TWC's Guide to Brewing the Perfect Cup of Matcha that is Tasty and Healthy!

Welcome, fellow tea enthusiasts! Are you ready to unlock the secrets of brewing the perfect cup of matcha? Prepare to indulge in a vibrant, flavourful, healthy experience that will leave your taste buds tingling with joy and your body filled with goodness. We've covered you with expert tips to ensure your matcha moments are extraordinary!

Our Matcha Latte with Lion's Mane Mushroom is perfect! Get your brain going without leaving your body behind. It is Lion’s Mane and Moringa paired with ceremonial grade matcha for clean, focused energy. With 1/5 the caffeine as a regular cup of coffee, but plenty to think on. In addition to the matcha, our latte incorporates Lion's Mane Mushroom, a medicinal mushroom known for its potential cognitive and mood-enhancing properties. Lion's Mane Mushroom has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to support brain health and promote mental clarity. The combination of matcha and Lion's Mane Mushroom creates a synergistic blend of flavours and benefits. Matcha contains a moderate amount of caffeine, approximately 20mg, which provides a gentle energy boost without the jittery side effects often associated with coffee or other highly caffeinated beverages. This makes our Matcha Latte with Lion's Mane Mushroom ideal for those seeking a more balanced and focused state of mind!

Step 1: Choose the Finest Matcha

Finding the right matcha is crucial, as it sets the foundation for a delightful brew. Look for vibrant green colour and a smooth, velvety texture. Opt for ceremonial-grade matcha, as it boasts the highest quality, creating a rich and robust flavour.

Not only does matcha delight your taste buds, but it also offers a plethora of health benefits. Packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, it boosts metabolism, supports concentration, and enhances overall well-being. Alongside the energising effects, matcha contains L-theanine, which promotes relaxation and a sense of calm. L-theanine has been shown to stimulate the production of alpha waves in the brain, which induce a state of relaxation without causing drowsiness. The combination of caffeine and L-theanine in matcha has been found to improve cognitive performance, including attention, memory, and reaction time. Matcha enhances mental clarity and promotes a sense of alertness and focus.

Matcha has also been suggested to impact metabolism and weight management positively. It has been linked to potential cardiovascular benefits. Regular consumption of green tea, including matcha, may help reduce the risk of heart disease by improving blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall cardiovascular health.

Step 2: Mind the Temperature

Water temperature plays a vital role in achieving the perfect matcha. Heat your water to around 80°C or 175°F for a gentle, mellow taste. Place the measured water in the kettle or pot and put it on the stove. If you're using an electric kettle, ensure it's set to the desired temperature. Or, to accurately gauge the water temperature, insert a food-grade thermometer into the water while it's heating. Once the water reaches approximately 80°C, carefully remove it from the heat source and take a temperature reading with the thermometer. Adjust as needed by allowing the water to cool slightly or reheating until you achieve the desired temperature. Keep an eye on the thermometer's display to track the rising temperature. Make sure to avoid using boiling water, as it can make the matcha bitter and overpowering.

Step 3: Sift with Love

Sifting your matcha is a small step that yields big results. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any lumps and achieve a silky-smooth texture. This ensures your matcha dissolves effortlessly and guarantees a velvety consistency.

Step 4: The Art of Whisking

Embrace the artistry of whisking! Using a traditional bamboo whisk, or chasen, whisk the matcha vigorously in a "W" motion until a frothy layer forms on the surface. This brings out the matcha's full flavour and creates an irresistible texture.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Pour your freshly whisked matcha into a beautiful bowl, allowing its vibrant green colour to mesmerise you. Take a moment to appreciate the aroma and inhale deeply. Then, savour the exquisite flavours with small sips, letting the taste linger on your palate.

Matcha is not just limited to hot preparations; it can also be enjoyed as a refreshing cold beverage known as iced matcha.

To make a traditional iced matcha beverage, start by whisking a desired amount of high-quality matcha powder with a small amount of hot water to create a smooth paste. Then, add cold water or milk of your choice and stir well. You can sweeten it with a natural sweetener like honey or agave syrup and add ice cubes for a chilled experience. Adjust the water-to-match ratio to suit your taste preferences.

Now that you've mastered the art of brewing the perfect cup of matcha by following these simple steps, you can savour the unique taste, texture, and multiple health benefits that this ingredient offers!