Detox With Matcha Tea
Christmas always is a blessed period – so much happiness, loads of parties and not forgetting the delicious food. But when January arrives we generally all feel slightly guilty and we all know it’s time to get back in to shape! Sadly, being French and a lover of food, I am not one for dieting. My trick is to detox the gourmet festive period away.
You may have heard of Matcha; a Japanese green tea powder with an amazingly vibrant colour. Originally used in tea ceremonies, you need a little water and a whisk to prepare it (either thick or more liquid), bringing up a slight moss on top. The taste is very rich and a small cup is enough to satisfy your taste buds.
The good news is that it is also extremely healthy and good for you. It is low in caffeine but very rich in anti-oxidant (one serving holds 70 times more than a glass of orange juice!), and it is considered a super food; draining the toxins from the body and boosting your energy levels. Rich in beta-carotene too, it is fabulous for skin, hair and nails. What is not to like?
It all comes from the way it is grown. The tender leaves are shaded from the sun which increases the production of amino-acids. Each leaf is then hand-picked, dried, and then stone ground to a powder. It is a very slow process and it can take almost an hour to get just 30 grams!
On the market, you will find a variety of prices. Obviously the more expensive it is – the better quality and the sweeter too. I buy mine from the Japan Centre, which sells online and does not break the bank either. Only go for a better quality if you are going to drink it, a lesser one is just fine for cooking as it will blend in.
If you are not a tea drinker there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it. It works wonderfully in any milk-shake or any creamy mixture, adding character and density to it. You could also try sprinkling a little bit on cod before cooking it in baking paper for 20mn in the oven -add a little lime and ginger if you like for an extra twist. Experiment with cakes as well – children are fascinated by its beautiful green hue and it compliments raspberries, cream cheese and white chocolate desserts wonderfully. A spoon of it in any pastry is enough, very economical indeed.
Fancy trying it but do not want to buy a whole box just yet? In London, both Teasmith and Teanamu will prepare the cup in front of you and can guide you if you have any questions. Giraffe will be serving healthy breakfasts based on this green tea throughout January: creamy porridge with Matcha and fresh fruit, a delicious smoothie full of vitamin – a good source of inspiration! Look out for the ice-cream version in many Asian restaurants for the final touch to your meal.
Sweet and guilt-free. Isn’t this the best start to the year?
P.S Why not wistfully gaze upon the shade of your Matcha tea with today’s deal at Groupon for £8 for two large transparent Bodum Chambord coffee glasses from No1Deals4You. A great way to enjoy the tea and the splendid colour it creates.
Photography by: mmistakes, Hummy, and Xin Li 88
I make green tea ice-cream with it, makes a great dessert when you’re serving sushi!
Hi there, where would I get the tea? Sounds yummy!