So matcha has been so trendy lately. It's everywhere; lattes, desserts, covered almonds, frozen yogurt, even in icing for cupcakes. It took me quite some time to start liking it, but as I started to incorporate it even more into my life I started to distinguish the taste from matcha to matcha.
Recently I tried Naoki Matcha, a company founded by three friends. What's cool and different about this company is that they truly put all their effort into developing unique blends of matcha that taste good and provide good value. Since the first sip I tried it I knew how different it was. HIGH QUALITY.
The Ceremonial blend Matcha Blend was quite interesting to try at first (give your tastebuds some time to taste the umami!), but at the end it was delicious drink. And for this, I have to mention that I like trying matchas made with only water, no sweetener, no nut milk. This way you can really taste the difference between a good quality matcha and not so good quality matcha.
This blend was simply fantastic, it's hard for me to describe how I like this blend. Probably because of the quality, or the preparation. It usually takes me some time to find the perfect portion of matcha and water, this time I was surprised that it only took me one time to prepare this matcha to find my sweet spot. Not bitter, not tasteless. Just perfect.
If you are confused on which blend to choose, here's a simple explanation of the blends that Naoki offers below!
Superior Ceremonial Matcha Blend, for an everyday use.
Cold Brew Jade Ceremonial Matcha Blend, the perfect fit for matcha newbies.
Organic Ceremonial Matcha Blend, for my matcha fans!
Seasonal Ceremonial Matcha Blend, great for koicha or usucha preparation.
You can find all of these in Amazon too.
Want to geek out about matcha?
Matcha is so high in antioxidants, it has so much more than green tea, it helps our liver to detox and studies have shown that including this antioxidants can reduce the chance of liver damage, it improves brain function because it contains caffeine and an interesting fact about matcha is that in contains L-theanine! This means that it gives you the effect of caffeine (energy and our alertness) without that caffeine crash that sometimes we get with the consumption of coffee. Another reason to have some is for the anti-cancer properties from the epicallycatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and also promotes heart health for reducing LDL levels.
Besides all of that it's important to mention that matcha gives a dosis of vitamin C, selenium, fiber, zinc, chlorophyll and chromium. SO DRINK UP!
Starting with matcha? Try these simple ways and build up your taste into it.
- First of all, ALWAYS prepare it with water. Taste it, if you are not ready, add some coconut milk (my personal preference).
- Watch a video or read a tutorial on how to prepare it properly.
- Don't go so hard on the hot water.
- Blend it well! If you don't have a matcha whisker, then use the blender.
- Add it into baked goods (recipe below!)
- Add into into your smoothies, what about a tropical smoothie with matcha?
- Have fun!
How I make my matcha:
(If it's with water I usually do about 1/2 tsp of matcha)
1. Sift it into a mug.
2. Add 2 oz. of hot water.
3. Whisk with the wooden matcha whisker.
4. Add 4 oz. of water.
How I make my "lazy" matcha latte:
1. Prepare the matcha as the previous instructions, until step 4.
2. Instead of adding 4 oz. of water add coconut milk. And mix.
3. Add sweetener of choice!
Matcha Lemonade:
1. Prepare your matcha (just water)
2. Add the juice of one lemon.
3. Add some mint leaves and sweetener of choice.
4. Add ice!
Now that you have the basics on matcha, you'll start noticing the difference between each company. Since matcha is not that regulated, some companies will sell low quality and call it 'ceremonial grade'.
Quality matters not only for taste but for the nutritional content too! One of the biggest things about matcha is the benefits of it, just one of my top reasons to get high quality matcha. And as usual, homemade is always better, most stores or tea shops don't carry good quality (no wonder why some friends don't like matcha!)
Luckily, 'Ceremonial Grade" lives up to its name with Naoki Matcha. I've tried many brands of matcha and I find Naoki Matcha to hav good value for the price paid. It tastes great and is the best for beginners in my opinion but definitely not the best matcha available.
Here's a fun recipe featuring Naoki Matcha! Donuts!
Matcha Chocolate Chip Donuts
By María Fernanda López
Serves 8 donuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup of almond flour
- 1 tsp of xanthan gum
- 2 Tbsp of Organic Ceremonial Blend Matcha
- 1/2 cup of granulated monk fruit
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp of apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup of melted ghee
- 1/3 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of low carb chocolate chip for topping (used ChocZero)
Method
1. Preheat the oven at 370F.
2. In a mixing bowl add all the dry ingredients and mix.
3. Add the ghee, eggs, apple cider vinegar and water.
4. Mix and pour the mix in 8 silicone donut mold. Top with chocolate chips.
5. Bake for 22 minutes.
6. Take out of the oven, let it cool and enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per serving, without oat fiber) 168 kcal
Fat: 16.2g
Carbs: 3.2g
Fiber: 1.8g
Protein: 4.8g
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