One of my favourite times of the day is tea time!! When is tea time? For me, if I have the time late morning, always after lunch, iced tea late afternoon to quench my thirst and most nights an evening herbal blend to wind down with before I go to bed. I am all about everything in moderation but that is the beauty of tea: there are so many kinds, so many flavours, so many ways to drink tea, besides water it is my go to drink. Tea is great for an energy boost, to help you wind down, to help you warm up or even to help you cool down. The benefits of tea are endless. Depending on what kind you are drinking, there are probably a list of health benefits to go with them.
One of my favourite teas, is my after lunch matcha. Matcha is a green tea that comes in a powder form so instead of just getting the benefits of what you steep out of the leaves, you actually consume the leaves. This makes this tea full of antioxidants and rich in flavour. For me, matcha tea gives me a dose of energy, yet at the same time leaves me feeling calm and content. When I feel a cold coming on, I reach for my matcha because I know it will make me feel better.
How about the taste? First few times, if you are like me, you’ll hate it!! But before you know it, it will become one of your favourite drinks. It does have a very earthy flavour but for all the goodness it offers, it is worth giving a chance. 1/2 tsp. of powder is about the right amount for one cup. You can go up to 1 tsp but for most, it then becomes too rich. It is definitely a less is more type of thing – you don’t need large amounts to reap large benefits. When looking to buy Matcha, the price can be a bit intimidating but a little goes a long way so it will last you a lot longer then if you bought a regular box or bag of tea.
How do I drink my matcha? Once I add my half teaspoon to water that is just off the boil, I add a teaspoon of honey, just a drip or two of milk, and a generous amount of cinnamon. Lately I have also been adding in a mushroom mix that blends in very well and adds just a hint of flavour. Then I whisk it all together and it becomes my afternoon treat.
Don’t enjoy it as a tea but want the benefits of a powder that boosts your antioxidants, makes you feel energetic, yet calm and focused at the same time? Matcha tea powder can be added to smoothies, baking, cooking or even to home made soaps.
So go enjoy a homemade matcha. I am sure this won’t be the last tea blog I write as I drink some pretty good teas packed full of goodness. I had to start with my fav. though. Cheers to afternoon Matchas!!