A Vegan Guide To Matcha

What is matcha powder?

This finely-ground green powder is made from young, shade-grown tea leaves. Its production method, of steaming tea leaves, forming them into bricks the grinding them before use dates back to the Tang dynasty in seventh-century China. 

As well as its original use as a tea, matcha is also commonly used in cooking and baking to bring colour and flavour. It’s also used as a natural dye which is understandable considering its vivid colour. 

What does matcha taste like?

The flavour profile of matcha can vary massively depending on how it’s used, but when isolated, matcha has a smooth balance of nutty, sweet slightly grassy and pleasantly bitter notes. 

Health benefits of matcha

Unlike other green teas grown from the same plant, matcha has a unique set of nutritional values due to its specific methods of growing and production. 

• Matcha is high in antioxidants which minimise free-radical cell damage within the body
• It’s believed to boost cognitive function because of its L-theanine content which reduces caffeine crashing
• It may promote heart health and reduce liver damage
• It’s even believed to help aid weight loss by boosting metabolism and fat burning

Vegan recipes with matcha

Right, enough talk about matcha – what can you cook with it?

We love a nourishing cup of warm matcha tea. Bon Appétit shows you how to prepare a traditional pot here.

Fancy making for matcha biscuits? We love this buttery and crumbly recipe from our Food Editor, Val.

If you’re after something creamier to drink, then check out this recipe for a vegan matcha latte from the Minimalist Baker. Something warming to drink whilst you make their vegan matcha swirl cheesecake!

Let us know you think of these plant-based matcha recipes!