor, making it perfect for ice cream, baked goods, and yes, matcha.
Matcha Tiramisu (😂 😃💖!!!)
Matcha Coffeeshop Recs
Honestly, my first matcha didn’t quite live up to the hype. To date myself (and everybody else), Starbucks added matcha to their lineup in 2006.
Once people acclimated their taste buds to grass combined with the popular alt milk at that time (soy, it was soy), matcha took off like a rocket. After trying matcha at my favorite coffee shop, my appreciation for the drink improved. “Your palette evolved,” is how Jade would put it. I’m so thankful it did.
Now I enjoy matcha at several different shops in Atlanta. Some of my favorites are:
Portrait Coffee - a local black owned coffee shop. 10/10!
Jade adores the Matcha cheesecake from 26 Thai, a local Thai chain in Atlanta.
Matcha Tea Ceremonies
In preparation for our record, I watched several matcha ceremony videos on YouTube. They increased my mental health greatly.
Understanding the intention behind the matcha ceremony changed the way I consume the drink. The heart, presentation, and care that go into every stitch of the ceremony roots you in a tradition that goes back decades.
For example, when sipping matcha out of the bowl, you show the decorated side to your neighbor as a sign of respect.
The bowl and whisk are preheated using a distinct method before they are used to prepare the tea.
The Philosophy behind the Tea Ceremony
These words read as follows harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.
調和
尊敬
純度
静けさBefore entering the ceremony it is custom to leave ones worldly cares and troubles behind. Your hierarchy and social class doesn’t matter. All of us have come to partake in this moment and consume the same drink. Its a beautiful equalizer of the people and the common denominator is healing - and tea.
This article is an excellent read is a longer deep dive into this gracious ceremony. Honestly, I can’t wait to do it soon!
Matcha Impact on Future Consumption
The cultural significance of Matcha to the world and its benefits cannot be overstated. This powder has an estimated growth of consumption of 8% by 2030. This results in a future where suppliers may have to purchase the tea from different vendors, and current farmers are already feeling the impact.
In this video, generational matcha farmer Jintaro Yamamoto, explains the great care and work that goes into building and sustaining a matcha farm. After harvesting each batch it takes him an hour to hand ground around 40 grams of matcha.
It’ll be interesting to see how the export of matcha adapts with the current times.
In the meantime, I believe it’s still best to support your local shops and purchase matcha from sustainable brands where you can see your impact.
Lastly, for those of you who are still holding out on matcha because of its reputation for caffeine, Jade and I end the episode discussing if decaf matcha exist.
Turns out it does?!?
There are several decaf matcha brands, and none that we can recommend, yet if decaf matcha is your thing, maybe give it a try!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post all about matcha!
You can find Jade on her socials as well as check out her podcast, Why Not with Jade, where she’ll be posting a Matcha episode of her own!
In case you can’t get enough of matcha like me - I’ve got more matcha mania to share!
🎧A matcha playlist that always puts me in the best mood.
🍝Matcha Pesto Pasta, yes, it’s a thing.
📗Matcha Made in Heaven Managa Series 👀
Please comment on your favorite matcha pairings, brands, or any other recs you have. Know a fellow matcha lover? Share this with them!
Until next time!
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