St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner! This means green shamrocks, green leprechauns, green hats AND, why not...green Matcha!?
MATCHA HEALTH BENEFITS
Matcha is Japanese green tea leaves that have been finely ground into a powder. Its vivid green color comes from chlorophyll, a powerful detoxifier.
Sipping matcha delivers a mega dose of antioxidants — 137x more than regular brewed green tea. One unique antioxidant, EGCg provides potent cancer-fighting properties.
The amino acid L-theanine + caffeine will leave you in a state of relaxed alertness without the jitters. You’ll have an uncanny ability to focus and be productive.
Apart from hot matcha tea, use these bright ideas to create your own matcha moment.
Matcha Ice Cubes
Sprinkle 1 teaspoon matcha into ¼ cup c ool water and whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes to remove clumps, then add another ¼ cup water. When fully combined, pour into an ice cube tray and allow any foam to subside before freezing.
Green Tea Rice
In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon matcha powder with a pinch of kosher salt. Add ½ cup hot water, whisking until dissolved, about 1 minute. In another bowl, stir 1 sliced scallion and 2 teaspoons black sesame seeds into ½ cup cooked white rice and mound in the center. To serve, pour matcha around rice.
Matcha Vinaigrette
In a lidded jar, combine 1 teaspoon matcha powder and 1 teaspoon water and shake for 30 seconds. Add 1 tablespoon each fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, 1 minced clove garlic, 1 teaspoon each minced shallot, tahini, and honey, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and shake until well combined.
Matcha Chia Breakfast Pudding
Combine 1 cup vanilla or chocolate almond milk, ¼ cup chia seeds, and 1 teaspoon matcha in a pint jar. Cover with a lid, shake for 30 to 60 seconds, and refrigerate overnight. The next morning, top with 1 tablespoon toasted coconut flakes and enjoy.
Blackened Matcha Spice Rub
In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon matcha powder, ½ teaspoon each ground black pepper and garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon each kosher salt, ground ginger, and ground thyme, and 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Health and Happiness,
Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods