Matcha latte is a delicious combo of refreshing matcha powder and milk. However, one common challenge that people often face when it comes to matcha is achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Don’t worry! We bring you the secrets to crafting the perfect matcha latte, exploring its health benefits, and unlocking the art of matcha preparation.
Whether you’re a matcha enthusiast or new to this vibrant green elixir, here is everything you need to know to master matcha lattes. Let’s get started.
What Is Matcha?
Matcha is a vibrant and finely ground Japanese green tea powder known for its rich flavor and health benefits. It has a distinct taste that combines rich umami flavors with refreshing vegetal notes and a subtle hint of astringency.
It has tons of antioxidants like catechins which improve heart health and repair damaged cells. Moreover, it also contains theanine and caffeine, which makes it a great choice for morning beverages.
It’s essentially just green tea, but its unique harvesting process makes all the difference. The plants are kept in the shade for some time which changes their chemical composition, making them greener, less bitter, and nutrient-rich.
The process of creating matcha involves several key steps. Firstly, the tea leaves are steamed to lock in their flavor and vibrant green color while also preventing fermentation. After steaming, the leaves are rapidly cooled.
Secondly, the leaves, now known as tencha, undergo a drying process. It’s important to note that only the finely ground powder derived from these dried leaves is called matcha.
Differences in preparation and harvesting methods yield three distinct grades or qualities of matcha: ceremonial, premium, and culinary. We’ll go into more details later.
Matcha tea has recently gained popularity in the USA, quickly finding its place in the local coffee scene by providing a caffeine kick loved by many, offering a refreshing alternative to coffee.
What Does Matcha Latte Mean?
“Matcha” originates from the Japanese words “ma” (meaning “powder”) and “cha” (meaning “tea”). It refers to a finely ground green tea powder highly regarded for its unique flavor and ceremonial preparation. When mixed with milk, it makes a tasty, refreshing drink called “Matcha Latte.”
What Kind of Beans Or Grounds Are Used For A Good Matcha Latte?
Matcha Latte doesn’t use any kind of beans, but it’s made from matcha powder that comes from the finely grounded leaves of “Camellia sinensis,” commonly known as the “Tea plant.” Matcha comes in different grades and qualities. You can use culinary or premium-grade matcha powder to make matcha latte.
How Much Caffeine Is in A Matcha Latte?
An everyday Matcha Latte contains approximately 38–88 mg of caffeine, whereas a typical cup of coffee contains around 96 mg. Thus, it’s an ideal substitute for your daily cup of joe.
How Many Calories Are in A Matcha Latte?
A standard 8-ounce cup of matcha latte with whole milk and no added sugar or ingredients contains roughly 154 calories. Most of it is from milk, as matcha powder mixed in hot water is about five calories only.
In comparison, a Starbucks tall matcha latte order contains a whopping 200 calories. If you are making one at home, try low-fat, almond, or soy milk for a lesser calorie intake.
What Type of Matcha To Use For Making The Best Matcha Latte?
A matcha latte will taste only as good as the powder you are using. Mainly matcha powder comes in three different grades, which are the following.
Ceremonial Grade
The most premium matcha is the ceremonial grade traditionally served in high-end Japanese ceremonies. It’s made from the finest young plant leaves only.
Only the outermost tea leaves are plucked from the green tea plants, and after due processing, they are ground into a fine powder using a handcrafted granite stone mill, which gives it a unique flavor. The process is so slow and tedious that it takes an hour to get only 40 gm.
It costs $40 per ounce and is the best option for brewing matcha tea.
Culinary Grade
Culinary grade is inferior to ceremonial grade matcha in taste and refinement. It’s known for its slightly stronger flavor profile, making it ideal for blending into recipes and creating matcha-infused dishes. Priced at around $2 per ounce it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy the vibrant green color and unique taste of matcha.
Premium Grade
Premium Grade matcha, while also made from high-quality leaves, exhibits a slightly more robust flavor compared to ceremonial-grade matcha. These grades are not set in stone, and many different manufacturers go with their own categorization.
What To Look for When Picking Matcha?
Picking up the right matcha powder may require work, as many substandard products flood the market.
Go through the following checklist before buying any product.
- Check the color – it should be bright green, not dull or yellowish.
- Look for Japanese-sourced Matcha for authentic quality.
- Consider the price – high-grade Matcha is pricier but worth it.
- Check the storage – ensure it’s stored in airtight and opaque containers.
- Smell the Matcha – it should have a fresh, grassy, and slight vegetal aroma.
- Check the texture – it should be silky and fine for good quality.
How Long Does Matcha Keep?
When stored properly, matcha can maintain quality for 6 to 12 months. However, it doesn’t expire per se but rather loses its flavor and quality after the “best before” date. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container, away from light, moisture, and strong odors, to preserve its freshness and flavor.
The History of Matcha Latte
Back in ancient China, during the Tang dynasty (618–907), they used to turn tea leaves into bricks (blocks of finely ground tea) for trading purposes. Then came the Song dynasty (960–1279), when folks got creative with their tea game. They started making powdered tea from dried leaves, whisking it up with hot water.
Guess what? The Chan Buddhists got hooked on this powdered tea and turned it into a fancy ritual. They even had a whole set of rules called the Chanyuan Qinggui just for their tea ceremonies.
Fast forward to Japan in 1191, where a Zen Buddhist monk named Eisai brought this powdered tea, now known as matcha, to the scene. Zen monasteries in Japan loved it, and the upper-class folks couldn’t get enough from the 14th to the 16th centuries.
That’s how matcha’s story went down—starting in China, evolving through dynasties, and finding its way into Japan’s cultural traditions.
Matcha probably made its way into the U.S. via Japanese grocery stores in cities like Los Angeles, known for its big Japanese community.
Tea consumption has been on the rise overall, with the U.S. tea market going from under $2 billion in 1990 to over $10 billion in 2014, as per the Tea Association of the U.S.A. report. Matcha latte, matcha frappuccino, iced matcha drinks, and many other tasty variants are popular these days.
Who Invented Matcha Latte?
Matcha latte doesn’t have a specific inventor; it’s more like a delicious twist that cafes and coffee shops in the US came up with, blending matcha powder and steamed milk to create a unique and tasty drink. Here in America, Starbucks gets the credit for popularizing the drink.
Where Is the Matcha Latte From?
Even though matcha has its roots in ancient Japan, the matcha latte, on the other hand, is more of a Western invention.
How To Make Matcha Latte — 4 Easy Steps
Unlock the secrets to crafting your flawless matcha latte at home with these foolproof steps!
Step 1: Get the Right Tools And Ingredients
If you want a full matcha experience, then you might want to buy the Japanese tools used to make it traditionally. Though the tools are not necessary, they’ll definitely help with taste and texture.
- Chawan: A wide ceramic bowl used for whisking and serving matcha.
- Chasen: A bamboo whisk with fine tines used to whisk and froth the matcha powder.
- Chashaku: A bamboo scoop used to measure the appropriate amount of matcha powder.
Make sure you buy quality Japanese sourced matcha powder for your perfect latte.
Step 2: Preparing Matcha
So, a matcha latte involves two basic steps. Preparing the matcha base and adding milk to it. Take 1 or 2 teaspoons of fine matcha powder in a bowl but sift it thoroughly.
Sifting will prevent lumps in the matcha powder as it’s extremely sensitive to heat and moisture in the air.
Pour two tablespoons of hot water for one teaspoon of matcha powder into the cup. It shouldn’t be boiling water as it can bring out a bitter flavor. Aim for 75 – 80 C (150 -175 F)
Whisk it rapidly in a zig-zag pattern, as it makes the texture smoother. Use a traditional chasen for the best result. If you don’t have one, any normal whisker will do.
Pour the matcha mixture into the final cup. Preheat the cup so that your latte remains hot.
Step 3: Preparing the Milk
If you have an espresso machine, you can use the steamer to froth milk and heat it up to 65- 75 ℃ (149-167 ℉). You can also heat milk in a pan and whisk it until it becomes frothy or use a hand frother.
As far as the milk is concerned, you can choose any type you like, but we recommend whole-fat milk as it’s easy to make foam and froth with.
Step 4: Prepare Matcha Latte
Finally, just pour the hot milk into the cup filled with the matcha mixture, and you’ll have a delicious matcha latte.
We recommend adding maple syrup or caramel sugar at the end for extra sweetness. You can also sprinkle matcha powder at the top for extra flavor.
You can also practice latte art and make the beverage even more memorable.
How To Froth Milk for A Matcha Latte
Frothing milk is easy and just takes a little bit of practice. Here’s how you can do it.
Start by heating the milk. Use your preferred type of milk, such as whole, almond, or oat, and ensure it is chilled because colder milk froths better.
Pour the desired amount of milk into a small saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat. Avoid boiling; simply warm it until it’s steaming hot.
Now there are a few methods you can use to froth the milk:
- Whisk method: Use a wire whisk and vigorously whisk the warm milk in a back-and-forth motion until it becomes frothy.
- Frother method: If you have a milk frother, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to froth the milk.
- Blender method: Pour the warm milk into a blender and blend on high speed for a few seconds until frothy.
Pour the frothed milk into your prepared matcha tea, holding back the foam with a spoon if desired. Sweeten with any desired sweetener, and enjoy your homemade Matcha Latte with frothy milk.
Equipment
- Chawan or any wide bowl
- Chasen or any regular whisk
- Chashaku or simple spoons
Ingredients
- Premium grade matcha powder
- Milk
Instructions
- Sift 1 or 2 teaspoons of matcha powder into a bowl to remove lumps.
- Pour 2 tablespoons of hot water (75-80°C) for each teaspoon of matcha powder.
- Whisk rapidly in a zigzag pattern until smooth and frothy. Transfer the matcha mixture to a preheated cup.
- Use an espresso machine's steamer or heat milk in a pan until 65-75°C. Whisk the milk until frothy, or use a hand frother.
- Pour the hot milk into the cup with the matcha mixture.
- Add maple syrup or caramel sugar for extra sweetness. Optionally, sprinkle matcha powder on top for added flavor.
Types of Matcha Latte
| Matcha types | Description |
| Classic Matcha | Traditional matcha latte with matcha powder and milk. | Iced Matcha Latte | Refreshing matcha latte served cold or over ice. |
| Dirty Matcha Latte | Traditional matcha latte that incorporates a shot of espresso. | Coconut Matcha Latte | Dairy-free option using coconut milk for a creamy taste. | Matcha Vanilla Latte | Matcha latte with a hint of vanilla for added flavor. | Matcha Mint Latte | Matcha latte infused with refreshing mint flavor. | Matcha Honey Latte | Sweetened matcha latte with the natural sweetness of honey. | Matcha Turmeric Latte | Health-focused latte combining matcha and turmeric with spices like ginger and cinnamon. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Matcha Lattes Healthy?
Yes, matcha lattes are healthy, guaranteed you don’t add extra sugar and syrups. Matcha is considered a superfood as it’s full of antioxidants and healthy nutrients.
Is A Matcha Latte Stronger Than Coffee?
No, matcha latte is much weaker than coffee and typically has 38-88 mg of caffeine, while regular coffee has 96 mg. Moreover, the caffeine in matcha is different and digests slowly, which prevents excessive jitters and the crash you feel from having coffee.
What Makes Matcha So Special?
Matcha comes from the tea plant, but it’s kept in the shade before harvest season, which locks in the amino acids and chlorophyll, giving it a unique flavor profile and vibrant green color. It has immense benefits, and many health professionals recommend matcha over coffee.
Is It OK To Drink Matcha Every day?
Yes, it’s absolutely fine to drink matcha every day. It helps in digestion, improves heart health, and repairs cell damage.
Is Matcha Latte Good for Weight Loss?
Matcha, a type of green tea, is renowned for its potential to support weight loss and is commonly found in weight loss supplements. A review conducted in 2020 suggested that combining green tea consumption (up to 500 mg per day) with diet and exercise over 12 weeks contribute to significant weight loss.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32372444/
How Do You Sweeten a Matcha Latte?
To sweeten a Matcha latte, you can add your choice of sweeteners like sugar, honey, or flavored syrups or use sweetened milk as a base.
What's The Difference Between Matcha and Matcha Lattes?
Matcha refers to powdered green tea itself, while “Matcha lattes” are creamy beverages made by combining matcha powder with steamed milk, creating a smooth and frothy texture that complements the distinct flavor of matcha.
Is Matcha Better Than Coffee for Anxiety?
Yes, due to its lower caffeine content and the presence of anxiety-reducing nutrients like L-theanine, matcha consumption is less likely to cause heightened anxiety symptoms.
Is A Matcha Latte Better, Hot or Cold?
When it comes to health benefits, both cold and hot matcha lattes are pretty much on the same page. The temperature doesn't affect the tea's components, so you can enjoy both versions knowing that they pack an equal punch of nutrients and goodness.
Final Thoughts
In this guide, we’ve covered everything you need to know about matcha lattes, including types, making tips, and a delicious recipe. And hey, we even dig into the nitty-gritty of matcha versus coffee, showing you how matcha can be a healthier swap. Get ready to up your matcha latte game and savor the goodness it brings!