Matcha tea: how to prepare it and light recipes

As you know, tea is a drink we love to include in a balanced diet, at any time of day. Green tea, white tea, black tea… these names are probably familiar to you, but have you heard of matcha tea? Originally from China, this tea is hugely popular across Asia and is gradually making its way into our lives. Today, we’re exploring what it contains, the best way to prepare it, and 2 recipes to cook with it.

What is matcha tea?

Matcha tea comes in the form of a fine green powder. This powder is made from dried tea leaves that are ground between stones. You may find matcha in the tea or organic products aisle of your supermarket, or you can pick it up at a health food store.

Once opened, it’s best to store your matcha in the fridge in an airtight container. It will keep for 3 to 4 weeks at most — beyond that, it starts to lose its colour and flavour.

What does matcha contain?

Matcha tea has one special feature: because it comes in powder form, we actually ingest the whole tea leaf, unlike with traditional teas where we simply steep them. This means we consume all of the leaf’s compounds. Here’s what you need to know about its composition:

• Matcha has no demonstrated effect on cellulite: it simply has its place in a balanced lifestyle, alongside physical activity and massage to reduce the appearance of cellulite.
• A single cup of matcha contains as many antioxidants as 3 cups of regular green tea! These compounds are much talked about, but drinking matcha doesn’t replace a diet rich in fruit and vegetables.
• Its lovely bright green colour comes from its chlorophyll content.
• Matcha tea contains polyphenols, including catechin, which give tea its reputation.
• Plain, with no added sugar, it fits easily into a balanced diet.
• It also contains theanine, magnesium and caffeine: it’s best to avoid drinking it late in the day if you’re sensitive to stimulants.

Good to know: that said, be careful not to overdo it! The recommended amount is a maximum of 2 cups per day. Keep in mind that one cup of matcha is equivalent to 3 cups of regular green tea. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any medication, ask your doctor for advice.

How do you prepare matcha tea?

To prepare matcha the Japanese way — as the world’s biggest matcha enthusiasts do — you’ll need matcha powder, of course, but also a small ceramic bowl and a special matcha whisk.

1. Bring water to the boil, then let it cool for 4 to 5 minutes until it reaches 80°C.
2. Pour some hot water into your bowl, leave it for a moment, then discard it. Your bowl should now be warm.
3. Add one teaspoon of matcha to the bowl, then gently pour in 70ml of water.
4. Using the whisk, mix vigorously for about 1 minute, making “W”-shaped movements.

Your tea is ready when it’s covered in a light foam!

2 surprising matcha tea recipes

You now know that matcha is an original ingredient that has its place in a varied diet. Matcha is often enjoyed as a hot drink, like a classic tea. However, you can also incorporate it into all kinds of recipes. We’ve picked out 2 healthy and indulgent recipes for you… Ready to give them a try?

Floating islands with matcha tea

Serves 2

Ingredients

• 1 tsp matcha tea
• 2 eggs
• 250ml almond milk
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 handful of dark chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp honey

Method

1. Pour the milk into a saucepan and heat over a low flame.
2. Separate the egg whites from the yolks and add the yolks to the saucepan. Whisk together.
3. Add the cornstarch and matcha. Stir again until the cream thickens to the right consistency.
4. Divide the cream between 2 ramekins and leave to cool.
5. Meanwhile, whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks, then cook them in a microwave-safe dish for 2 x 20 seconds (check they are cooked through).
6. Place the egg whites on top of the matcha cream, then drizzle with a little honey and scatter over a few dark chocolate chips. Enjoy immediately!

Light almond and matcha cake

Serves 6

Ingredients

• 2 tsp matcha tea
• 125g cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 small glass of milk of your choice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 50g ground almonds
• 1 unsweetened apple sauce
• 1 pinch of salt

Method

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch, baking powder and matcha.
3. Add the eggs and mix again.
4. Add the honey, milk, ground almonds, apple sauce and salt. Mix well.
5. Pour the batter into a non-stick tin and bake for around 30 minutes. Check it’s done by inserting a knife into the centre.
6. Leave to cool, then enjoy this cake with a lovely cup of tea!

Don’t forget — if your goal is to reduce the look of cellulite, there’s a winning trio you can’t do without: a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and cupping massage with your CelluBlue Cups. If you’d also like to discover our food supplements, our anti-cellulite range includes the Cellulite Capsules and our drink, to be taken in addition to a varied, balanced diet and good lifestyle habits, not as a replacement.

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Useful categories: Anti-Cellulite Diet.