Matcha

Get more green in your diet

and enjoy some matcha

M

atcha is a special form of powdered green tea. In

Japan, matcha forms the foundation of the Tea

Ceremony, a cultural tradition in which the tea

is made and served according to a highly meditative ritual.

The utensils, technique of making and serving, as well as

the accompanying sweets to complement the tea, all play an

important role in the ceremony.

The diff erent grades of matcha range from ‘ceremonial grade’

through to ‘cafe’, ‘classic’ and ‘kitchen’ grades. Ceremonial

matcha is a fi ne, vibrantly coloured powder, made from young

leaves with the stems removed. The fl avour and colour of the

other grades is also determined by the type of leaf used, its

quality and the processing. All grades can be used for tea and

cooking, though the ceremonial grade is considered too special

for any use other than in tea, but the distinctive

fl avour makes it an ideal ingredient in other

recipes, too. While most types of teas are used

in leaf form for infusing, matcha is powdered to

almost dust-like consistency. So whether you’re

drinking it as tea or using it in a recipe, you’ll be

consuming every precious particle of goodness.

Among matcha’s nutrients are vitamins, minerals

and top of the list – antioxidants. Matcha contains over 100

1 Put the fruits in a blender with the

coconut cream, matcha and seeds

and blend until completely smooth.

Stir in the maple or agave syrup

to taste and scrape out into two

shallow serving bowls.

2 Scatter the nuts, extra fruit and

seeds over the top. Take a pinch

of matcha and sprinkle over the

surface to decorate.

TIP Bear in mind that however much

you like matcha, the more you add, the

more you’ll lose the vibrant red colour

of the smoothie.

300g (10oz) soft fruits, such

as strawberries, raspberries,

redcurrants

3 tbsp coconut cream

2-3 tsp matcha

1 tbsp pumpkin seeds

1 tbsp sunfl ower seeds

1-2 tbsp maple or agave

syrup, to taste

a small handful of pecan

nuts, roughly chopped

extra fruit, seeds and

matcha, to decorate

300g (10oz) soft fruits, such

as strawberries, raspberries,

Breakfast smoothie bowl

This dish is stunningly pretty, with lovely textures and

bursting with matcha goodness. There’s no better start to the

day than berries and matcha.

By Joanna Farrow

Serves 2 | Prep 5 mins | Cook none | Calories 249 (per serving)

Matcha

ut the distinctive

recipes, too. While most types of teas are used

in leaf form for infusing, matcha is powdered to

whether you’re

drinking it as tea or using it in a recipe, you’ll be

consuming every precious particle of goodness.

mong matcha’s nutrients are vitamins, minerals

and top of the list – antioxidants. Matcha contains over 100

Once you've discovered the brilliant benefits

of matcha tea, it opens a new world of ideas

Total fat Saturates Salt Sugar Protein

12 .4g 1.3g 0.01g 19.4g 9.1g

46 VEGAN FOOD & LIVING OCTOBER

VFL17.MeetMatch.indd 46 07/09/2017 13:55