Making authentic Japanese matcha tea? Gather these ingredients
What's the story
Matcha tea, long revered in Japan and a staple of traditional tea ceremonies, has become a worldwide sensation for its vibrant flavor and health benefits.
This finely ground powder, made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves, demands the right ingredients to preserve its authenticity.
Knowing the key powders (pun intended) at play can elevate your matcha experience, allowing you to savor it as intended.
Core ingredient
The Core: Pure matcha powder
The soul of any true matcha tea lies in the matcha powder.
Derived from premium green tea leaves, this brilliant green powder embodies the essence of matcha.
For the most genuine experience, seek out ceremonial-grade matcha powder.
This classification guarantees the powder originates from the first harvest of tea leaves, yielding a smoother and more sophisticated taste compared to culinary-grade matcha utilized in cooking and baking.
Sweetness
Sweetness enhancer: Organic sugar
Although not everyone uses it, some people like their matcha with a touch of sweetness.
If you're one of them, adding organic sugar can balance matcha's natural bitterness without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
A teaspoon or less is usually enough to provide a hint of sweetness that complements, rather than overpowers, the taste of high-quality matcha.
Creaminess
Creaminess factor: Coconut milk powder
For those who love their matcha latte-style but want to keep it vegan or dairy-free, coconut milk powder is a game-changer.
This ingredient provides a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the earthy notes of matcha.
And, it's super convenient; simply stir it directly into your prepared matcha tea for instant creaminess without compromising its authentic flavor.
Health Addition
Health boost: Collagen powder
Adding hydrolyzed collagen powder to your matcha boosts your daily wellness routine with benefits like increased skin elasticity and joint health.
Opt for unflavored marine or bovine collagen powders to preserve the authentic taste experience of your matcha tea.
Just a small scoop transforms your daily tea ceremony into a wellness practice.
Smoothness
Texture enhancer: Rice flour
If you're aiming for extra silkiness in your thick-style (Koicha) matcha or when baking matcha-flavored desserts, a secret weapon you can turn to is fine rice flour.
It serves as a natural thickener without impacting flavor profiles noticeably when used sparingly—just make sure it's well-sifted before adding to prevent clumps in your final product.