So, um… I might have forgotten that today was St. Patrick’s Day. 🙃 This might not be your typical Irish-American fare, but matcha is definitely green enough to put you in the spirit of the day!
If you haven’t had matcha before, it’s a Japanese green tea powder that’s traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies. (Click here to see a video of a tea ceremony!) During the last few weeks before harvest, these particular tea leaves are grown in the shade to promote the production of chlorophyll and the amino acid theanine. The boost in chlorophyll levels is what gives matcha its trademark vibrant green color. Once harvested, the leaves are laid flat to dry out before being carefully stone-ground. The powder is then typically whisked with hot water to create a frothy drink with a one-of-a-kind flavor.
Matcha has a uniquely grassy taste that can be bitter if you’re not used to it. If you’re just experiencing matcha for the first time, a sweet fruit like peach is a perfect way to balance it out. The peach won’t overpower the flavor of the matcha, but it will give it a delicately sweet touch that blends perfectly for a breakfast treat!
Matcha Peach Smoothie
2 tsp matcha powder
1/2 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1/4 cup milk of choice
1 tsp honey
1 cup frozen diced peaches
Combine matcha, yogurt, milk, and honey in a blender, and blend until the matcha is fully incorporated. Open up the blender, add the peaches, and blend until smooth. Serve immediately.
Serves 1.
Hapanese Cuisine 