Matcha latte stands out with its green color and unique taste, becoming a favorite coffee choice lately.
Wondering how to make it? Here's what you need to know about making matcha latte.
What is a Matcha Latte?
Matcha is a widely used plant in Japan. This green-colored matcha, used in tea making, is particularly a part of tea ceremonies in the Far East. Matcha, which has a greener color than green tea, also contains 8 times more caffeine. This plant, also used in making sweets and ice cream, is sold in powder form. Recently, matcha has become increasingly popular in making lattes.
How to Make Matcha Latte?
Matcha latte, made with matcha powder, water, and milk, has a more bitter and earthy flavor than a classic latte. Therefore, it is usually sweetened with honey or syrup. If you want to make your own matcha latte, which can be found on some cafe menus, follow these steps.
Ingredients
15 grams of boiling drinking water
250 grams of milk
5 grams of Matcha powder
Honey or syrup
First, mix the matcha powder with boiling water in a bowl. Use a whisk to eliminate any lumps and achieve a smooth consistency. Meanwhile, heat the milk until it starts to steam. Froth the warmed milk with the whisk. Pour the matcha mixture into a cup. Gradually add the milk. Then, mix in honey to taste. Add the milk foam on top at the very end.
Tips
You can use plant-based milks like soy milk instead of cow's milk for making matcha latte.
If you like, you can create latte art with the milk foam.
To make a cold matcha latte, you can add cold milk, ice cubes, and whipped cream.
If your cup is tall and thin, you can add cream or whipped cream on top.
What Are the Different Types of Matcha?
Matcha comes in three distinct varieties, each with its own uses.
Ceremonial Matcha: Ground with a stone, this type is the most expensive matcha variety. It has a rich flavor and is made from mature leaves.
Culinary Matcha: This matcha has a very strong and bitter taste and is commonly used in cooking.
Premium Matcha: Not as bitter and intense as Ceremonial Matcha, it is produced from young matcha leaves. You can purchase matcha powder from large supermarkets or online sites.
Are Matcha Lattes Made with Coffee?
No, they don't contain coffee, but they do have caffeine. In this context, "latte" indicates the method of preparing the drink with steamed and frothed milk, presented similarly to a caffè latte but using matcha green tea rather than espresso (often featuring eye-catching green-on-white latte art). Comparing caffeine content, a matcha latte from Starbucks contains 80mg of caffeine, while a caffè latte has about 150mg.
Is a Matcha Latte Healthy?
With its rich green color and grassy aroma, you can’t help but feel you must be doing something good for your body when you consume a Matcha Latte.
Rich in Antioxidants: The vibrant green color and fresh aroma of a Matcha Latte not only delight the senses but also suggest health benefits. Green tea, the main ingredient, is packed with antioxidants.
Whole Leaf Benefits: Matcha is made by grinding the entire tea leaf, meaning you consume the full spectrum of nutrients, not just those infused in water through steeping.
Catechins for Heart Health: Among the antioxidants in matcha are catechins, which are believed to positively influence blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and overall heart health, making matcha lattes not just a treat for the taste buds but also a choice for heart wellness.