Matcha Latte Recipe for Immune Support*
When you want a pick-me-up, do you opt for coffee? Chai? Tea? Today, we'll explore the wonderful world of green tea matcha—a finely ground powder poised to transform your daily ritual into a moment of mindful magic.
With its vibrant green color and array of health benefits, we'll explore matcha's history and why it makes an amazing health drink when you want something a bit lighter (and greener) than coffee or chai.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a form of powdered tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant, an evergreen shrub native to East Asia, where all true teas originate. What makes matcha different from other teas is how it's grown and processed.
Unlike regular green tea, which grows in the sun, matcha is shade-grown several weeks before harvest to produce more chlorophyll, giving it that rich, vibrant green color (which also boosts its L-theanine content, an amino acid that aids in calming and relaxation).
After harvest, the stems and veins of the leaves are removed, and the remaining leaf material is stone-ground into a fine powder, which is what we know as matcha. This process is very different from how green tea is made, which is steamed and dried as leaves. Unlike other teas, matcha does not need to be steeped; the powder is simply whisked with liquid and ready to drink, which makes it more concentrated than many other drink options out there.
Matcha's Long History and Honored Ritual
Like many teas, matcha originated in China. In the 12th century, a man named Yosai, a Japanese Buddhist monk, brought matcha back to Japan after studying in China. While he was there, he discovered that many Chinese Buddhist monks drank matcha as a wellness tonic during their intense training. The nutrients and caffeine content helped them remain focused, nourished, and energized.
After matcha found a new home in Japan where it spread in popularity, it was frequently used in Japanese tea ceremonies and has gained significant traction ever since.
The Japanese matcha ritual called the chanoyu is a meticulously organized tea ceremony that takes years (if not lifetimes) to master. Using a tea room or serene space, a host orchestrates the ceremony and serves the tea through a well-thought-out process. The ritual focuses on engaging all of your senses, emphasizing harmony, respect, tranquility, and purity. It is centered around the appreciation of the moment and the simple beauty of the tea itself—served with the energy of reverence and self-reflection.
Matcha’s Many Health Benefits
Most well-known as a powerful antioxidant, matcha may also help support the health of your liver, brain function, and metabolic activity. While it has more caffeine than traditional green tea (about 70mg vs. 28mg), it's considered an excellent ally for focus, concentration, and cognitive health. Many people opt for matcha vs. coffee due to its antioxidant activity, lower acidity content, and naturally-occurring L-theanine component, which helps support calm and relaxation (without sleepiness).
Make Your Morning Matcha Healthier with Immune Power™*
Want to add extra immune support to your morning matcha?* With 3091mg of organic adaptogenic herbs per serving, Immune Power™ is a powerful nutritive supplement to add to your daily routine. Featuring organic Rhodiola, Maca, Astragalus, and Super Mushrooms, Immune Power™ supports a healthy stress response while gently strengthening your immune system and vital force, helping to become more resilient to everyday life stressors.*
Matcha Latte Recipe for Immune Support*
Ready to make a delicious, nutritious, vibrant green health matcha? Try this adaptogen-packed Matcha latte recipe:
RECIPE:
• ½ tsp. organic matcha
• 1 ½ tsp. Immune Power™
• 8 oz. hot water or steamed milk of choice
• Maple syrup or honey to taste
HOW TO MAKE:
1) Combine the matcha and Immune Power in a small bowl.
2) Add 2 oz. hot water or steamed milk, whisking briskly until the powders are fully dispersed.
3) Add the remaining 6 oz. of warm liquid and whisk again until foamy.
4) Sweeten to taste and enjoy the matcha magic!
Bonus: If you have the time, sit in a serene spot in your home and take a few moments to slowly sip and savor the matcha to direct your attention wholly to the present moment. When you have a busy day ahead, it's always wise to carve out a short amount of time to pause, reflect on the present moment, and ignite all five senses to become more focused, present, and engaged throughout the day.
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