What is a Matcha Latte?
Matcha latte is a popular Japanese beverage recipe made with finely ground green tea powder (known as matcha) and steamed milk. Matcha is high in antioxidants and contains a natural source of caffeine, making it a great alternative to coffee. This vibrant green drink has a creamy texture and a unique earthy flavor that is slightly bitter and sweet at the same time. You can savor a warm matcha latte alongside some delicious banana bread.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is made from ground green tea leaves and comes in two main grades: ceremonial and culinary. Ceremonial grade is the highest quality and is produced from the season’s first harvest. The leaves are young and have a vibrant green color and sweeter flavor. Culinary grade, on the other hand, is harvested later in the season and has a more astringent taste. It’s typically used in recipes and combined with other ingredients to balance out its flavor.
Within culinary grade matcha, there are different subsets, including one called latte or premium grade. This type is less bitter and more grassy in taste, making it perfect for creamy matcha lattes. Of course, you can also use ceremonial grade if that’s what you have on hand. You can also use any type of milk you like, dairy or plant-based, but keep in mind that not all kinds of milk froth equally.
Matcha is made from shade-grown tea leaves which are carefully harvested and ground into a fine powder. This powder is then whisked with hot water or milk until frothy creating a smooth and velvety drink. If you’re a fan of matcha lattes, you’ll be happy to know that making one at home is pretty easy. First, sift the matcha to ensure there are no lumps, then whisk it until it’s smooth.
While a bamboo whisk is traditionally used, a metal one will do just fine. To get a nice frothy finish, use a milk frother to whip the milk. Matcha lattes have become increasingly popular in recent years and can be found in many coffee shops and cafes around the world.
Historical Background
Matcha Latte is a relatively recent addition to the world of beverages but its roots trace back to the 12th century when monks in Japan discovered the benefits of drinking powdered green tea. The Zen monks used matcha during long hours of meditation to stay alert, focused and calm. The practice of drinking matcha spread throughout Japan, eventually becoming a part of the country’s traditional tea ceremony.
In the 20th century, matcha began to gain popularity outside of Japan as people around the world discovered its unique flavor and health benefits. The idea of adding milk and sweeteners to matcha to create a latte-like drink is thought to have originated in the United States in the 1990s.
Today, matcha lattes can be found in coffee shops and cafes around the world, and many people enjoy making them at home as well. As more research continues to support the health benefits of matcha, its popularity is likely to continue to grow.
Matcha Latte Benefits
Matcha latte is a healthier alternative to coffee for several reasons.
- Firstly, matcha is a natural source of caffeine that provides a smoother energy boost without the jitters often associated with coffee.
- Second, it is high in antioxidants that support a healthy immune system and promote overall well-being.
- It is also known for its calming effects which can help reduce stress and improve focus.
- Furthermore, matcha latte is made with steamed milk instead of cream and sugar which can significantly reduce calorie intake.
- It has a unique and delicious taste that is both sweet and slightly bitter making it a great alternative for those looking for a change from the traditional taste of coffee.
How to make Matcha Latte at home
Hot Matcha Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon of hot water
- 1 cup milk
- 1-2 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sift the matcha powder to remove any clumps.
- Add hot water to the matcha powder and whisk vigorously with a bamboo whisk or a fork until it becomes a smooth paste.
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
- Pour the steamed milk into the matcha paste and stir well (You can also use a milk frother or blender to froth the milk before adding it to the matcha paste for a creamier latte).
- If desired, add honey to sweeten the latte.
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious matcha latte!
Preparation time
5 minutes
Serving size
1 cup
Caloric Index
A typical 12 oz hot matcha latte made with whole milk and sweetener can range from 150-250 calories. If you opt for non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk, the calorie count can be lower, ranging from 100-200 calories.
How to Make an Iced Matcha Latte Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1 tablespoon of hot water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1-2 tsp honey or sweetener of choice (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a small bowl, sift the matcha powder to remove any clumps.
- Add hot water to the matcha powder and whisk vigorously with a bamboo whisk or a fork until it becomes a smooth paste.
- In a separate glass add ice cubes.
- Pour the matcha paste over the ice cubes.
- If desired, add honey or sweetener of choice to the matcha paste.
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming.
- Pour the steamed milk over the matcha paste. You can also use a milk frother or blender to froth the milk before adding it to the matcha paste for a creamier iced latte. You can also adjust the amount of sweetener and milk according to your preference.
- Stir well and enjoy your refreshing iced Matcha Latte!
Preparation time
5 minutes
Serving size
1 cup
Caloric Index
A typical 16 oz iced matcha latte made with whole milk and sweetener can have around 200-300 calories. Non-dairy milk options like almond or oat milk can bring down the calorie count to 150-250 calories.
Can I use a regular whisk to make a homemade matcha latte?
Yes, you can use a regular metal whisk to make a matcha latte if you don’t have a bamboo whisk. However, make sure to whisk vigorously to get a frothy finish.
How do I avoid lumps when making a matcha latte?
It’s important to sift the matcha before adding it to the liquid to avoid lumps. You can use a fine-mesh strainer or a matcha sifter to do this.
What kind of milk is best for making a matcha latte?
Any milk can be used for making a matcha latte, whether it’s dairy or plant-based. However, not all kinds of milk froth equally, so it’s best to experiment with different kinds to find the one that works best for you.
Does matcha latte have caffeine?
Matcha latte is a great alternative to coffee for those seeking a healthier and more natural source of caffeine with a delicious and unique taste.
Can I make a matcha latte without a milk frother?
Yes, you can still make a matcha latte without a milk frother. Simply heat the milk on the stove and whisk it vigorously to create foam.
How do I adjust the sweetness level of my matcha latte?
You can adjust the sweetness level of your matcha latte by adding more or less sweetener, such as honey or agave nectar. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Can I make a matcha latte with cold milk?
Yes, you can make a matcha latte with cold milk. Simply whisk the matcha with a small amount of hot water to dissolve it, then pour the mixture over cold milk and ice.
How do I store matcha powder?
Matcha powder should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to maintain its freshness and flavor.
What’s the difference between ceremonial and culinary-grade matcha?
Ceremonial-grade matcha is the highest quality and intended to be enjoyed on its own, while culinary-grade matcha is typically used in cooking and has a more astringent taste. There are different subsets of culinary-grade matcha, including latte or premium grade, which is less bitter and well-suited for making matcha lattes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, making a matcha latte at home is a simple and delicious way to control the quality of ingredients and the level of sweetness. Sifting and whisking the matcha powder is crucial to achieving a smooth and frothy texture.
The choice between high-quality ceremonial or culinary-grade matcha greatly impacts the taste and color of the latte. Customizing the type of milk used, the temperature, and the sweetness level allows for versatility, making matcha lattes perfect for any time of day, whether hot or cold.
