Matcha — a superfood

Matcha — a superfood

One of the most nutrient-rich green teas, matcha tastes good and is a beautiful bright green color that has also come to be used to flavor and dye foods, such as green tea ice cream.

by Joanne Henning Tedesco — 

Earthy and green, matcha is a finely milled or fine-powder green tea that offers major health benefits. It is made from shade-grown tea leaves and boosts metabolism, burns calories and is packed with antioxidants. In fact, matcha boasts nearly 10 times the antioxidants of regular green tea.

Matcha detoxifies, calms and relaxes the body, enhances mood, aids in concentration, and protects against viruses and bacteria. It provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium, and is rich in fiber. It lowers cholesterol and blood sugar, and does not raise insulin levels.

One of the most nutrient-rich green teas, matcha tastes good and is a beautiful bright green color that has also come to be used to flavor and dye foods, such as green tea ice cream. It can also be incorporated into drinks, pastries and smoothies. So celebrated is matcha that the Japanese tea ceremony centers on the preparation, serving and drinking of it.

When using, remember that heat brings out its bitter flavors, but ice will bring out its sweetness, as well as a unique rich and creamy mouth feel. Matcha tea does not technically “dissolve” but rather “suspends” in liquid. After a while, the tea floats to the bottom and your beverage will separate.

Matcha can be purchased at any health food store or online at Amazon.com.

Berry Wonderful Bowl

Ingredients:

• • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• • 2 teaspoons matcha tea
• • 1/4 cup organic blueberries
• • Sprinkle of flax and chia seeds
• • Drizzle of local honey

Preparation:

Sift matcha powder over yogurt and blend well. Add berries and seeds; drizzle honey over the top.

Joanne Henning Tedesco is editor of AzNetNews.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 34, Number 2, April/May 2015.