Everyday Matcha Latte
Cutting back caffeine
Having a Matcha Latte has been a part of my afternoon routine for a couple of years. Before I got pregnant, I used to drink 3 cups of coffee to stay awake during night shift work at the hospital. However, for the sake of the babies, I wanted to cut my caffeine intake in half but still have energy.
- 1 cup coffee= 100 mg caffeine
- 1 cup matcha= 44 mg caffeine
Superfood Matcha
Even though my kids are school age, I still keep up drinking matcha lattes because it’s healthy. The internet already boasts the benefits of this trendy drink. So I have only listed a few benefits.
- Prevents aging
- Prevents cancer
- Improves skin
- Decreases risk of diabetes
- Promotes energy and concentration
SAVE MONEY!!
Now every cafe in Silicon Valley offers matcha latte on their menu with every kind of alternative milk in the world. But it gets pricey! On average, a drink will cost between $5-6. This is super expensive considering you can make it at home for 75 cents/drink.
Culinary versus Ceremonial Matcha
Ceremonial matcha is top-notch and can get very expensive (30 grams= $60). Ceremonial grade is most appropriate for drinking matcha straight up. However, since latte is mixed with milk, culinary matcha will do just fine.
Choosing the right Matcha
Choosing the right matcha depends on how you plan to drink it. If you’re drinking matcha straight, get the best ceremonial matcha from Uji, Japan (the birthplace of Japanese matcha). However, if you’re drinking matcha as a latte, then I don’t stress about getting it from Uji. My matcha requirements are: from Japan, organic, good color, taste good, and cost (< $20).
Best Ceremonial grade Matcha
I found Ummon rich Matcha from Ippodo Tea to be the best price performance ceremonial matcha. ~$30 for 20 grams, the color is vibrant green and has a pure Matcha flavor, no metallic after taste.
Best Culinary Matcha
I am currently using Aiya Organic Culinary Matcha powder for lattes. I found it to be a banger and its got the matcha-y flavor that makes me reminscent of my trips to Tokyo. I got it at Whole Foods Market and with it on sale + Amazon prime discounts, I paid <$16. Amazon carries it at a similar price since it’s the parent company of Whole Foods Market.
If you can’t get Aiya, or just want to try something else, the tea company Ito-en is the #1 tea company in Japan. Can’t go wrong with Ito-en teas. Another good choice is Matcha Love.
\Lets’s make Matcha Latte
♡ Use 1/2 tsp Matcha powder
I use a chawan (matcha bowl) that I got at Mitsuwa Market for ~$8 but any flatter surface wider bowl will do. Put about 1/2 tsp of matcha through a fine mesh strainer and rub all the clumps out with the spoon. Then add hot (not boiling) water and rub a bamboo whisk (chasen) back and forth as fast as you can for 10-15 seconds to create a foam. A bamboo whisk makes foam light and airy. I tried using a stainless steel whisk before but my tea came out super clumpy.
♡ Combine 1 cup ice cubes, 1/2 cup oat milk, and pour matcha over, mix, enjoy!
♡For sweet Matcha Latte, Add 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
I don’t add sweetener to my Matcha Latte to reduce my risk of diabetes and the oat milk already adds a natural sweetness.
Adding Mushroom Powder for Benefits
I added mushroom powder strictly for health benefits as it’s supposed to promote good immune function and concentration (cuz we all know we got ADD these days). I don’t recommend it because it makes the latte clumpy and taste nasty as hell, mixing it in coffee is more tolerable.
Let me know any good matcha powders that you have tried!