The Matcha Reserve: Matcha Green Tea

Hannah Sunderani
Jan 31, 2018
4 min read

So tell me, are you a Matcha drinker? As of late I have been on a massive Matcha kick! Literally I need one every afternoon, as a sweet reward, for no reason other than it makes my day feel so complete.

There is something about making matcha that is so different from pouring yourself a steeped tea. I think it's the process of the delicate whisking, the vibrant green colour, and that wide earthy bowl that's so zen you feel like a healthful yogi having just finished an intense Juvamukti sweat sesh. Namaste right here and enjoy my matcha instead.

And because it's January, and I'm still detoxing after the holidays, Matcha has become my go to drink to get those health vibes flowing! Typically my afternoon drink was reserved for espresso, but this healthful substitute provides a slow caffeine release that I can't resist.

So, let's talk about some matcha benefits! In case you're wondering what all the hype is about.

The other week I received a lovely gift from The Matcha Reserve, which included a kit-box for making matcha and their Ultra Premium Ceremonial Organic Matcha powder to try. The gift came with a little leaflet that shared the benefits of this healthful drink. So I'm going to share it with you, verbatim, because I don't want to pretend I know off-by-heart all the health benefits of this cheeky drink, nor pretend that I'm some expert researcher who has spent the last 18 months rigorously studying the subject.

But according to this trusty leaflet, provided by The Matcha Reserve, Matcha helps with the following:

1. To detox the body. Since it's packed with chlorophyll, it's an amazing natural detox for the body and skin.

2. Boosts metabolism: The EGCG catechin in Matcha is known to support the immune system and boost metabolism (which may aid in weight loss), and,

3. Matcha provides an all-natural, lean and clean, source of caffeinated energy without the jitters of coffee.

Are you ready to start whisking yet?

But in addition to its health benefits I love matcha for its beautiful taste. It's like a green tea, but fuller in flavour. It's more aromatic too. When you sip Matcha it tastes earthy and rich, followed by a hint of sweetness to finish. I like to add a bit of hot almond milk (or frothed), to make it creamy, and a little bit of honey or agave to enhance its sweet flavours. I kid you not, all this talk about making matcha has caused me to put this review on pause to go make another one. Why not have my matcha and review it too?

The Matcha Reserve's Ultra Premium Organic Matcha is exactly as its title describes. It tastes premium! It's got this smooth umami flavour, and you really get the impression that it's a quality powder. I also loved that when you unscrewed the lid, the matcha was sealed shut. It had this big ring that you pulled up and back to open it, like a can of tinned tomatoes. To me this was a big indicator that they take freshness and quality seriously.

What has also made my matcha making experience so zen was the matcha luxury gift set they so kindly accompanied with my matcha. It came with a beautiful bamboo whisk (and stand to keep its shape - uh, cool or what?), a bamboo scoop and a wide handcrafted matcha bowl. And seriously, it puts me in the most ceremonial mood for making my matcha every time! I love how the bowl they provide is wide and flat at the bottom, so you can really whisk it to foam. I actually tried making matcha in one of my regular breakfast bowls yesterday, and it just wasn't the same. The wide and flat bottom is essential for a good foamy whisk.

All-in-all if you haven't yet tried Matcha you are in for a treat! And if you're looking for a premium quality matcha, The Matcha Reserve is a good matcha! (silly pun I know). But really they've got your matcha interests at heart. It's not often that I promote products, but this one is a winner. I really enjoyed it. I would honestly recommend their quality matcha to anyone looking to indulge.

Thank you The Matcha Reserve for making my Matcha experience a zen one. I've got so matcha love for your powder!

How to make Matcha:

Serves: 1 | Prep Time: 5 mins| Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

1 tsp The Matcha Reserve's Ultra Premium Organic Matcha, or other quality matcha powder
1 oz. boiling water, plus more for later
almond milk, warmed or frothed (optional)
honey or agave to taste (optional)

Directions:

Bring water to a boil. Place 1 tsp matcha powder into your bowl. Press whisk down on Matcha to break up powder
Pour a bit of just boiled water (ideally 175F/79C) into bowl. Briskly whisk matcha in zig-zag motions until a creamy froth forms on top.
Add water to adjust proportions to your taste. Optional to add warm or frothed almond milk for a matcha latte, and honey or agave (I like to add 1/2 tsp) for sweetness.

Allergies:

VEGAN - VEGETARIAN - WHEAT-FREE - GLUTEN-FREE - DAIRY-FREE - SOY-FREE - NUT-FREE - RAW