Matcha is arguably enjoying it’s fad status right now, and the world seems to be obsessed by it. The most popular of it’s uses is undoubtedly the famous matcha latte but matcha chefs are turning it into everything from soups to brownies and even ice-creams. These Japanese green tea has become a must-have ingredient of the wellness freaks {like me}.
What is matcha? Matcha is a stone-ground powdered green tea used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for its medicinal properties and earthy taste. It’s made from the nutrient-rich young leaves picked from the tips of shade-grown Camellia sinensis plants. The leaves are steamed, stemmed, and de-vined before being stone-ground into very fine powder.
Why matcha latte is good for you? Matcha powder is considered a nutritional powerhouse. It contains a unique, potent class of antioxidant known as catechins, which aren’t found in other foods. Let’s say, among antioxidants, catechins are the most potent and beneficial and matcha is one of the best sources of catechins. So matcha is beneficial for everything – right from fighting cancer, viruses and heart disease to giving you a healthy glowing younger looking skin and increasing metabolism.
However, matcha contains caffeine so overdoing it is not a good thing.
If you are a caffeine addict, switching your regular cup of coffee with matcha is a great idea as this gentle source of caffeine is also packed with antioxidants and works wonders. I am not a coffee person but iced matcha latte has become my favorite drink. Combined with the flavor and sweetness of vanilla and dates, it is a match in heaven.
Let’s matcha!
A vegan matcha latte (hot or cold) has become a menu staple at most healthy or vegan cafes and juice bars around the world. I used to get my matcha latte from a cold-pressed juicery in town but decided to try it on my own and, oh boy, I was surprised that the homemade version tastes even better and costs nearly 1/10th of the price I was paying for a bottle earlier. No kidding!
This 4-ingredients, 5-minute recipe I use is super easy to make, tastes amazing and can be customized as per your need. I always prefer organic ingredients and hence got The Synergy Company Ceremonial Matcha Powder (from the US), but you can easily find any other organic matcha brand at your local health store.
I like my matcha latte best with cashew milk, but you can also whip it with almond, coconut milk or other vegan mylk. Cashew milk is also super easy to make yourself. Just soak half cup cashews for atleast 20 minutes if you are in a hurry or 6-8 hours if you plan ahead, add 3 times water and blend. You don’t even have to filter it.
For flavor, I use vanilla – while I prefer fresh vanilla pods but also sometimes use the natural organic vanilla extract depending on how much time I have. When I’m in a rush, the vanilla extract is my go to, however, when I plan in time I soak the vanilla stick (slicing and extracting the pods) with the cashews to get the best flavor.
Super Easy Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups cold cashew nut milk
- 1 tsp matcha latte
- 1 tsp natural organic vanilla extract or fresh vanilla pods
- 2 medjool or sukkari dates (they are sweet and easy to blend)
DIRECTIONS
Blend all these ingredients in a high-speed blender. Add ice in a tall glass or mason jar and serve chilled!
