Matcha Green Tea Powder and Weight Loss

matcha green tea powder weight loss

Matcha is known for it’s ability to assist with weight loss. There are some key scientific reasons why which we have outlined below.

Boosts Metabolism 

Matcha contains incredibly high levels of the antioxidant EGCG. This antioxidant has been linked with boosting the metabolism where in one study on average, matcha green tea increased study participants’ fat-burning capabilities by 17 percent when they engaged in exercise.

Fat Absorption

Matcha helps to block the ability of digestive enzymes to break down fat, a step necessary for fat to enter our cells. So instead of absorbing and storing fat, it passes through the body.

Natural Detoxifier

Matcha is rich in Chlorophyll which is a natural detoxifier. It helps to remove any accumulation of toxins and hence helps your body work more efficiently.

Energy Booster

Matcha contains natural caffeine that will keep your energy levels up and make it easier for you to burn calories

Stress Reducer

Matcha has been linked to raising the Serotonin and Dopamine levels in the brain which are the hormones responsible for happiness and well being. By reducing your stress levels your body will stop producing high levels of Cortisol, the stress hormone associated with fat storage especially around ones midsection.

What are the other matcha health benefits?

The rich poly-phenol compounds found in matcha and other plant foods in your diet help lower the risk of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, osteoporosis and cancer; they also help keep your brain healthy as you age. And, plant polyphenols are often cited for their role in heart health; they fight against hardening of the arteries, known medically as “atherosclerosis,” according to a review published in the Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity journal in November 2009. Atherosclerosis causes arteries to narrow and become clogged, which may cause heart attack or stroke. Other ways polyphenols may protect your heart is by increasing good cholesterol, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation in your arteries by preventing your blood from clotting.Matcha Green Tea Powder Antioxidant Comparison Chart

Furthermore, in another study published by the American Society of Clinical Nutrition, it was reported that frequent consumption of quality green tea enhances the efficiency of the human body in utilizing energy. The research showed that the daily energy expenditure rate of adults increases 35-45% with regular consumption of green tea. So matcha green tea actually can increase your body’s ability to burn energy by up to 45%!

There is a huge number of studies outlining similar findings that green tea – especially matcha – assists with weight loss and the prevention of weight gain.

It is important to buy matcha from a high quality source so it contains the full health benefits. Our matcha green tea powder is premium grade, from Japan and is both fresh and vibrant green. This ensures you are getting the maximum nutritional and antioxidant profile.

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Why Matcha is Great for Health as you Grow Older

matcha green tea powder health benefit

Matcha green tea powder is being hailed the new health hero for older Australians. It’s often consumed to fight against diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia – it can naturally lower bad cholesterol and blood pressure plus it can help relieve arthritis – and more!

So, why is matcha great for health – and why does it have such incredible health benefits?

Unlike standard green tea, matcha is the whole tea leaf that has been stone ground into a fine powder. Therefore, when you drink matcha, you ingest the whole leaf, not just the brewed water.

Just 1/2 teaspoon of matcha dissolved in hot water is the equivalent of 10 standard cups of green tea bags in terms of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

This is the highest recorded score for any naturally occurring product on earth, and far exceeds even super foods like goji berries, blue berries and broccoli.

Matcha great for health because of antioxidants

And how can it improve our health?

Medical studies have shown that matcha green tea can naturally prevent and manage a huge number of age related conditions. These health benefits include:

    1. Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The main antioxidant in matcha green tea powder is EGCG. Studies have shown that EGCG helps counteract memory loss, which is caused by plaque deposits, in people with Alzheimer’s. When you consume matcha, you consume all the antioxidants in the tea leaf – therefore, matcha drinkers consume much higher levels of EGCG.
    2. Helps relieve arthritis symptoms: Studies have shown that green tea can help reduce inflammation and arthritis pain. This is because of its active ingredient EGCG, which helps prevent certain inflammatory chemicals building in the body. As matcha contains a higher level of EGCG compared to standard green tea bags, it’s a perfect anti-inflammatory drink.
    3. Helps lower blood pressure: A major cause of hypertension (high blood pressure) is an enzyme secreted by the kidneys called ACE. Studies have shown that green tea aids in inhibiting ACE and as a result helps lower blood pressure in people who drink green tea.
    4. Helps lower bad cholesterol: Research studies have highlighted that drinking up to 10 cups of green tea a day has a positive impact on your blood cholesterol levels. Green tea helps lower your bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) while leaving your good cholesterol (HDL) untouched. As one serving of matcha green tea powder is the equivalent to 10 cups of standard green tea, it is an easy way to achieve this cholesterol-lowering level.
    5. Supports the immune system: Because of it’s powerful antioxidants, it has anti-inflammatory effects on the immune system. The antioxidants, catechins and L-theanines, help protect against the flu. And what’s more, they inhibit the growth of parasites, curbs infections, clears up free radicals, reduces oxidative damage and protects the kidneys.

Therefore, the more matcha that you drink or use in your food…

The more antioxidants you will be consuming. And this should help protect your body, against many diseases – and hopefully keep you feeling healthy and energized for longer.

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Matcha Green Tea Powder Boosts Immune System

5 Surprising Ways Matcha Green Tea Powder Boosts the Immune System

Matcha green tea powder is one of the healthiest beverages in the world- it’s rich with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Matcha green tea powder helps boost your immune system in five surprising ways from helping you ward off the flu this Winter to reducing inflammation!

1. Matcha Green Tea Powder Fights the Flu

Matcha green tea powder boosts the immune system due to it’s high antioxidant content, particularly Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) assists your body’s production of T-Cells which reduce inflammation and fight pathogens. This makes matcha green tea powder a great immune system booster during the Winter flu season!

2: Matcha Green Tea Powder Naturally Detoxifies

Matcha is a powerhouse of chlorophyll (where the vibrant green comes from!) due to the unique shading process the tea plants undergo. As a result, matcha helps detoxify the body of harmful chemicals, toxins and heavy metals. A detoxified body is better able to fight off pathogens and as a result drinking matcha green tea powder boosts the immune system.

3: Matcha Green tea Powder Kills Bacteria

Matcha contains a high level of both flavonoids and antioxidants which form a powerful anti-bacterial defence force! The flavonoids will eliminate bad breath, kill off bacteria from viruses/infections while the flavonoids are perfect for soothing a sore throat!

4: Matcha Green Tea Powder Reduces Inflammation

Matcha green tea powder can help reduce inflammation and arthritis pain because of its active ingredient EGCG which is a powerful antioxidant that works to stop the production of certain inflammatory chemicals in the body. Matcha contains a much higher level of EGCG compared to standard green tea bags making it the perfect immune system boosting drink.

Starting to feel the flu? Try making this Matcha, Ginger Immunity Tea Recipe

Ingredients – Makes 4 cups
1 teaspoon Zen Green Tea Matcha Green Tea Powder
1 Tablespoon Grated Ginger
1/2 Squeezed lime
½ teaspoon dried Oregano
1 Tablespoon Honey

Directions

  1. In a medium sauce pan bring 6 cups of water and all ingredients except the matcha to the boil
  2. Cover with a lid and boil the tea for 15 minutes
  3. Strain the tea into a pot
  4. Dissolve the matcha green tea powder into one tablespoon of hot water- ensuring you dissolve any lumps
  5. Add the matcha green tea powder to the pot of tea, and stir.
  6. Serve immediately. You can keep any left over in the fridge to drink cold or heat up again.

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Drink Matcha not Coffee

matcha green tea powder caffeine

A steamy mug of coffee in the morning is a perfectly acceptable practice and delivers caffeine in moderation that most people can easily process. With the hustle and bustle of modern living it seems people are reaching for the coffee pot time and time again throughout the day and they are starting to notice the unwanted health effects including:

  • High Cortisol Levels: Caffeine in coffee can increase the level of this stress hormone in your body. Elevated cortisol is associated with weight gain, moodiness and over the long run it has been associated with heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
  • Low Energy: Caffeine stimulates the adrenal system which initially boosts energy but subsequently crashes it to leave you fatigued and usually reaching for the sugar.
  • Mineral Deficiency: Coffee affects iron absorption in your stomach and particularly your kidneys ability to retain calcium, zinc, magnesium and other important minerals.
  • Impacts Sleep: Caffeine stays in your nervous system for 4-6 hours so even if you are in a fatigued slump you may often still find it disrupts your sleep.

Fear not- here are three great alternatives to help keep your coffee fix to once a day but your energy levels souring!

Matcha Green Tea Powder

When you drink matcha you receive an incredibly high level of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals as well as a long and steady release of caffeine which, unlike coffee, does not leave you with the “jitters”, energy slumps or sleepless nights.

With matcha, the caffeine is absorbed and released slowly by the body over a period of 6-8 hours. This means that matcha provides a sustainable energy boost without the rapid 30-minute spike, slump, and jitters associated with coffee.

In addition, tea is the only plant that makes the amino acid theanine. Theanine is known for its ability to increase alpha waves in the brain and promote calmness and alert concentration, giving matcha users a great “zen” state.  Controlled experiments have shown that theanine has a positive effect on the mind and improves memory by increasing dopamine levels. Additionally, the alpha brain waves increase 40 minutes after a person consumes theanine, making this a great drink for students or professionals.

Matcha can be made as a delicious hot tea, or as a great iced tea. Here is our favourite matcha iced tea recipe: https://zengreentea.com.au/sugar-free-iced-tea/

Water

A large number of people do not know that a major symptom of dehydration is fatigue. Often when you are feeling tired, have a head ache or cannot concentrate you are actually just dehydrated. Most people do not drink their daily recommended level of 2 litres of water per day and only drink when they are thirsty which is a symptom that usually appears last after fatigue.

Without sufficient hydration, bodies can experience more muscle soreness, the need for longer recovery times and less desire to push oneself – in short, dehydration can make you feel less motivated to achieve at any activity. One study of athletes found after limiting fluids for 15 hours, 92 percent felt tired, had lapses in memory and difficulty concentrating.

When dehydrated, the fluid loss causes a drop in blood volume, which makes the heart work harder to push oxygen and nutrients through the bloodstream to the brain, skin, and muscles.

Green Smoothie/ Juice

Introducing more greens into your diet can often see a dramatic boost in your energy levels from all the nutrients and antioxidants. Start your morning or afternoon with a green juice – kale + cucumber + celery + parsley + mint and half a green apple and you’ll notice your energy levels rising as well as other great effects including glowing skin. For an added energy kick you could add in a superfood supplement like spirulina, barley greens or matcha green tea powder.

 

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Turmeric Matcha Health Benefits

Turmeric matcha health benefits

Turmeric Matcha Powder Health BenefitsTurmeric Matcha Tea

Turmeric, a golden spice traditionally only seen in Indian curries, is becoming one of the most popular superfoods amongst older Australians. Turmeric is being revamped in the form of golden turmeric lattes and as a delicious aromatic tea allowing Australians an easy way to enjoy the health benefits.  Turmeric contains the powerful antioxidant curcumin which studies show has anti-inflammatory effects on the brain and body. Inflammation is one of the leading causes of many age related degenerative diseases showing why turmeric is becoming so popular amongst health-conscious Australians.

Top 5 Health Benefits of Turmeric:

1. Reduces Inflammation: It is believed that chronic low-level inflammation plays a major role in Western diseases such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and other degenerative conditions. Turmeric’s main active ingredient, curcumin, is a strong anti-inflammatory. It is so powerful that in a study of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was more effective than the anti-inflammatory drug.

turmeric-matcha-anti-oxidants2. Antioxidants: Turmeric delivers a two-fold benefit where curcumin is a powerful antioxidant in itself but it also stimulates the body’s own antioxidant enzymes. Antioxidants are important as they remove dangerous free radicals from the body which can damage other cells DNA (which can lead to diseases such as cancer).

2. Mood & Mind: Studies are showing turmeric has a positive impact on balancing mood and can help in the treatment of depression. In a controlled study of 60 patients, the group given curcumin showed similar improvements to the group given antidepressant drug Prozac. Research is also showing evidence that turmeric can boost serotonin and dopamine which are neurotransmitters that, when low in levels, are linked to depression.

3. Preventing Alzheimer’s: One of the key factors in Alzheimer’s disease is a build-up of protein tangles known as Amyloid plaques in addition to inflammation and oxidative damage of brain cells. Studies have shown that the curcumin in turmeric can help clear these plaques while it’s known to help reduce inflammation and oxidative damage. As a result, turmeric might help prevent Alzheimer’s or slow its progression.

4. Lowers the risk of heart disease: Heart disease is the biggest killer in the world. Turmeric antioxidant curcumin may help reverse many steps in the heart disease process. Curcumin enhances the functioning of the lining of blood vessels enabling it to better regulate blood pressure and blood clotting. As a result, this helps protect your cardiovascular system.

To maximise the health benefits, it is important that you use turmeric grown from the Alleppey region in India as this area grows turmeric with the highest level of antioxidant curcumin. It is also important to consume turmeric with a hint of black pepper which contains the enzyme piperine which increases the bodies ability to absorb curcumin by up to 2000%.

We have a very popular Turmeric Matcha Tea blend (suitable for making a turmeric latte or a tea) which uses high quality Alleppey turmeric and has been blended with green tea, cinnamon, nutmeg and the necessary hint of black pepper.

You can also check out these great recipes you can make with our Turmeric Matcha Tea:

For more info on the health benefits of turmeric, head on over to Be Healthy where the lovely Kate has explained 20 amazing health benefits of turmeric.

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Turmeric Matcha Latte

Turmeric Matcha Latte

Turmeric Matcha Latte Recipe

Turmeric matcha latte- this recipe makes a beautiful, warming latte that is packed full of antioxidants! Turmeric has been shown to have incredible effects on reducing inflammation and improving mood. Turmeric is even being used in a study to treat depression!

 Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric Matcha Tea Mix
  •  1 cup milk of choice (dairy, soy, coconut, almond)
  •  Optional: Sweetener like honey or sugar

Instructions

  1. Mix 1 teaspoon of Turmeric Matcha Tea Mix with a tablespoon of hot water. Stir until all is dissolved.
  2. Heat the milk in the microwave or sauce pan. If you have a blender or a bar mix you can blend the milk to make it frothy.
  3. Pour milk into turmeric matcha paste and stir. Add in sweetener if desired. Dust with cinnamon and enjoy the warming, earthy flavours!

Note: Turmeric (containing antioxidant curcumin) and matcha green tea powder (containing antioxidant eCGC) are both incredible superfoods that help prevent many degenerative diseases. We have handcrafted our Turmeric Matcha Blend because of the way the ingredients work together to deliver the most health benefits. The turmeric increases the bodies ability to absorb antioxidants thus maximising the effect of the matcha green tea. The turmeric, however, also needs to be consumed with a little black pepper to help the body absorb it’s antioxidant.

It is very important that you buy from a high quality source. Our blend serves over 54 cups of Turmeric Matcha tea and can also be used to make Turmeric hot tea or Turmeric Matcha Bliss Balls

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Turmeric Matcha Bliss Ball Recipe

Turmeric Matcha Bliss Ball Recipe

Turmeric Matcha Bliss Ball Recipe

Turmeric matcha bliss ball recipe- this is so easy to make and healthy too with no artificial ingredients. These bliss balls use our Turmeric Matcha Powder blend which contains of two potent antioxidants- eCGC (green tea) and curcumin (turmeric). These antioxidants have many health benefits including reducing inflammation, boosting energy and protecting the cardiovascular system.

The lemon and ginger in this recipe blends perfectly with the earthy turmeric and fresh spring flavour of the matcha green tea powder. Store in your fridge and enjoy them with your daily coffee or tea!

Ingredients:

Makes 20 bliss balls

  • 3 tsp Zen Green Tea Turmeric Matcha Green Tea Powder 
  • 1 cup almond meal
  • 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1 cup finely diced dried dates
  • 1.5 lemons – rind and juice
  • 1.5 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 3 tablespoon rice malt syrup
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Directions

  1. Mix all dry ingredients together.
  2. Add wet ingredients and mix until well blended- you can add more lemon juice if the mixture is too dry.
  3. Use a tablespoon to measure and roll your bliss balls.
  4. Coat in desiccated coconut.
  5. Store in fridge. Enjoy!

Note: Turmeric (containing antioxidant curcumin) and matcha green tea powder (containing antioxidant eCGC) are both incredible superfoods that help prevent many degenerative diseases. We have handcrafted our Turmeric Matcha Blend because of the way the ingredients work together to deliver the most health benefits. The turmeric increases the bodies ability to absorb antioxidants thus maximising the effect of the matcha green tea. The turmeric, however, also needs to be consumed with a little black pepper to help the body absorb it’s antioxidant.

It is very important that you buy from a high quality source. Our blend serves over 54 cups of Turmeric Matcha tea and can also be used to make golden Turmeric Matcha lattes!

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Matcha Green Tea Powder Overnight Oats

Matcha Green Tea Powder Overnight Oats

Our matcha green tea powder overnight oats recipe takes 5 minutes to make and is a delicious, healthy and filling breakfast option to keep you going all day!

This overnight oats recipe is packed full of goodness- the light coconut makes the oats rich and creamy, the banana adds natural sweetness and the matcha is subtle in flavour and delivers all the energy and nutrients!

Ingredients:

Makes 1 bowl

  • 1 tsp Zen Green Tea matcha green tea powder
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup light coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup unflavored soy or almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon powdered matcha green tea
  • Small pinch of salt
  • Topping: 3-4 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • Topping: 2-3 tablespoon fresh blueberries

Directions

  1. Stir all ingredients except for fresh berries together in a small container. Refrigerate overnight.
  2. Before eating top with fresh berries and enjoy!

Note: It is important you buy the matcha green tea powder from a high quality source so you receive the full health benefits and also so the flavour is not bitter. Low quality matcha can be very bitter. You can buy Zen Green Tea premium, organic, Japanese matcha green tea powder for the best price in Australia here.

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Matcha Green Tea Powder and Caffeine

matcha green tea powder caffeine

All you need to know about matcha green tea powder and caffeine

…And why many people are swapping their daily coffee for a matcha green tea.

Matcha green tea has been used as a drink to enhance energy and concentration for over 800 years in Japanese culture, and today it’s becoming increasingly popular in Australia too. Not only are there heaps of health benefits, but it also enhances energy and concentration.

There are three main reasons for this:

1. With matcha, there is a slower absorption of caffeine which gives you a longer energy boost.

When you drink matcha you receive an incredibly high level of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals as well as a long and steady release of caffeine.

The caffeine is absorbed and released slowly by the body over a period of 6-8 hours. This means that matcha provides a sustainable energy boost without the rapid 30-minute spike, energy slump, sleepless nights, and “jitters” associated with coffee.

 

Matcha-vs-coffee-energy-infograph-1

 

 

2. Matcha tea contains theanine, which releases that ‘zen’ feeling.

Tea is the only plant that makes the amino acid theanine. And because matcha plantations are shaded before harvest, matcha contains the highest concentration of theanine. Theanine is known for its ability to increase alpha waves in the brain and promote calmness and alert concentration, giving matcha users a great “zen” state.  Controlled experiments have shown that theanine has a positive effect on the mind and improves memory by increasing dopamine levels. Additionally, the alpha brain waves increase 40 minutes after a person consumes theanine, making this a great drink for students or professionals.

3. It’s full of vitamins and minerals, and contains 137x the antioxidants of standard green tea.

Matcha provides 3.25mg of calcium, 1.85mg of vitamin C, 20.5mg of potassium and 274mg of protein per serving amidst other vitamins and antioxidants that outnumber superfoods like goji and acai berries. If you compare that to what you’d get from a tea bag – one bowl of matcha is equivalent to approximately 10 cups of regular green tea. That is because matcha powder uses the entire green tea leaf, instead of just dipping the leaf in hot water which provides only around 10% of the plant’s nutrients.

Although both matcha and coffee stimulate alertness, matcha releases caffeine over time and its high concentration of theanine means that the caffeine is better harnessed to promote focus and concentration.

 

If you’re interested in swapping your regular latte or tea for a matcha recipe, here are a couple of recipes to get you started:

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Matcha helps prevent and fight breast cancer

matcha green tea powder breast cancer

It is well known in scientific research how antioxidant EGCG helps in the fight against and the prevention of cancer. Matcha green tea powder contains the highest concentration of EGCG where the University of Colorado found that matcha green tea contained up to 137 times more EGCG than regular green tea.

Here are few of the amazing benefits of EGCG in matcha green tea, specifically referring to Breast Cancer. There are countless studies that demonstrate the power of EGCG as an effective Tumour Terminator. Here are just a few:

  1.   Suppresses inflammation and aggressive estrogen mediators in breast tissue.
  2.   Causes Breast Cancer cells to die
  3.   Suppresses the new blood flow that feeds Breast Cancer tumor
  4.   Reverses epigenetic changes and prevents DNA damage that is often seen in Breast Cancer
  5.   Suppresses stem cell production in human Breast Cancer

For women especially, studies show that the single biggest preventative measure for breast cancer is good nutrition. Dr Kristi Pado Funk, Pink Lotus Breast Cancer Centre states that “Three cups of green tea a day decreases breast cancer risk by half.”

So what are the takeaways?

  1.  Maintain a healthy, balanced diet full of nutrients to maximise your consumption of cancer fighting antioxidants
  2. Drink matcha green tea daily so you are flooding your body with the most powerful cancer fighting antioxidant EGCG
  3. Get regular breast cancer screenings because early detection saves lives

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Matcha Green Tea Powder Smoothie Recipes

matcha green tea powder smoothie recipe

Try these matcha green tea powder smoothie recipes! They are delicious, healthy ways to kick start your energy and intake of greens!

Matcha will boost your metabolism, increase your energy, and enhance your mood!

img_6350

STRAWBERRY BANANA MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER SMOOTHIE RECIPE
Ingredients:

  • 2 cups thawed frozen strawberries
  • 1 banana
  • 1 Kiwi (peeled)
  • 2 scoops vanilla protein powder
  • 1/2 cup of plain low fat yogurt or 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 Teaspoons Premium Culinary Grade Matcha
  • Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.

This is one of our favorite matcha green tea smoothies for breakfast!

CACAO MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER SMOOTHIE RECIPEMATCHA GREEN TEA SMOOTHIE
Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups of unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon of cacao powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon of Zen Green Tea matcha
  • 2 teaspoons of maca powder

Note: If you want the smoothie to be a little sweet to combat the bitter cacao, I like to add a half of a tablespoon of maple syrup. Occasionally, I blend in a handful of spinach for some extra iron but that is completely optional.

YOUTHFUL SKIN MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER SMOOTHIE RECIPE

Ingredients:
  • 1 cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 1 cup baby kale, packed
  • 1/2 avocado (pitted and peeled)img_6084
  • 1 nectarine (pitted)
  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1 tablespoons unsalted natural almond butter
  • 2 Teaspoons Zen Green Tea matcha green tea powder

Add all ingredients to blender and blend until smooth.

BLUEBERRY COCONUT MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER SMOOTHIE

Ingredients:

GINGER IMMUNITY MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER SMOOTHIE

Ingredients:

  • Zen Green Tea Matcha Green Tea, 1 teaspoon
  • Ginger, fresh kind, grated or chopped, 2 tablespoons
  • Orange Juice, 1 Cup freshly squeezed
  • Lime juice, squeezed fresh from ½ lime
  • Honey as needed to sweeten, or 1 tablespoon

Blend with ice until smooth.

CHOCOLATE MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER SMOOTHIE

Ingredients:

  • Cocoa powder, 2 teaspoons
  • Oats, ½ cup
  • Banana, 1
  • Almond milk, 1 cup
  • Zen Green Tea Matcha Green Tea, 2 teaspoons
    Optional: a dash of sea salt, pinch of vanilla extract, ice

Blend until smooth.

 

TRADITIONAL MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER SMOOTHIE

You will need:

  • Half a cup of yogurt
  • Two tablespoons of honey or sugar
  • Half a cup of ice cubes
  • A teaspoon of Zen Green Tea matcha

Preparation:

Just put all the ingredients in the blender and mix them together. And… that’s it! Enjoy your delicious simple matcha smoothie.

****

MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER FRUIT SMOOTHIE

You will need:

  • A quarter of a cup of berries (raspberries, blueberries or blackberries)
  • Half a cup of yogurt
  • Half a cup of ice cubes
  • A teaspoon of Zen Green Tea matcha

Preparation:

Blend ingredients together in an electric blender and then pour the mixture into a tall class. It is prefrably to drink it immediately after preparation. You can add kiwis, bananas, mangos and flavors of mint or ginger, it is all up to you and your own preferences.

*****

BANANA MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER SMOOTHIE

You will need:

  • One peeled, frozen banana, preferably an over-ripe banana
  • Half of cup of milk
  • Half of teaspoon of Zen Green Tea matcha
  • If you choose to, you can also add vanilla extract and sweeteners to taste

Preparation:

Mix all the above ingredients in the blender and blend until the mixture becomes smooth. You can also stir if necessary.

*****

HONEY MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER SMOOTHIE

You will need:

  • A teaspoon of Zen Green Tea matcha
  • Two teaspoons of hot water
  • One cup of milk
  • A ripe banana
  • A tablespoon of honey
  • 4 ice cubs

Preparation:

Start by dissolving the matcha powder in hot water. Then combine all the ingredients in the blender and blend until the mixture is smooth.

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Matcha Green Tea Powder Pancake Recipe

matcha green tea powder pancake recipe

Try this delicious matcha green tea powder pancake recipe- packed full of antioxidants!

Ingredients (Makes 16)

  • 1 Teaspoon Zen Green Tea matcha green tea powder
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
  • 2 cups self-raising flour
  • 1/3 cup caster sugar
  • Butter, for frying, plus extra, to serve
  • Maple syrup/ Blueberry Compote/ Fresh Fruit to serve

Directions

  1. Whisk eggs, milk and vanilla together in a jug. Sift flour and matcha into a large bowl. Stir in sugar. Make a well in the centre. Add milk mixture. Whisk until just combined.
  2. Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Grease pan with butter or spray with cooking oil. Using 1/4 cup mixture per pancake, cook 2 pancakes for 2 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface. Turn and cook for a further 1-2 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm. Repeat with remaining mixture, greasing pan with butter or cooking oil between batches.
  3. Serve with the toppings and sauce of your choice

NOTE: You can add more matcha to this matcha green tea powder pancake recipe for a brighter green colour or if you like a stronger flavour.

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Matcha Banana Bread

matcha banana bread

Gorgeous, easy to make moist matcha banana bread recipe. It’s lovely when it’s put under the grill with some melted butter and serves with banana slices and natural maple syrup!

Ingredients

  • 3 large, ripe bananas
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cups plain flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter
  • 1 tbsp Zen Green Tea matcha

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a 9X5-inch pan.
  2. Mash bananas in a large mixing bowl. Stir in sugar, melted butter and egg.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and Zen Green Tea matcha powder.
  4. Add to the sugar mixture and stir until well blended.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan.
  8. Serve and enjoy!

 

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Starbucks Matcha Latte Recipe: How to make

starbucks matcha latte recipe

Starbucks Matcha Latte Recipe

We have a great recipe for a Starbucks matcha latte. You don't have to fork out $6 everytime you want a delicous Starbucks matcha latte – you can easily make your own from home!

Here is a great recipe to make both cold and hot Starbucks matcha lattes.

Cold Starbucks Matcha Latte

Ingredients

  • 1 Teaspoon Premium matcha green tea powder (like ours available here)
  • 1- 2 teaspoons Caster Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Syrup (optional)
  • Handful of Ice
  • 2 Tablepoons Hot Water
  • 1.5 Cups Milk
  • Whipped cream (optional)

Directions

 1. In your cup mix the matcha, caster sugar (use one teaspoon for mild sweetness or two for very sweet), vanilla syrup and hot water. Stir until all dissolved and there is no clumps

2. Add your handful of ice

3. Add your milk & stir

4. Top with whipped cream (optional) and enjoy!

Hot Starbucks Matcha Latte

Ingredients

  • 1 Teaspoon Premium matcha green tea powder (like ours available here)
  • 1- 2 teaspoons Caster Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Syrup (optional)
  • 2 Tablepoons Hot Water
  • 1.5 Cups hot Milk (ideally frothed)

Directions

 1. In your cup mix the matcha, caster sugar (use one teaspoon for mild sweetness or two for very sweet), vanilla syrup and hot water. Stir until all dissolved and there is no clumps

2. Slowly add in your hot milk which has ideally been frothed 

3. Dust with some matcha powder in a sieve and enjoy!

Our premium matcha green tea powder is perfect to make this recipe.

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Matcha Crepe Cake Recipe

matcha crepe cake recipe

Gorgeous matcha crepe cake recipe to impress your friends!

Ingredients

For Crepes:

  • 650 ml Full Cream Milk
  • 240 GR Cake Flour (Made from 60 GR Corn Flour + 180 GR Plain Flour)
  • 90 GR Caster Sugar
  • 50 GR Butter
  • 2 Tablespoons (10 GR) Zen Green Tea Matcha Powder
  • 4 Eggs

For Cream Filling:

  • 600 ml Whipped Cream
  • 80 GR Caster Sugar
  • 5 Drops Vanilla Essence

Directions

Crepe Mixture:

  1. Mix the dry ingredients together
  2. Form a well in the middle and mix in slowly the full cream milk and melted butter
  3. Crack and stir in the four eggs
  4. Mix thoroughly trying to stir through all the lumps
  5.  Pour mixture through a sieve which ensures a smooth consistency
  6. Choose a fry pan that has the same size base as a dinner plate
  7. Put the fry pan on medium heat and using a pastry brush coat the fry pan lightly in butter
  8. Ladle the crepe mixture into the pan and move the pan around to spread it evenly and thinly. When it is lightly brown flip the crepe and brown the other side. Make all the crepes and set aside to cool
  9. Place each crepe at a time on a chpping board and place a dinner plate on it. Cut around the crepe to form identical circles.

Cream Mixture

  1. Whip the cream, sugar and vanilla by hand or using a beater until it is quite firm and holding its form if stirred

Assembly

  1. Place a crepe on a flat surface and cover it in a thin layer of the whipped cream. Place the next crepe on top and continue the process until complete. Finish the last crepe by sifting matcha powder over the top crepe
  2. Keep refrigerated and enjoy!!!!

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Japan Travel Tips

matcha green tea powder

Zen Green Tea’s founder Erin spent the month of May in Japan for the Zen Green Tea Spring matcha harvest.

She want’s to share with you her top Japan travel tips!

In May this year I was lucky enough to spend a month in Japan during the Spring matcha harvest to meet all our wonderful tea farmers and be a part of all the action!

During this month I took quite a few trips around Japan and I discovered some really great experiences I wanted to share with you! Here they are!

Tokyo

Shinjuku Yakitori Alley: When you exit the train station at Shinjuku in Tokyo your senses are bombarded with billboards and masses of people. Just 1 minute 2016-05-04 17.22.14walk away however you will see a little alleyway with cherry blossoms across the top. This entrance way leads you into Yakitori Alley cladded in traditional Japanese style wood there are gorgeous little bustling four- eight seater restaurants with one cook behind the bar. It’s a brilliant experience
to sit at the bar and sample delicious sizzling  meats on sticks or gorgeous Udon Noodles!

Golden Gai: Just a ten minute walk from Shinjuku station is Golden Gai, a small block of over 200 bars. These bars are tiny- generally only housing four to eight people at a time. It’s great to bar hop drinking Sake, Plum Wine and also sampling the bar snacks and chatting with the owners.

Izu Penninsula 

While visiting the World Tea Festival in Shizuoka I took a little overnight trip to the Izu Penninsula. It really surprised me with its blue coastlines and beauty. I stayed at a gorgeous hotel/hostel called “K’s House” which was a hundred year old tradional inn. It was right on a stream so at night you can hear the trickling of water. It also had beautiful hot spring baths – both a private one to enjoy on your own or a larger one to enjoy with other guests. I did a beautiful walk around Mount OmuMount Oberoro- you catch a cable car up to the top and there is a short walking track around the rim of the grass covered volcano. Stunning views!

Mirajima Island (off the coast of Hiroshima)

I took a half day trip from Hiroshima by ferry to Mirajima. It’s a gorgeous little island that houses a famous floating Tori Gate, it has all the beautiful traditional style Japanese buildings and some great Shrines. The island is full of friendly deer too! I took a 2 hour hike up the mountain to reach a lovely view point and Shrine at the top. Highly recommend a trip here and if you can afford it a stay overnight in a traditional Japanese Ryokan.

 

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Matcha Green Tea Powder Face Mask Recipe

Matcha Green Tea Face Mask Recipe

Matcha is an excellent ingredient for the skin as well. Matcha is anti bacterial and contains incredibly high levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which is helpful in reducing inflammation and to even skin tone. The antioxidants are also known for reducing acne and increasing skin elasticity.

Either way, this mask is so simple to make and leaves skin feeling like silk. I use several face masks regularly and this is one of them.

This two-ingredient matcha face mask is very simple to make.

  • 1 Tsp Zen Green Tea matcha
  • 1 Tablespoon Greek Yogurt (or alternatively a plain face moisturiser)

Directions

Mix together thoroughly to form a bright green paste. Apply to face and neck and leave for 10 minutes. Wash off to reveal brighter, tighter and glowing skin!

Note: There are so many different types of matcha face masks you can make- many customers love just honey and matcha or matcha mixed with coconut or argan oil. If your skin is dry use more of an oil based mask, if it’s got acne use honey, or if you have oily and dry skin a greek yogurt mask would work best!

 

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Matcha Cookie Dough Ball Recipe

matcha green tea powder cookie dough ball recipe

Try this delicious matcha green tea powder cookie dough ball recipe

Recipe by our customer Feather and Crumb

They taste so unbelievable and they are totally raw, guilt free, gluten free, dairy free and delicious!

Makes 12 balls

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Almond Meal
  • 1/3 cup Dates (soaked)
  • 2 Tbs Coconut Oil
  • 1 Tbs Maple Syrup
  • 1 Tsp Vanilla Powder or extract
  • 1 Tsp Cinnamon Powder
  • 1/4 Tsp Salt
  • 1 Tsp Zen Green Tea Matcha Powder
  • 1/4 Cup Cacao Nibs or Chocolate Chips

Directions

  1. Blend together until it resembles crumbs
  2. Stir through 1/4 cup Cacao Nibs or chocolate chips and roll into balls
  3. Keep refrigerated

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Matcha Green Tea Powder Anti Aging

Matcha green tea powder anti aging

How Matcha Green Tea Powder Helps with Anti Aging

Everyday our bodies are subject to stresses from our environment from foods we eat, sun exposure and just natural wear and tear. These stresses produce free radicals which are known to damage healthy cells by depleting them of oxygen and breaking down the levels of collagen – which is essential in keeping skin supple and young-looking.

There is a type of green tea that is offers incredible anti aging benefits both through drinking and applying it as a face mask. Matcha green tea is the whole tea leaf stone ground into a powder which dissolves in water. As a result you consume the whole tea leaf so matcha has 137 times the antioxidants of a standard green tea bag.  This means that every time you drink a cup of matcha you are flooding your body with antioxidants that are combatting free radicals and removing these from your system, preventing them from damaging your skin cells helping to prevent cell degeneration and premature ageing.

Matcha can be applied to the skin as a face mask which due to it’s strong anti bacterial and anti inflammatory properties can help reduce the appearance of blemishes and also helps brighten skin.

You can easily make a matcha face mask with a 1/4 teaspoon of matcha, a teaspoon of coconut oil and a teaspoon of moisture mixed together and applied to the skin. After 20 minutes wash away the mask to reveal beautiful, bright and glowing skin.

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Matcha Green Tea Powder Bounty Bars

Matcha Green Tea Powder Bounty Bars-min

These matcha green tea powder bounty bars are quick and easy to make – and contain none of the artificial ingredients in the store-bought type! Perfect for a gift or a treat with your daily tea! Matcha green tea powder is also packed full of cancer fighting antioxidants!

Ingredients:

Makes 20 small bounty bars

Matcha Layer

White Vanilla Layer

  • 2 cups desiccated coconut
  • 1 cup low fat coconut milk
  • 4tbsp coconut oil
  • 4 tbsp honey
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Outside

  • 6 tbsp cacao butter
  • 4 tbsp cacao powder
  • 3 tbsp honey

Directions

  1. Matcha Layer: Blend all ingredients in a food processor until desired consistency is reached (chunky or if you like blend longer for smoother). Set aside
  1. White Vanilla Layer: Repeat same step above with all ingredients. Set aside.
  1. Separately compress each of the fillings into small rectangles about 1.5/ 2 cm tall.
  1. Place the matcha layer onto the vanilla layer and press down to push them together.
  1. Place in freezer until firm
  1. Chocolate outer coat: Bring a pot of water to the boil and then set on low heat. Place another bowl/pot with all the chocolate ingredients on top of the water and use the heat to melt the chocolate. Take care to ensure the chocolate does not burn.
  1. When filling is ready, remove from freezer and dip into the chocolate. Place back on tray and into the freezer for 10 minutes to set. Store in the fridge and enjoy!

Note: It is important you buy the matcha green tea powder from a high quality source so you receive the full health benefits and also so the flavour is not bitter. Low quality matcha can be very bitter. You can buy Zen Green Tea premium, organic, Japanese matcha green tea powder for the best price in Australia here.

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Matcha, Cashew and Coconut Bite Recipe

matcha cashew and coconut bite recipe

This matcha, cashew and coconut bite recipe is made by mixing cashew & coconut butters. With no added sugar and portioned into small doses they are perfect for pick-me-up snack.

Serves: 10
INGREDIENTS
  • 2.5 Tbs coconut butter
  • 2 Tbs cashew butter
  • ½ tsp Zen Green Tea matcha green tea powder
  • ½ tsp extract of choice, e.g vanilla or peppermint. (optional)
  • 1 Tbs pistachio nuts, finely chopped
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Melt the coconut butter by placing the glass jar in small saucepan of simmering water. When the butter is soft, give a good stir and place 2.5Tbs in a small bowl with the cashew butter. Stir until the two butters are unified.
  2. Add the matcha powder, (and flavouring if using) and stir thoroughly
  3. Spoon into silicone moulds, and top with crushed pistachios. Place in the freezer to set for 30 minutes before popping out.
  4. Best kept refrigerated in an air-tight container.

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Matcha White Chocolate Bark Recipe

matcha white chocolate bark recipe

Matcha White Chocolate Bark Recipe: Beautifully presented, easy and most importantly delicious recipe

Ingredients

  • 500 GR high quality white chocolate, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons Zen Green Tea matcha powder
  • ½ cup freeze-dried raspberries, lightly crushed
  • ⅓ cup unsweetened, shaved coconut

Directions

1. Heat a small saucepan with one inch of water over high heat until the water barely comes to a simmer. Reduce heat to maintain this bare simmer.

2. Place a large metal bowl over the saucepan of water and add ¾ of the chopped chocolate. Take care not to let any water or steam touch the chocolate or it can seize

3. Cook, stirring often until the chocolate has melted and reads between 37-40 degrees celcius on an instant-read thermometer. Remove the bowl from the heat and add the reserved chocolate. Stir until all the chocolate has melted.

4. Sift the matcha over the bowl to make sure there are no lumps and stir until the streaks disappear and the chocolate is uniform in color.

5. Stir half the raspberries and half the coconut into the melted chocolate then pour onto a parchment-lined sheet pan. Spread the melted chocolate to a roughly 10×10-inch square then sprinkle the rest of the raspberries and coconut over the top. Gently press the toppings into the chocolate to make sure they stick.

6. Set the bark aside to cool for 2 hours at room temperature or 20 minutes in the fridge before slicing into 16 pieces.

Serve at room temperature.

Makes 16 pieces.

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Matcha Green Tea Powder Chai Tea Recipe

matcha green tea powder chai recipe

This matcha green tea powder chai recipe is delicious, fragrant and warming- perfect as the weather cools down.

Serves 2 cups

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons of Zen Green Tea matcha powder
  • 2 regular tea bags-black tea, orange pekoe etc
  • 1/8-1/4 teaspoon EACH of ground ginger and cardamom
  • 1 whole clove
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • ¼ cup date or coconut sugar or honey to taste
  • 2 ½ cups milk

Instructions

1. Add water, spices and tea bags to a saucepan and bring to a boil

2. Boil for 5 minutes. This mixture will darken as it boils. Don’t worry if a tea bag breaks, you’ll be straining this later anyway.

3. Add the sugar or honey. As you make this recipe each time use a little less sweetener and you will get used to the less-sweet taste. Next, add the milk and bring back just to a boil. Be careful it doesn’t boil over. Tip: To keep the chai from boiling over, run a stick of butter around the rim of the pan when it’s hot.

4. In a separate bowl dissolve the matcha powder with a little water and add this to the milk and stir

5. Strain the chai tea into your cup, add a stick of cinnamon to garnish and enjoy!

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How to make your matcha with or without a bamboo whisk

How to make matcha bamboo whisk

We explain the different ways to make your matcha tea with or without a bamboo whisk

There are different ways to prepare your matcha whether you bought a bamboo whisk or the tea on it’s own. The key difference is that the bamboo whisk really assists in mixing the matcha thoroughly to deliver a smoother tea.

Preparing matcha with no bamboo whisk

1. Place 1/4 teaspoon of matcha into a cup and add a splash of hot (not boiling) water

2. Using your spoon mix thoroughly to remove any lumps of matcha – i usually use the sides of the tea cup to assist with this

3. Top up with more hot water for a hot drink or iced water and ice for an iced matcha tea. Enjoy!

Preparing matcha with a bamboo whisk

1. Place 1 level scoop (or 1/4 teaspoon) of matcha into the bottom of a wide tea cup or bowl and break up the powder using the ends of the whisk

2. Add a small dash of hot water (2 table spoons) & whisk thoroughly in a “W” motion for about 5 seconds until the matcha is well mixed.

3. Top up with more hot water for a hot drink or iced water and ice for an iced matcha tea. Enjoy!

For more matcha recipes Click Here

 

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5 Reasons to Start Drinking Matcha Green Tea Powder

matcha green tea powder

We explain the top 5 reasons to start drinking matcha green tea powder every day!

With matcha you are consuming the whole tea leaf stone ground into a fine powder. As a result matcha contains a phenomenal array of health benefits. I’ve picked just a few to list below.

  1. Protects One From Chronic Diseases

Match is a hub of antioxidants. A research report by Tuffs University showed that matcha contains more than twenty times as many antioxidants as is found in blueberries or pomegranates.  You may be wondering what this fuss about antioxidants is all about. Well, antioxidants are the chemical compounds (occur naturally), which help the body to fight against chronic illnesses and aging. When you take sufficient amounts of matcha, you equip your body with a powerful mechanism to fight diseases such as high blood pressure, cancer and heart diseases. EGCG, a type of polyphenol (antioxidant) found in matcha has been shown to slow/ halt the growth of cancer cells while at the same time boosting the body’s metabolism. EGCG also protects your skin from DNA and cell damage often triggered by environmental factors. Matcha will thus act as a natural skin brightener and protector.

  1. Helps in Relaxation

In the early days, Japanese people used to drink matcha during their meditation times to improve concentration and focus. This way, they were able to remain calm and alert throughout the sessions. Research conducted on matcha has shown that it contains L-Theanine, a rare amino acid that promotes relaxation and well-being in a person. It does so by promoting Alpha waves in the brain and studies have shown matcha to increase Serotonin levels. L-Theanine is found in green tea but is found in greater amounts (five times more) in matcha. The side effects of caffeine (found in green tea) are counteracted by this amino acid. This way you stay focused, stress free and are able to learn better.

  1. A Remedy For Weight Loss

Matcha is renown to aid in weight loss for several reasons. First of all, we have seen that matcha helps reduce stress, a known cause of increased belly fat and appetite. This means that your weight is kept in check. Secondly, it helps the body burn four times more calories than the normal fat burning levels.  According to a study by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, those people who drink match have their calories burning rate improve from 10% to around 40%. Unlike other quick fixes used for weight loss, matcha doesn’t raise blood pressure or heart rate.

  1. A Perfect Detoxifier

If you are looking to detoxify your body, then matcha is the way to go. Chlorophyll helps in removing heavy metals and harmful chemicals found in the body. Considering that matcha contains more chlorophyll than any other green tea, it becomes the most powerful daily detox that you should incorporate in your diet.

  1. Boosts Energy

Matcha is also a great energy source because of the special way it deliver caffeine to your body in comparison to coffee. With matcha the caffeine is absorbed and released slowly by the body over a period of 6-8 hours. This means that matcha provides a sustainable energy boost and does not deliver the rapid 30 minute spike, slump and “jitters” associated with coffee.

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How to make a matcha green tea iced tea station

matcha iced tea station

In the midst of summer and soon autumn the warm weather is the perfect time to host friends for a party. A simple, easy and beautiful way to impress your guests is setting up a gorgeous iced tea station!

The first thing you need is a glass dispenser. Although these look expensive you can pick up one for as little at $29 at Victoria’s Basement stores (can buy in store or online). We recommend getting a glass dispenser that sits on a base which looks much nicer and allows for easy glass filling.

We placed this dispenser on a table and we bought some beautiful fresh green leaves from our local florist and some lemons from the fruit store. Placing these around the iced tea stand creates a natural and fresh look. For serving glasses we recommend you save glass jars you use and clean them well. Mismatched jars look great, and by tying some brown twine around their rims they carry the same theme and look eclectic.

If you are feeling more creative there are so many fabulous creative things you can do like creating name tags, or entirely wrapping bottles in twine and using for decoration!

We also set up a beautiful wooden board and put our hand made granola bars on it (big hit!). Recipe for these is here: Matcha Granola Bars

The Iced Tea Itself

Now that we’ve covered the decorations it’s time for the delicious iced tea! I’m a big believer in reducing the amount of sugar consumed and one of the best ways to do this is to always try and avoid drinking sugary beverages. The iced tea’s you’d buy in the stores or the syrups are all loaded with sugar and lacking in any health benefits. I much prefer an all natural and healthy iced tea.

Matcha Green Tea with Citrus and Fruit

  • 1 tablespoon of Zen Green Tea matcha powder
  • 2 lemons
  • 2 limes
  • 2 apples
  • 1 handful Mint
  • 8 cups ice

Directions

  1.  Slice the lemon and lime into thin circles and add to the dispenser
  2. Thinly slice the apple and add to the dispenser
  3. Clap the mint between your hands (opens up the flavour) and add to the dispenser
  4. Dissolve the matcha powder in a small amount of hot water making sure you remove any clumps. I find the easiest way is to form a paste and then add water little by little. Pour this mixture into a jug of water and mix it around. Pour this into the dispenser.
  5. Top up the dispenser with water and ice
  6. Using tongs disperse the fruit in the dispenser
  7. Make more matcha and add more ice and water as needed throughout the day

Note: The matcha is a naturally sweet non bitter green tea and has 137 times the antioxidants of standard green tea! Matcha is the whole green tea leaf stone ground into a powder so it’s flavour cannot be replaced by using tea bags which are often bitter. When matcha is mixed with the sweetness of the apple and citrus from the lemon and lime it makes a very refreshing iced tea!

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How to beat stress and anxiety naturally

matcha green tea powder stress

Zen Green Tea founder Erin talks about some simple practices everyone can use to try and overcome stress and anxiety naturally.

Every day I hear of more and more people who are suffering from stress, anxiety or depression. In my opinion there is a huge lack of understanding in the medical industry where our society seems to be treating the effects with drugs instead of addressing the root causes of these conditions. I have myself experienced at one point stress and anxiety and it’s not a nice feeling, in fact it is really debilitating and a sad place to be. At the time luckily I was able to recognise it and I subsequently made some changes and I was able to get back to my usual positive, happy self.

I wanted to share with you some simple practices you can employ or tell to a loved one who may be experiencing stress, anxiety or depression.

What are the root causes? From what I have seen from friends experiencing stress, anxiety and depression there is a root cause that they feel as though their life is not on track and they do not have a goal they are working towards. When they experience this in conjunction to some aggravating factors like isolation, poor diet, lack of exercise or lack of sleep then it can quickly spiral into a depression.

Factor 1: Perspective on goals and life

One of the best things I did at a time when I had anxiety was to try and change my mindset where I learned not to tie my sense of worth into the goals I was trying to achieve. It was important for me to learn that there is no “on track” in life and that it was fine for me to have dreams and goals but that I needed to enjoy exactly where I was right now. Some of the most useful tools/habits:

  • Stopping future negative thinking: Often I would create all these future scenarios in which negative experiences would happen. This was a huge problem causing me anxiety in the present even when everything was ok.
  • Stopping past rumination: A lot of stress and anxiety especially when it stems from a decision we’ve made is caused by constantly rethinking or “ruminating” over what has happened. This is not healthy and I always stop myself immediately by reminding myself that I did the best that I could at that point in time with the information I had. I need to learn from the experience and move on.
  • Practice gratitude: Happiness is wanting what you have so one of the best ways to help your esteem is to start recognising that even if you feel you are not where you want to be you should still be grateful for what you have. Start the day by being thankful for a warm bed, for a caring friend, for a nice cup of green tea. You’ll soon start to feel lighter and happier.

Factor 2: Isolation

Often stress and anxiety can cause people to isolate themselves or isolation (i.e. break ups, redundancy) can cause stress and anxiety. One of the best things I did when I was stressed was to ensure I had contact with people every day- whether it be friends, family, going to a café for coffee or joining a community group or sporting team. Having a network of real people (not just Facebook friends) will help you see that everyone has problems, everyone goes through hard times and that it’s important to stay positive.

Factor 3: Diet and Exercise

Many studies are showing how important a healthy diet and regular exercise is good for mental health. Serotonin is a chemical in our brain which is thought to have a huge impact on mental health where low serotonin levels can result in depression. We can boost our serotonin levels by consuming a healthy diet of leafy green vegetables, whole grains and good fats like salmon and avocado. Exercise also produces feel-good endorphins and promotes the production of serotonin in the brain. Matcha green tea is fantastic to combat stress as it contains the amino acid L-Theanine which enters the bloodstream and has been shown to help increase serotonin and dopamine levels.

Factor 4: Lack of sleep

Sleep is so important for overall health, if you are exhausted then you do not have the energy to tackle any of the above factors. One of the reasons for insomnia can often be the inability to stop thinking. I have found simply playing some soft background music like “Ocean Sounds” and focusing on this can aid in falling asleep. The streaming service “Pandora” is just $7 a month and has a great channel “Ocean Waves for Deep Sleep” that I often use if my mind is too active. I’d also advise cutting out coffee at least after 10am- if you need the energy boost have a matcha green tea instead which delivers caffeine in a way that won’t cause you sleepless nights.

I hope you enjoy this article and find it useful. I would love to hear from you if you want me to expand on any of the    points above or if you Zen Erin Picenjoyed   reading this: [email protected]

Erin is the Founder of Zen Green Tea

You can read more about health benefits of matcha here: Matcha Health Benefits

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Are you doing these simple tricks to beat the bulge?

matcha weight loss

Matcha and Weight Loss

It’s that time of year again where we all look back on the Christmas festivities with fond memories and round bellies! Often being healthy isn’t about sweeping reform and drastic dieting but instead it’s about making some simple changes that have big effects. Here are some simple changes you can be making in the New Year:

  1. Cutting down on the sugar: There is a growing amount of research that is showing that sugar is a major culprit contributing to many conditions like obesity and diabetes. CSIRO estimates that Australians consumer on average 27 teaspoons a day of sugar. The World Health Organisation has recently advised that at the very least we have to halve the amount consumed each day. The easiest ways to reduce sugar intake is to ensure you do not drink any sugar for example drink primarily water, and if you want to mix it up a little add some cut fruit, a squeeze of lemon or some fresh sprigs of mint or rosemary to your water. We have a great sugar free iced tea recipe here: Sugar Free Iced Tea. When you do have a sugar craving why not have a delicious yet healthy treat. A huge trend at the moment is “Nice cream” which is actually just blending frozen banana and adding different healthy treats to make delicious natural ice cream. We have included here a recipe for delicious Green Tea Nice Cream: Matcha Nice Cream.
  2. Incorporate more greens into your diet: Green leafy vegetables and antioxidant rich foods are the best thing you can put into your body. Why are antioxidants so important? Everyday your body produces free radicals from exposure to sun damage, toxins, and ageing. These free radicals are missing a component and they travel around your body damaging healthy cells to try and replace their missing part. This cell damage can cause the loss of skin elasticity (aka wrinkles) and also if damaged cells start multiplying then they cause cancer. Antioxidants can be thought of as a missing parts supply where they provide free radicals with the part they need and then take them out of your system with no cell damage. Juicing is a fantastic way to increase your green vegetable and antioxidant count- every second day you could make a delicious green vegetable juice and you’ll notice the lift in energy and glow in your skin. For an added antioxidant boost you could mix in a teaspoon of matcha green tea powder which has the highest level of antioxidants compared to any other natural substance! Here is a delicious green vegetable juice recipe: Anti-Aging Energy Juice.

matcha weight loss

  1. Smart exercise: One of the quickest ways to help increase your fitness is to mix up your exercise routine. During walking you could find some stairs and walk these several times. Another way to help strengthen your muscles is to use a resistance band- resistance bands are a very low impact way to add some weight to your exercises. You should try and do a little exercise everyday- it can be a great opportunity to spend time with family, friends or your partner. Instead of meeting for a coffee and cake or a drink choose to take a walk in your nearby park or beach.

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Matcha Green Tea Powder Green Juice Recipe

matcha green tea powder green juice

 

Try this delicious matcha green tea powder green juice recipe to feel energized and radiant!

 

Green vegetables juices are becoming more and more popular based on their ability to easily and dramatically increase ones daily vegetable intake.

To make a green juice you need to invest in a juicer or perhaps start off with blending and if you enjoy that you may then like to invest in a juicer.

Ingredients:

  • ½ Bunch Kale
  • ½ Bunch Celery
  • 1 Medium Cucumber
  • 1 thumb sized knob of fresh ginger
  • 1 Green Apples
  • 1 teaspoon Zen Green Tea matcha green tea powder
  • Makes one glass of green juice

Directions:

  1. Wash all vegetables and roughly cut into chunks that will fit in your juicer
  2. Juice all vegetables
  3. Mix the matcha powder in a little water until fully dissolved and mix in with your green juice

NOTE: Matcha green tea powder is an optional extra –it’s a green tea powder that has the highest antioxidant level where one serve will give you almost your whole daily antioxidant needs. This added to your green juice will make it incredibly healthy and a great energy booster.

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Matcha Green Tea Powder Iced Tea Recipe (Sugar free!)

matcha green tea powder iced tea recipe

This matcha green tea powder iced tea recipe is delicious, healthy and so simple to make!

Iced Green Tea with Mint and Lemon

This easy to make iced tea is both delicious and healthy as it’s packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.

Ingredients

1 teaspoon Zen Green Tea matcha green tea powder

1 freshly sliced lemon

1 teaspoon natural maple syrup

1 Jug water (sparkling, still or tap)

Optional: Mint leaves, apple slices

Directions

  1. Pour 1/3 cup of hot water into the matcha and dissolve the powder
  2. Add the teaspoon of maple syrup and stir
  3. Pour mixture into your jug of water
  4. Squeeze the lemons and add into the jug
  5. Serve with ice

Note: Matcha green tea powder is an incredible superfood. It contains the highest level of antioxidants compared to any other natural substance. Ensure you buy from a high quality source as high quality matcha is naturally sweet, vibrant green and has a fine texture.

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Matcha latte Recipe for Cafe’s

Matcha latte recipe cafe's

How to use matcha quickly and easily in a busy café:

We recommend that before service you make a matcha syrup that can easily form matcha lattes, iced tea’s and smoothie add ins.

Matcha Syrup Recipe

Ratio: The ratio is 1 teaspoon matcha to 3 teaspoons hot water and optional (1 teaspoon honey to every 3 teaspoons of matcha)

Instructions: Before service mix the ratio together in a jug and keep aside

After service cover and refrigerate. Best to make a fresh batch every day.

Quick and Easy Matcha Latte

Step 1: Pour approx. 2 teaspoons of syrup into bottom of the clear glass

Step 2: Froth hot milk (same as that used for coffee)

Step 3:  Pour frothed milk into syrup and serve with honey (if not already added to the syrup).

* Serve with a sprinkle of matcha or cinnamon (optional)

Quick and Easy Iced Matcha Tea

Step 1: Pour approx. 2 teaspoons syrup to an empty glass

Step 2: Fill with water and stir

Step 3:  Add with ice and freshly cut seasonal fruit (we love fresh mint leaves, slices of lemon, sliced strawberries or apples)

Zen Green Tea supplies many hospitality businesses with it’s high quality Japanese matcha in bulk (1 KG bags). Email [email protected] to inquire about wholesale prices.  

 

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Easy Matcha, Pear, Chocolate Pavlova Recipe

matcha pavlova recipe

Crunchy, sweet and loaded with yumminess, Pear and Chocolate Pavlova!

Ingredients

  • 4 Egg Whites
  • 1¼ cup Sugar
  • Pinch of Salt
  • ⅓ cup sliced Almonds,
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) Pear Halves, drained and syrup reserved
  • 1 cup (8 oz) Dark Chocolate Chips
  • 1½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 2 oz Powdered Sugar, sifted
  • 1 Vanilla Bean, split and seeds removed and reserved
  • Zest of ½ Orange
  • 2 Teaspoons Zen Green Tea Matcha
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 150 degrees Celsius. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a very clean and dry bowl, whisk your egg whites with mixer until stiff peaks start to form.
  3. Slowly start adding the Sugar and Salt and continue to whisk for another 5 – 8 minutes until you have a glossy mixture with firm peaks. If you pinch a bit of the mixture between your fingers and it still feels grainy, then continue to mix for another couple of minutes until it feels smooth.
  4. On a prepared parchment lined baking sheet, spoon out Meringue mixture and spread around to be about 2 – 3 inches thick. Using the back of the spoon or rubber spatula, “swirl” the top to give it some peaks.
  5. Bake in the preheated 300F oven and bake for 45 minutes – 1 hour. The outside will crack and the inside will be sticky and slightly soft.
  6. Remove from oven and cool.
  7. In a small saucepan, melt the Chocolate with the reserved pear syrup and 1 teaspoon ground ginger until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly.
  8. In a large bowl, using a mixer, beat the Whipping Cream, Vanilla seeds and sifted Powdered Sugar and sifted matcha together until soft peaks form. Do not over mix or you will end up with something more like butter.
  9. In a dry skillet, warm the Almond slivers. Set Aside.
  10. Cut the Pear Halves into 3 – 4 slices per half.
Assemble:
  1. Place the cool Meringue on your serving plate and top with half the  Matcha Whipped Cream and half the Chocolate.
  2. Add the pears and top off with the Almond slivers and the remaining Whipped Cream and Chocolate. Grate over the Orange Zest.
  3. Serve and Enjoy!

Tips: The Meringue base can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept in a dry place, covered. (I kept mine in an airtight container at room temperature). Try to assemble within 2 hours or less of your serving time for best.
Use any fresh berries or fruit in season instead of the Pears and try other types of nuts for a completely new dessert.
Ensure you use high quality matcha – Zen Green Tea offers free shipping and high quality, affordable matcha

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Pistachio Green Tea Ice Cream Popsicle Recipe

green tea ice cream popsicle recipe

Try this delicious Pistachio Green Tea Ice Cream Popsicle Recipe and impress at your next dinner event!

With summer just around the corner why not make you own healthy ice cream popsicles- these would be an ideal gourmet treat at the end of a meal to surprise your family with.

Ingredients

2 teaspoons Zen Green Tea matcha powder (www.zengreentea.com.au)

1/2 cup pistachios, shelled (85g shelled weight)
1/2 cup (85g) cashews
1/2 cup coconut milk
1 cup coconut flesh
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
1/4 cup maple syrup
3 tablespoons coconut oil melted
100g good quality dark chocolate or raw chocolate, melted (opt)

Makes 8 small ice creams

Gluten free; dairy free; sugar free; vegan; paleo; raw

 

Directions

  1. Mix pistachios and cashews in food processor or high-powered blender and blitz to a fine crumb.
  2. Add coconut milk, coconut flesh, vanilla, Zan Green Tea matcha powder and maple and blitz until smooth.
  3. Keep blender running whilst pouring in melted coconut oil. This should create a beautiful creamy consistency in the blend.
  4. Pour into ice cream moulds or ramekins and freeze 2-3 hours to set.
  5. To serve, remove ice creams from moulds, place on a tray lined with baking paper and drizzle over molten chocolate.
  6. Place back in the fridge to set for a minute or two and then serve.

Note: Matcha green tea powder is an incredible superfood. It contains the highest level of antioxidants compared to any other natural substance. Ensure you buy from a high quality source as high quality matcha is naturally sweet, vibrant green and has a fine texture.

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Pistachio & Matcha Bliss Ball Recipe

matcha pistachio bliss ball recipe

Delicious Pistachio & Matcha Bliss Ball Recipe- No Bake, Guilt free treat!

This is a simple and absolutely gorgeous recipe which also makes for a delicious gift if you package up in a festive tin for your loved ones! The stunning green colour comes both from the pistachios and also the Zen Green Tea matcha powder. Matcha is pure green tea leaves stone ground into a fine powder- it has the highest antioxidant levels out of any naturally occurring substance, and is known for its metabolism, and energy boosting properties. We love to drink matcha on its own as a beautiful tea but it can also be used to make fantastic recipes!

Ingredients

1 teaspoon Zen Green Tea matcha (www.zengreentea.com.au)

1/2 cup raw cashew nuts
1/2 cup unsweetened desiccated coconut
2 x 20ml tablespoons almond meal
2 x 20ml tablespoons coconut flour
2 x 20ml tablespoons water
2 x 20ml tablespoons rice malt syrup
1 x 20ml tablespoon extra-virgin coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup shelled pistachio nuts, chopped

Directions

  1. In a food processor, blend the cashew nuts, coconut, almond meal, coconut flour and Zen Green Tea matcha powder until you get the texture of fine crumbs.
  2. Add the water, rice malt syrup and melted coconut oil and blend until everything is well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold together, but not so sticky that you can’t roll it into balls. If the mixture is too sticky, add a tiny bit more coconut flour. If it’s too dry, add a touch more water.
  3. Roll the mixture into balls and coat in the chopped pistachio nuts, pressing the nuts lightly into the balls to make them stay. Leave the balls in the fridge to set. Store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Note: Matcha green tea powder is an incredible superfood. It contains the highest level of antioxidants compared to any other natural substance. Ensure you buy from a high quality source as high quality matcha is naturally sweet, vibrant green and has a fine texture.

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A Day on a Plate – Delicious recipes with Carla

Carla Thomas is the author of this post. She is a Holistic Counsellor, published author, and founder of The Juicy Movement.

A Day on a Plate with Carla

As a holistic counsellor with a focus on mind-body medicine, for me, everything about what I eat and drink needs to respond with a big YES! to two basic questions:

  • Does it taste delicious?
  • Will it nourish me?

To do this, I simply load my meals with goodness – both through choosing nutrient-packed ingredients and also by boosting my diet with my wholefood supplement of choice, which bridges the gap between what I can physically consume in a day, and what my body actually needs (reach out to know more about this, if you’d like!).

I also do my very best to stop, sit down and appreciate what I have in front of me. Believe me, I know, some days it’s tough to do – and sometimes, I just don’t manage it. I rush between one meeting and the next, deadlines, events… and nibble or sip on something absentmindedly at my desk or on the way to a meeting. It happens! But, when I can, I make myself stop and dedicate precious minutes quietly enjoying my food or sitting down to dinner with my hubby, Byron. Present in the moment. When I switch back on again, I am always more focused, energised, and thankful for the break I allowed myself.

Recipes on a mission:

So, I’d like to share three recipes from my recent book, The Juicy Movement: A holistic approach to clean living with you here, in a sort-of “Day on a Plate”.

With them, I set you a mission to slow down, just for a little while. Put your phone in a drawer, create a calm atmosphere, and dedicate yourself the few minutes it’ll take to prep and enjoy these recipes and nourish from the inside-out.

***SPECIAL OFFER***

To add extra inspiration, I’m offering a special discount code JUICYZEN to Zen Green Tea fans to purchase my book at the discounted rate of $30.00 including free shipping within Australia. Simply visit my website and enter the code before 30th November 2017!

Recipes: A Day on the Plate

Breakfast

I truly believe your first meal sets the tone when it comes to the rest of your food choices that day, so breakfast is a non-negotiable. Most days, it’s a nutrient-packed smoothie. Here’s one of my favourites:

My Green Staple

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp Zen Green Tea powder
  • thumb tip-size of fresh ginger, peeled
  • 1 tbsp nut butter or raw nuts of choice
  • 1 small banana, frozen pieces or fresh
  • ¼ cup frozen peas
  • ½ cup chopped cucumber
  • ½ small or ¼ large avocado
  • 1 tsp hemp seeds
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • 1½ cups unsweetened nut milk of choice
  • ½ cup coconut water
  • 1 tsp maca powder
  • 1 sachet of Juice Plus+ Vanilla Complete (see Tips)
  • sprinkle of ground cinnamon
  • sprinkle of ground turmeric
  • 1 – 2 cups fresh spinach and/or kale

How

Simply place all ingredients in your blender and blitz until smooth.

Tips

  • Sprinkle with a few extra chia seeds and an extra pinch of cinnamon and turmeric, to serve.
  • JuicePlus+ Complete is my wholefood protein powder of choice. It’s all natural, vegan and, most importantly, peer-reviewed and backed by science. If you don’t have it, substitute with 1 scoop protein powder of choice but please be mindful as not all protein powders are created equal! I’m more than happy to provide more details, so just reach out if you need.

Lunch & Dinner

As I say in The Juicy Movement book, I’m not a fan of labelling which meals you can eat when. I truly believe we will be more satisfied if we just eat what we feel like eating. If you want to have a “breakfast food” for dinner and a “lunch food” for breakfast – go for it! So, here are two of my go-to savory dishes, feel free to enjoy them at any time of the day!

Byron’s Crispy Skin Salmon

My husband, Byron, is the king of cooking salmon to perfection, so this is an ode to him. We enjoy it with a huge salad on the side.

Serves 2

Ingredients

  • 2 skin-on salmon fillets (approx. 200g each)
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp organic unrefined coconut oil
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed or finely chopped
  • 1 thumb tip-size piece fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 small or ½ large red chilli, finely chopped

How

  1. Give the salmon skin a good sprinkle with salt, then set aside.
  2. Place a non-stick pan over high heat and add coconut oil. Once the oil has melted, add the garlic, ginger and chilli. Stir to add flavour and fragrance to the pan, but be careful not to burn.
  3. Once the pan is very hot, add the two salmon fillets skin down. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until skin is nice and crispy (but not burnt!). Turn and cook for a further few minutes or to your liking.

Veg & Guacamole Nori Rolls

This is my lazy dish for when I don’t feel like cooking. It’s just a whole heap of veggies and messy eating with my fingers! Add in some extra protein, like cooked chicken or boiled eggs, if you like.

Serves 1-2

Ingredients

Nori Rolls

  • handful of fresh spinach
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds or mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower) or pine nuts
  • ½ – 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • squeeze of lemon juice
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • dulse flakes
  • ½ medium carrot, cut into sticks
  • ¼ – 1/3 cucumber or 1 small Lebanese cucumber, cut into sticks
  • ¼ – ½ red capsicum, cut into sticks
  • 1-2 gherkins, halved
  • 6 olives
  • 1-2 tbsp sauerkraut
  • freshly chopped coriander or parsley, to serve
  • 3 Brazil nuts or 1 tbsp almonds, walnuts or cashews
  • 2-3 sheets nori paper, torn into quarters

Guacamole

  • ½ large ripe avocado
  • juice of ½ lime
  • 1-2 slices red onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cherry tomatoes, finely chopped
  • pinches of ground turmeric and paprika
  • salt, to taste
  • 1 tsp yeast flakes (optional)

How

  1. Place your spinach, seeds and/or pine nuts in a small bowl and dress lightly with oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper and dulse flakes, then toss to coat.
  2. Arrange the carrot, cucumber and capsicum on a large plate or board along with the gherkins, olives, sauerkraut, nuts, and dressed spinach. Place torn sheets of nori on the side. Top with the chopped herbs.
  3. For the guacamole, place the avocado in a bowl and mash with a fork, then add remaining ingredients and mix together.
  4. Now, this is where the fun begins! Grab one of the nori sheet quarters and fill it however your heart desires. Mix and match, eat some with a fork, some with your fingers… Just dig in, get messy, playful and have fun with it.

Want more recipes? Check out Carla’s full book- The Juicy Movement: A holistic approach to clean living. 

***SPECIAL OFFER*** 

Free Shipping: Use the discount code JUICYZEN on Carla’s website to purchase your copy for only $30 (SAVE $8 on shipping!. Offer open until midnight, 30th November 2017.

Carla Thomas: Holistic Counsellor/Mind-Body Medicine, Wholefood Cheerleader, Author, I Quit Sugar Expert, and Founder of The Juicy Movement

Keep in touch!

Instagram: carlathomas_liveclean
Facebook: Carla Thomas Live Clean
Email: [email protected]

Strawberry, Oat Matcha Muffin Recipe

matcha muffin recipe

This is one of our all time favourite matcha recipes by Thirsty for Tea.

Strawberry Oat Matcha Muffins

Makes 16 muffins. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup old-fashioned oats
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cups sugar
  • 1 Tbsp baking powder
  • 2 Tbsp Zen Green Tea matcha, sifted
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 1/4 cup milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 6 oz container of non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, in liquid state
  • 1 lb organic strawberries, diced into 1/4″ pieces
  • non-stick spray
  • sanding sugar, to finish (optional)

Equipment:

  • 2 mixing bowls
  • mixing spoon
  • 2- 12 cavity standard muffin tins
  • 16 cupcake liners
  • ice cream scoop (optional)
  • toothpick
  • cooling rack

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place 8 cupcake liners in each tin, then lightly spray a coating of non-stick spray on them.

2. In one mixing bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients. In another mixing bowl, mix together all the wet ingredients. Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry until just mixed through. Gently mix in the diced strawberries. Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to fill the liners until the batter is just shy of the top rim of the liner (pretty much to the top). Sprinkle the tops with sanding sugar for a crunchy muffin crust.

3. Bake the muffins at 200 degrees Celsius for the first 10 minutes, then lower the heat to 80 degrees Celsius for approximately another 12-15 minutes until the tops are very lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean. When the muffins are cool enough to handle, transfer them to a cooling rack. If you serve the muffins immediately they may tend to stick to the liners. Wait until they cool completely and they should easily release.

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Matcha Banana Smoothie Bowl Recipe

matcha banana smoothie bowl recipe

Beautiful, easy and healthy matcha banana smoothie bowl recipe written by customer @naturally.tess

Ingredients:

  • 5 frozen bananas
  • Coconut water
  • 2 Dates
  • 1 Tablespoon Zen Green Tea matcha powder
  • Topped with Raspberries and Seed Sprinkle

Place all ingredients through your food processor- serve in a bowl and decorate with the topping of your choice- Enjoy!!

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Two Ingredient Healthy Matcha Nice Cream

Two Ingredient Vegan Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream
Ingredients
  • 2 large (or 3 small) bananas, peeled, cut into chunks, and then frozen in a freezer bag
  • 1 tsp Zen Green Tea matcha powder (www.zengreentea.com.au)

Instructions

  1. Place banana chunks into a food processor fitted with the S blade and turn machine on. Let the motor run until the bananas have a super creamy texture, just like soft serve ice cream. It might take a little time and the processor may make loud noises but it will work – don’t worry 🙂
  2. After the bananas become creamy, add Zen Green Tea matcha powder and blend. Serve immediately. Makes 2-3 servings. Leftover can be refrozen and then re-blended for a perfect texture. I love to serve topped with fresh summer berries!

You can make an amazing array of flavours too for example vanilla bean, orange peel and cacao:)

The matcha will give you an amazing energy kick and it’s packed full of antioxidants!

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Matcha Granola Bars

These are hands down one of my favourite things to make using our wonderful matcha 🙂 They are delicious, natural & vegan. Recipe inspired by My New Roots.

Matcha Green Granola Bars
Makes 14 bars

Ingredients:
2 cups / 200g rolled oats, gluten-free if desired
1 cup / 135g Pepitas
1 ½ cups unsweetened puffed rice cereal (rice, millet, quinoa etc.)
½ cup dried fruit (raisins, dates, figs, prunes, goji berries), roughly chopped
¼ tsp. flaky sea salt
1 – 1 ½ Tbsp. Zen Green Tea matcha green tea powder (to your taste)
1/3 cup / 80ml brown rice syrup
3 Tbsp. / 45 ml maple syrup
½ cup / 125ml tahini
2 Tbsp. coconut oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F/160°C. Combine oats and pepitas on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the oats are golden and have a nutty aroma.
2. In a small saucepan combine the brown rice syrup, maple syrup, tahini, coconut oil, vanilla. Whisk to combine. Do not overheat.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled oats and pumpkin seeds with the chopped dried fruit, rice puffs, salt, and matcha. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and stir quickly to mix.
4. Pour the mix into a brownie pan lined with plastic wrap or baking paper. Press the mixture firmly, especially into the corners. Place in the fridge for a couple hours to firm up, then remove from fridge and slice into bars. Keep leftovers in the fridge for up two weeks.

Note: As you can see we wrapped ours up in some parchment paper and brown twine- perfect for a special occasion or to give as a gift

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How to make a perfect (and easy!) matcha latte

matcha latte

You have probably seen a field of green in your Instagram lately, and some of you       may even have noticed green tea lattes popping up on the menu of your local cafe. For those of you that want to make a matcha latte from home, I wanted to share with you a great and simple recipe.

There are lots of different ways to make a matcha latte depending on what equipment you have- I’ve written a guide below which is perfect for those with or without equipment.

Ingredients

½ a teaspoon of Zen Green Tea matcha (1 teaspoon if you like a strong matcha taste)

1 cup of milk (dairy, almond, soy are all great)

Optional: Honey

Instructions

1.Dissolve the matcha powder with a splash of hot water to form a syrup (you could use a bamboo whisk if you have one or a teaspoon)

2.Froth hot milk: You can use a milk frother or heat in a saucepan and add the milk to a blender with the syrup to create the frothy effect.

Hint: You can Serve with a hint of honey or a sprinkle of matcha on top. Enjoy!!!

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Matcha Smoothie Bowl Recipe

matcha breakfast recipes smoothie bowl

This is a beautiful, antioxidant packed breakfast or snack idea!

INGREDIENTS

2 bananas
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 avocado
1 teaspoon Zen Green Tea matcha
drizzle of honey

INSTRUCTION

1. Blend your ingredients together

2. Pour into a pretty bowl

3. Decorate with your fave fruits: We love using what's in season so for summers its all about mango, pomegranate, berries and Winter is melons, strawberries and toasted nuts

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Why matcha is great for your teeth

matcha teeth

Matcha is great for your teeth- keeping them clean and cavity free

Matcha is great for your teeth because it has an exceedingly high catechin (notably EGCG) content.

The catechins is matcha have antibacterial effects, and in essence they act as microscopic plaque scrubbers that can help prevent cavity formation and periodontal disease.   Matcha actually inhibits the growth of the bacteria that cause plaque, and hence many dentists has come to think of a cup or glass of matcha after a meal as a delicious liquid floss.

Matcha catechins also inhibit the bacteria that cause bad breath as well.

Unlike coffee, matcha won’t stain your teeth either. Not bad added bonuses for a delicious drink of matcha.   So if oral hygiene is a priority for you, you now have yet another reason drink it!

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Matcha Energy Drink Recipe

Matcha energy drink recipe

Try this delicious matcha energy drink recipe to keep you concentrated and focused all day

Matcha Energy Drinks are sugar free and with no harmful chemicals or preservatives. Matcha is one of the best forms of natural energy and has some real science behind helping you concentrate because of the high concentration of L-Theanine.

Is is very easy to make a healthy matcha energy drink that is sugar free and not packed full of caffeine.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon Zen Green Tea matcha
  • Water
  • Ice
  • Sliced fruit (I love lemon and apple slices)
  • Fresh mint leaves

Directions

  1. Dissolve the matcha in a small amount of water ensuring there are no clumps (if you have a bamboo matcha whisk use this)
  2. Top up with water, sliced fruit and ice
  3. Stir and enjoy the boost in energy and the unwavering concentration!

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Matcha Smoothie Recipe

matcha smoothies

Traditional Matcha Smoothie

You will need:

  • Half a cup of yogurt
  • Two tablespoons of honey or sugar
  • Half a cup of ice cubes
  • A teaspoon of Zen Green Tea matcha

Preparation:

Just put all the ingredients in the blender and mix them together. And… that’s it! Enjoy your delicious simple matcha smoothie.

****

Matcha Fruit Smoothie

You will need:

  • A quarter of a cup of berries (raspberries, blueberries or blackberries)
  • Half a cup of yogurt
  • Half a cup of ice cubes
  • A teaspoon of Zen Green Tea matcha

Preparation:

Blend ingredients together in an electric blender and then pour the mixture into a tall class. It is prefrably to drink it immediately after preparation. You can add kiwis, bananas, mangos and flavors of mint or ginger, it is all up to you and your own preferences.

*****

Banana Matcha Smoothie

You will need:

  • One peeled, frozen banana, preferably an over-ripe banana
  • Half of cup of milk
  • Half of teaspoon of Zen Green Tea matcha
  • If you choose to, you can also add vanilla extract and sweeteners to taste

Preparation:

Mix all the above ingredients in the blender and blend until the mixture becomes smooth. You can also stir if necessary.

*****

Honey Matcha Smoothie

You will need:

  • A teaspoon of Zen Green Tea matcha
  • Two teaspoons of hot water
  • One cup of milk
  • A ripe banana
  • A tablespoon of honey
  • 4 ice cubs

Preparation:

Start by dissolving the matcha powder in hot water. Then combine all the ingredients in the blender and blend until the mixture is smooth.

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Matcha Green Tea Powder Ice Cream Recipe

MATCHA GREEN TEA POWDER ICE CREAM RECIPE

The quintessential matcha green tea powder ice cream recipe. Dreamy.

  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/3 cup raw evaporated cane sugar
  • Pinch sea salt
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 3 tablespoons sifted Zen Green Tea Matcha powder blended with 1/8 cup water to form a smooth paste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Scald milk mixture over low heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar, then remove from the heat. In a small mixing bowl whisk the three egg yolks lightly.

Slowly pour 1/4 of hot milk into egg yolks, whisking as you go to temper them, then add the yolk mixture back into the remaining hot milk. Cook, stirring constantly, over low heat until it thickens a bit. Remove from heat and pour back into mixing bowl.

Combine the matcha paste, cream and vanilla and add to the milk mixture. Whisk to blend and cool, then cover tightly and chill thoroughly. Follow the directions for your own ice cream maker.

“I was very disappointed when I had to give up ice cream to achieve my weight loss goal! However, when I told my nutritionist and personal trainer about this recipe I found, they researched the health benefits of matcha and said it was ok for me to have it as my weekly reward! I fell in love with this recipe and was so happy that I was achieving my weight loss weekly goals and still had the chance to reward myself at the end with my now favourite dessert!” – Kim Simpson

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Matcha tea cake recipe

matcha tea cake recipe
Matcha Tea Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup self raising flour
  • 1 teaspoon Zen Green Tea Matcha
  • 4 whole large eggs, at room temperature
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • Powdered sugar for dusting the top of the cake before serving, if desired

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius
  2. Sift the flour with the tea three times. Coat the bottom of a 9-inch round cake pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
  3. Place a round of parchment paper on the bottom of the pan and spray the parchment lightly. Set the pan aside.
  4. Place the eggs and sugar into a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (the bottom of the bowl should be above the level of the water). Whisking constantly, heat until the eggs and sugar feel warm to the touch (approximately room temperature). Using an electric mixer, beat until light in colour and texture, approximately tripled in volume. Then, gently but thoroughly, fold the dry ingredients into the egg foam without deflating, making sure that there is no undissolved flour lurking at the bottom of the mixing bowl.
  5. Immediately scoop the mixture into the prepared cake pan and bake for approximately 25 minutes, or until the cake tests done when a skewer is inserted into the centre. Cool on a rack. Dust with sifted powdered sugar just before serving, if desired.

“I love getting home after a hard day at work and making myself a delicious reward! This is a recipe I will keep for life!” – Sarah David

Matcha Truffle Recipe

matcha truffle recipe

Matcha Truffle Recipe

These little gems take only a few minutes of prep time, some cooling down time in the fridge, then a few more minutes to shape the chocolate into balls. Wrapped up in a pretty box, they make beautiful gifts for friends. Makes about 50 truffles.

Ingredients

  • 225 grams of heavy cream
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Zen Green Tea Matcha, plus another tablespoon for dusting
  • 340 grams bittersweet chocolate, chopped finely
  • Pinch of Matcha Salt or kosher salt
    1. Bring cream to a simmer in a small saucepan over gentle heat, add the maple syrup and brown sugar, and stir until dissolved, about 2 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of matcha, stir until dissolved, and set aside.
    2. Place the chocolate in a large mixing bowl and pour in the cream mixture. Mix thoroughly, and pour into a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Smooth it out with a rubber spatula. Cool in the refrigerator for about an hour.
    3. Using a spoon, scoop out a heaping teaspoon, and make a ball using the palms of your hands. Repeat until all the chocolate is used –you should wind up with about 50 truffles. Line them up on a tray or plate, and dust them with the additional matcha, using a fine sieve. Top with a very light sprinkling of matcha.

“I cannot express enough how amazed I was after I made these desserts! I took them to my grandmothers birthday party last week and everyone was raving about them. Would definitely recommend trying this recipe!” – Becky Davies

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Chilled Matcha Green Tea Powder Latte Recipe

chilled matcha green tea powder latte recipe

Try this delicious chilled matcha green tea powder latte recipe

Blend a chilled matcha green tea latte using a classic martini shaker.

  • Sift 2 tsps Zen Green Tea Matcha into a martini shaker
  • Fill shaker with 1 cup ice
  • Add half cup fresh filtered water
  • Shake well, and pour into a tall glass with fresh ice
  • Finish with 3 oz frothed chilled milk – cow, almond, soy or rice

Optional

  • Add flavors with chai spice, cinnamon, vanilla or coconut
  • Sift a pinch of matcha over the top

Adjust quantities to taste. There are no rules. Some people may prefer more milk and more tea or vice versa.

“There is nothing more satisfying than waking up on a hot summers day and lazing by the pool with an iced matcha green tea latte in hand!” – Bianca Mealing

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Matcha and Raspberry Friand Recipe

matcha and raspberry friand recipe

FriandsMakes 9 small friands (using regular muffin moulds)
I filled them up to the 2/3 mark so they are pretty small but that’s the way I want them to be.  

This is a Japanese inspired version of one of my favourite tea cakes. I love how the cake is moist and flavourful. You need quite a bit of matcha powder for the flavour and the colour to come through. Raspberries go well with the matcha – it’s like the unexpected kick in acidity.

Ingredients:
95g unsalted butter, cubed
135g egg whites
150g granulated sugar
100g almond meal
60g flour
12g Zen Green Tea matcha
pinch of salt
Optional: Fresh/frozen raspberries

Method:
1. Grease your muffin tins thoroughly with butter and dust flour sparingly over it.
2. Prepare a Beurre Noisette (French for “browned butter”): Heat the butter in a pan over low-medium fire and allow it to cook until it is golden brown in colour. Turn off the fire and take it off the heat once it is golden brown, otherwise, it will go from golden brown to black very quickly. Allow the beurre noisette to cool to room temperature while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
3. In a bowl, place sugar, flour and ground almond, matcha powder and salt together. Whisk the dry ingredients a little. Add in the (cooled) beurre noisette (including the brown sediments) and whisk to combine.
4. Add in the egg whites slowly while whisking till incorporated. You do not need to create too much volume in the egg whites. I do all this by hand as you just need the batter to come together.
5. Spoon the friands batter into the greased muffin moulds. Place a raspberry into the centre of the friand. Bake in a 190 degrees preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it springs back to touch.
6. Allow it to cool slightly in the muffin tins before unmoulding.  Cool them completely on wire racks before serving.

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Beauty’s secret ingredient: Matcha

Good skin

Every beauty junkie knows never there’s always something new and exciting to try, hence the lifelong addiction to product hoarding! If you haven’t heard of Matcha, get ready to be wowed, and if you have heard of it, you don’t know the half!

What exactly is Matcha and from where does it derive?
Derived from Japan, Matcha is revered and harvested with great care. It is a finely milled, high quality Green Tea, considered one of the finest teas in the world. As we all know, Green Tea is great. But, with Green Tea, you are consuming the essence of the tealeaves. With Matcha, you are consuming the tealeaves! It is indeed quite a powerhouse ingredient and contains ten times the nutrients of other teas. The benefits are tremendous.

Whoa. OK, so this stuff is serious! Give us the scoop on the benefits.
Well there are three key benefits. Beautifully green in color, Matcha is rich in chlorophyll, which is an excellent source of antioxidants and known to be great for detoxification. It is also high in catechin content, an antioxidant that helps fight bacteria and infections. In fact, Matcha is so high in antioxidants that it has a greater level than spinach, blueberries and dark chocolate! Also important, Matcha has L-theanine, an amino acid mainly found in tea that naturally enhances your mood, sense of well being, and increases your focus and concentration. All good, right?

See our Q & A with Emily, a matcha fan who runs an organic beauty salon!

Holy cow! So are Matcha’s beauty benefits best strictly as a topical treatment, or can we still ingest this tea to get the same results?
Absolutely. As long as I have been drinking Matcha, I’ve also been using it on my skin. Using Matcha internally as well as externally is the ideal collaboration. Besides being a great detoxifying agent, chlorophyll is a great source of antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory and healing properties. And aside from fighting bacteria and infections, catechins may slow down the aging process. As for L-Theanine, well, to put it simply, it is a feel-good benefit. And as Audrey Hepburn said, “The happy girls are the prettiest girls.”

Fab! So masks, lotions, cleansers, where can we infuse Matcha into our beauty regime?
Beauty products that contain Matcha are not plentiful, but can be located. Products with Green Tea, however, can be easily found in beauty products these days. Do-it-yourself treatments are a great option for those that do not have access to ready-made product.

Where can we find Matcha? Is it hard to source?
Like a good man, good Matcha is hard to find. Matcha comes in different grades. Quality Matcha normally comes with a higher price tag, but it’s worth it for the great benefits. Believe me, I’ve had some bad Matcha and don’t want you to waste your time and money. With its increasing popularity these days, you can find quality Matcha at Zengreentea.com.au (thanks for the recommendation Emily!)

What Matcha-infused products do you recommend we try?
I particularly love a Matcha face mask, which has Zen Green Tea Matcha Tea and and organic moisturiser as its key ingredients. It’s one of my absolute favorite beauty products and I recommend it all the time to everyone since it’s great for all skin types. Personally, as someone that has acne-prone yet mature skin, I notice a difference when I don’t use Matcha regularly. My skin tends to break out and look irritated if I don’t use it as a treatment at least once a week. You’ll look like a green monster for twenty minutes, but the baby soft, nourished skin you get right after is so well worth it! Everyone I know that’s used it, loves it and has achieved great results.

Sounds great. Any additional application tips or tricks?
To make your own “green goddess mask,” simply mix a tablespoon each of Matcha, honey, and yogurt. Heavier on the Matcha and not so heavy on the honey, unless you prefer it sticky.
Also, if you love ice cream as much as I do, you can mix Matcha into vanilla ice cream to turn it into a great-tasting green tea ice cream. See, who said ice cream isn’t good for you?

Thanks Emily! This info is awesome! Look out for more beauty ingredient info from our girl soon!

How to brew the perfect cup of tea

how to brew the perfect cup of tea

How to brew the perfect cup of tea

Billions of cups of tea are consumed every day around the world; however there is little agreement on how to make the perfect cup of tea.  I’m a huge tea drinker myself – even before I started my own tea business, Zen Green Tea. I have done a little research for you into how you can make every cup perfect.

1. The cup

The best type of cup to use is a china cup which is nicely rounded.  Why? Disposable cups may react with the tea, whereas china cups are impervious and the smooth surface means that the tannins in the tea do not stick to the surface and instead remain in the brew!

2. The water

Use fresh water that has been boiled only once. Repeated boiling reduces the oxygen content in the tea and can cause a “chalky” effect

3. Temperature

For black teas, using boiling water (100 degrees Celsius) is fine, but it’s best to wait a few seconds before pouring it straight into the cup. The reason is that the hotter the water, the more chemical reactions occur. Black teas do not have a very active antioxidant content because traditionally they have been processed for longer. When you drink white or green teas, it’s important to use water that is cooler (around 80 degrees Celsius). This is especially important for Matcha green tea powder as this tea contains the highest quantities of active antioxidants; so using boiling hot water will reduce its health benefits!

4. Brewing time

About three minutes is the best option- it allows for the full flavour of the tea to develop without bitterness. With Matcha tea, you can drink straight away as you are consuming the whole leaf

5. Milk?

If pouring from a tea pot it’s best to add the milk to your cup first then pour the tea into it. The reason, is that the proteins in the milk will bind better with the tannins in the tea to take away that bitterness and contribute to a smoother cup!

6. Drinking temperature

Leave your cup for six minutes so that it cools to 60 degrees- the perfect sipping temperature!

If you feel like spicing up your daily tea, our friends from Tea Perspective have a tea of the month club subscription box. Check them out!

Enjoy!

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Matcha and Concentration

matcha concentration

Matcha green tea powder is the perfect drink to help you concentrate

You know the feeling when you are working or studying and are so tired you can barely keep your eyes open to focus on what needs to be done. When I’m really tired, I am past the point of a coffee, as it just makes me jittery and puts me in a weird state of tired alertness. Matcha green tea, on the other hand, wakes me up without the haze and without the jitters. Caffeine is found in both beverages, but matcha and coffee deliver caffeine in different ways, leading to different results!

Have you ever wondered how caffeine actually works in your body? Caffeine is classified as a psychoactive drug, which works to block a particular molecule that suppresses your central nervous system. This means that the transmissions between cells in your body increase so you are more alert and hormones such as dopamine and serotonin are released.

A cup of matcha contains approximately 20% of the caffeine in a cup of coffee. However, there is a vital difference in the way matcha delivers this caffeine in comparison to coffee. With matcha, the caffeine is absorbed and released slowly by the body over a period of 6-8 hours. This means that matcha provides a sustainable energy boost without the rapid 30-minute spike, slump, and jitters associated with coffee.

In addition, tea is the only plant that makes the amino acid theanine. And because matcha plantations are shaded before harvest, matcha contains the highest concentration of theanine. Theanine is known for its ability to increase alpha waves in the brain and promote calmness and alert concentration, giving matcha users a great “zen” state.  Controlled experiments have shown that theanine has a positive effect on the mind and improves memory by increasing dopamine levels. Additionally, the alpha brain waves increase 40 minutes after a person consumes theanine, making this a great drink for students.

Although both matcha and coffee stimulate alertness, matcha releases caffeine over time and its high concentration of theanine means that the caffeine is better harnessed to promote focus and concentration.

 

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