I love how delicate matcha is in appearance, but its flavor profile is quite the opposite. It has a unique, complex flavor, that is full of depth with a nod of sweetness. My favorite description for this Japanese green tea, is that it should taste like Buddha :) It is a potent tea, full of antioxidants called polyphenols, which have long been tied to protection against heart disease and cancer. It has also been noted as a potential thermogenic useful for increasing metabolism, controlling blood sugar levels, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, reducing inflammation as well as aiding immune and detoxification processes. Yes, yes, and yes. So if your'e not sensitive to caffeine, this is a great tonic.
Matcha translates as "powdered tea" and is traditionally blended with water using a bamboo matcha whisk to break up the clumps and froth the tea for drinking. I do not have one of these bamboo whisks, however, I do have molinillos! A molinillo is a wooden tool which has been used for generations to froth cacao in Mexico. I tried it with my matcha and it worked perfectly! Alternatively, you could use a jar with a lid and give it a really good shake, but there's something really energetic about using old tools like a molinillo. I paired the green tea with a splash of rosewater, because I LOVE the contrast against the earthy notes, but you can surely leave it out if sipping on roses in not your desire and you're not reminiscent of Tita in Like Water For Chocolate. I find it quite magical.
8 C. water, preferably filtered or spring water
2 tsp. matcha
1/2 - 1 tsp. *rosewater
1/4 - 1/2 C. runny honey to taste
3 **limes, juiced
In a wide mouth jar place 1 - 2 cups of the water along with the matcha. Use your whisk, molinillo, or place the lid on the jar and shake, to thoroughly break up the matcha.
In a large pitcher, add the remaining water, the blended matcha, honey, rosewater, and lime juice. Stir.
Refrigerate and serve chilled.
*You can find rosewater in most Indian and Middle Eastern grocery stores
*You can substitute 2 medium lemons for the limes