Matcha Latte: the alternative to the usual cappuccino

If you want to take advantage of all the extraordinary beneficial properties of matcha tea, but you don't like its particular taste of Matcha green tea, The Matcha Latte is ideal.

This very simple recipe was born in the USA, precisely from Starbucks, which was the first to use green tea in its “Green Tea Latte”.

This recipe then had a great success also in Japan, where was born. Milk.

Let's summarize together what matcha tea is.

Matcha tea

Matcha Tea is a truly fine Japanese green tea, it is obtained from plantations that grow only in some places in Japan and their processing follows avery ancient and rich in tradition.

The plantations are shaded from the sun for days before harvest to preserve high levels of chlorophyll and theanine inside the leaves.

They are harvested with care and by hand the small newly sprouted leaves, steamed for a few seconds and then dried.

Finally, stone ground at low speeds to keep the temperature low and not compromise their nutritional properties.

This results in an impalpable powder, scented and of a dark, intense green colour.

Everything follows a traditional and very ancient method, around 2000 years old. Even its preparazione follows what is defined as a real “ceremonial”.

Matcha tea is prepared by suspension, so the powder is dissolved directly in hot water and special traditional Japanese tools must be used.

This preparation method allows to savor and exploit all the power of the nutritional properties of the leaves, unlike normal green teas which are prepared by infusion.

Matcha latte

To be enjoyed both hot and cold, it will give the right energy to face the day at its best.

It will allow you to savor the refreshing notes and all the beneficial properties of this extraordinary Japanese green tea.

How to prepare?

The recipe is very simple and you only need:

• 250 ml of milk
• 1 g of Matcha (half a teaspoon)
• sugar (to taste)

To enjoy a perfect matcha latte you will need to have traditional Japanese tools:

1 – Chashaku: a thin bamboo spoon that features a steam-curved curve. Collects the right quantity (1 g) of matcha tea for a cup.
2 – Chasen: a large and stubby whisk made of bamboo, ideal for mixing the tea powder evenly without altering its taste.

Alternatively you can easily use a simple kitchen whisk or a whisker for frothing milk.

Preparation:

1 – Heat the milk (without boiling it).

2 – Pour the matcha with the help of the Chashaku into a nice large cup and add the sugar.

3 – Add a couple of spoons of hot water (40 ml), mixing very well with the help of the Chasen.

4 – At this point we have obtained the Koicha, one of the ways of drinking matcha tea, which is also the basis for Matcha latte.

5 – Once you have obtained a creamy mixture without lumps, add the milk.

The perfect consistency must be achieved, a smooth, light green liquid with a nice foam.

The final touch will be to sprinkle a little Matcha tea powder on top as a decoration.

For those who don't have the Chasen you can use a simple whip or, even better, use a electric whisk electric whisk for frothing milk, which can also be used to froth milk before adding it to green tea.

This way it will really taste like a cappuccino… a Matchaccino!

Alternative recipes

For a cold drink you can use cold milk and add ice cubes before serving.

For those who are lactose intolerant, follow a vegan diet or simply don't like milk, use a vegetable drink such as soy, rice or almond drinks.

If instead you want a lighter alternative, reduce the quantity of milk and mix the matcha tea with hot water and then pour in the already foamed milk.

Why start your day with Matcha Latte?

An original breakfast… A tasty alternative to the usual cappuccino!

But not only... Matcha green tea has many beneficial properties truly incredible.

Rich in antioxidants and has greater quantities of Theanine and Caffeine than any other green tea.

Among the many benefits of theanine, one of the most important would be that of increasing the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. Which would stimulate memory and concentration.

While caffeine helps to fight physical tiredness.

But, unlike the caffeine contained in coffee which has a more immediate effect but lasts less, the one found in matcha green tea is a slower release and therefore the effect is more long-lasting.

Theanine would be able to stimulate the cognitive and character sphere if taken in combination with caffeine, improving mood.

Which Matcha tea to use for Matcha Latte?

Depending on the processing of this incredible tea you can find 3 different gradations: the Ceremonial, the Premium and the Culinary.

Or a Premium grade for a more delicate taste.

The Culinario instead, it is very suitable for the preparation of cake and biscuit recipes.