Matcha madness is everywhere these days, and not just for hot drinks or smoothies. Matcha macarons, matcha ice cream, even matcha crepes? All that, and more, plus it’s showing up in beauty products from hair care to makeup. We have the low-down on all that matcha goodness.

What is Matcha?

Matcha is dried powdered green tea leaves. So when you consume it, you are actually ingesting the entire tea leave, which is extremely high in a class of antioxidants called catechins. These phenolic compounds help prevent disease and cell damage. Especially present is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which may have cancer-fighting properties. Because matcha is more concentrated than green tea, there is also higher caffeine content.

How to Purchase

The best matchas are a vivid green and earthy tasting, yet slightly sweet. Brands like DōMatcha and Encha produce some of the highest quality Japanese matcha available. Higher quality matchas have better flavor and color. You’ll want to look for the term “culinary grade” to indicate quality. Fresh matcha also better retains its flavor. Matcha should be stored in a dark, dry, cool place (such as the refrigerator) and consumed within a month or so.

How to Drink Matcha

Matcha is a traditional drink in Japan. You can make it the traditional way, by whisking your matcha powder with hot water, using a chasen, or bamboo whisk. Do this until it becomes foamy and then it is ready to drink. You can even buy a complete kit, with whisk, whisk holder, scoop, and bowl, to add ceremony to your matcha making.

We have the perfect matcha latte recipe that guarantees glowing skin. The matcha is high in antioxidants to help skin look it’s best and combat free radical damage, and the turmeric is an anti-inflammatory to calm skin. Coconut oil may help with digestion and sugar cravings.

  • 1cup unsweetened cashew milk
  • 1tsp matcha powder
  • 1/2tsp turmeric powder (could also use maca powder for added energy or moringa powder for increased nutrients)
  • 1/4tsp coconut oil
  • Sweetener to taste (we like wildflower honey; local if possible)

Bring milk to just a simmer in a small pot over medium-high heat. Place matcha and turmeric powders in a heatproof cup (or bowl). Slowly whisk in milk, and froth until desired consistency. Add coconut oil, whisk again, sweeten as desired, then savor.

More Matcha

Matcha is here to stay, so we might as well benefit from its topical applications, too. These beauty products have incorporated matcha to achieve great results with this wonder extract. A personal favorite is the DevaCurl Melt Into Moisture Matcha Butter Conditioning Mask, which you can use in the shower, and leaves hair shiny and bouncy. The Boscia Matcha Magic Super Antioxidant Mask contains matcha extract to fight damage and willowherb to combat inflammation and redness. The Body Shop’s Recipes of Nature Matcha Tea Pollution Clearing Mask leaves skin purified and dewy and is a new go-to in our skincare regimen. Matcha is even in Becca’s Anti-Fatigue Under Eye Primer to smooth the area and reduce puffiness while helping concealer stay in place.

Have you jumped on the matcha bandwagon as much as we have?

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