Coffee might be about to meet its matcha (sorry, couldn’t resist), because there’s a new (green) brew making waves on the cafe scene.
What is it?
Matcha is a finely powdered green tea (you may have even tried it already; it’s the good stuff used to make green tea ice cream). Originally part of traditional tea ceremonies in Japan, we’re only a few centuries late to the matcha party, but we got there in the end.
Matcha bushes are grown under cover to increase the chlorophyll and amino acid levels of the leaves. The result is a highly concentrated form of green tea that can boosts metabolism, immunity, and your energy level far better than any cup of jo ever could.
Unlike regular green tea, which is boiled with water thus losing some of the goodies in the process, Matcha is a milled form of the whole leaf, so you don’t miss out on any of the goodness when you’re drinking
The modern, sweeter take on matcha tea is the matcha latte, a trend that started in Starbucks Japan, of all places, and has spread like bright green wild fire across the western world. The best bit? This drink is good for AND it’s delicious (just go easy on the sugar).
In that perfect middle ground between bitter and sweet, matcha is the anti-caramel latte of our time, and has been slowly working its way onto the menus of health food cafes around Australia. Matcha does contain caffeine, but it’s a much lighter dose than coffee, so a good choice for those looking for a milder buzz.
And matcha’s not just great in a coffee cup—Matcha milkshakes and even beers are on the cards so keep your eyes peeled.
Where can you get it?
If you’d like to experience the magic of matcha in your own home, opt for matcha delivery—we’re big fans of Matcha Maiden whose blend is certified organic. Plus they have loads of matcha recipes on their website that will have you experimenting up a storm (they even have a matcha nachos recipe). Our tip: matcha and mint is a matcha made in heaven (sorry, again). Check out the full Urban List verdict on this awesome matcha brand here.
Other faves include Kenko Tea―a matcha delivery service that offers both cooking grade and premium matcha, and Matcha Zone.
Image credit: Daniel Maddock