Matcha is a type of powdered green tea made from specially grown and processed green tea leaves. It originates from Japan and is known for its vibrant green color, earthy taste, and health benefits. Unlike traditional green tea where leaves are steeped and discarded, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf in powdered form—so you get more nutrients and antioxidants (especially EGCG, a powerful catechin).

How Matcha Is Made:

1. Tea plants are shaded for a few weeks before harvest, which boosts chlorophyll and amino acid levels (especially L-theanine).

2. Leaves are picked and quickly steamed to preserve nutrients.

3. After drying, stems and veins are removed, and the leaves are ground into a fine powder using stone mills.

How to Make a Matcha Latte:

To make a delicious matcha latte, start by sifting one teaspoon of matcha powder (about two grams) into your cup or a small bowl.

Heat sixty millilitres of water to around eighty degrees Celsius—just below boiling—and pour it over the matcha.

Whisk briskly until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy.

If you like a bit of sweetness, stir in one to two teaspoons of maple syrup, agave, or your favourite sweetener.

Then, add two hundred millilitres of steamed milk, either dairy or plant-based like oat, soy, or almond.

Stir gently to combine everything into a creamy, vibrant green latte. Enjoy it warm, or pour it over ice for a refreshing twist.