Using Matcha powder is the perfect way to make your own delicious, natural, and healthy milk tea. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of it.
Prepare your tea
Choosing the right matcha for your palate requires a little bit of preparation. The Japanese have a specific way to prepare the tea. The ceremony itself is a Zen-inspired, mindful process.
The first step is to sift the powder into a small bowl. This is because the finer the powder is, the more it will dissolve into the water. Also, sifting creates a creamy mouthfeel and removes clumps of tea.
You should also whisk the tea in a back and forth motion. The powder should be broken down and the tea should develop a thick foam. It’s important to whisk the matcha for at least three sips.
The second step is to mix the matcha with the water. You can use a kitchen whisk or a small bowl. The ratio should be between four to six ounces of water for each half teaspoon of matcha. The water should be boiled before mixing.
The last step is to add the mixture to your cup. You can also make matcha iced by adding a couple of ounces of ice to the cup. You can also sweeten your matcha with honey or maple syrup.
Brew it the Japanese way
Getting started with matcha can be intimidating. Luckily, there are a few easy tips to help make your first cup a breeze.
Start by sifting the matcha powder in a bowl. This will help to remove any clumps and create a creamy mouthfeel.
Once the matcha powder is sifted, add a small amount of hot water. Mix the mixture until it becomes a thick, frothy paste. This should be done in a circular motion, with the whisk held just above the bottom of the bowl.
Next, add another 2 ounces of cool water. Adding a small amount of liquid sweetener, like honey, is also a great way to keep your drink from being too sweet.
For best results, hold your bamboo whisk with your dominant hand, and use your other fingers to round the sides of the bowl. Then, whisk vigorously. This will help to create a thick, fine, and creamy foam.
Then, scoop the matcha into a strainer. This should be done with your right hand. If you are using a bamboo whisk, be sure to place your hand under the bowl to prevent the whisk from hitting your face.
Lastly, brew the matcha. This is a traditional method of making tea. Traditionally, the brew is finished in three sips. However, depending on the number of servings you plan on making, you can brew more or less.
Store it in the fridge or freezer
Keeping matcha in the fridge or freezer is a great idea for keeping your tea fresh, but you must be careful with your storage. If you store your tea wrong, it could lose its flavor and color, and its health benefits.
In order to keep your matcha in the fridge or freezer, you must store it in an airtight container. Ideally, you should use a vacuum-pump matcha jar.
If you don’t have a vacuum-pump jar, you can buy a plain jar with a good screw-on lid. A zip-lock bag is also a good choice, but it may not last long.
You should also avoid storing matcha next to other foods in the refrigerator. This can cause moisture problems and staleness.
You should also use an opaque tin or bottle when storing your matcha. This is to prevent the container from getting too hot. This will damage the green color and also remove the umami flavor. You should also try to avoid storing your matcha next to other heat sources, such as your oven or stove.
While you’re at it, be sure to use a tool to properly mix your matcha. The best tools are an electric frother or a bamboo whisk. You can also use a shaker bottle if you want to make your matcha more quickly.
Lastly, be sure to store your matcha in a cool, dark place. The sun can ruin the color and health benefits of matcha. The right storage techniques will allow you to enjoy your matcha for many months.
Add boba pearls
Adding boba pearls to matcha is an easy way to add the perfect texture and flavor to your drink. The pearls are small, chewy balls made of tapioca starch. They can be added to drinks such as matcha latte and milk tea. They are a fun treat to enjoy on a hot summer day. You can also make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days.
Boba are typically black in colour, but they can be made with different flavours. If you want to make boba that’s sweeter, you can add more water. You can adjust the heat and cook for shorter or longer times.
To prepare matcha boba, you’ll first need to prepare the brown sugar syrup. This is made by boiling water with brown sugar. You should allow the mixture to cook for at least 5 minutes. This helps to prevent the pearls from sticking together.
Once the syrup has reduced, you’ll need to add the boba pearls. They should be mixed well so that the pearls are evenly coated with the syrup. You can add more water, if you prefer, or you can leave them as is. The final result should be a thick, syrupy sauce.
After removing the syrup from the heat, you’ll need to let the pearls sit for five minutes. This gives the outer layer of the pearls time to cook.
When the pearls are cooked, they’ll be soft on the outside, but firm on the inside. You can store them for up to three days in an airtight container at room temperature.
You can add these pearls to your favourite milk teas. Just be sure to use culinary grade matcha. The longer the steeping time, the sweeter your boba will be.
Drink it as a milk tea
Whether you are making it at home or at your local coffee shop, matcha as a milk tea is a delicious treat. The earthy richness of Japanese green tea powder is balanced by the creamy sweetness of milk.
Luckily, this drink is not that hard to make. You can even buy a pre-made matcha mix to save time.
The key to creating a great matcha as a milk tea is to make sure you have the proper ingredients. You can try different combinations of creamer and sweeteners to create the perfect blend.
You can also use honey, maple syrup, or a combination of these to make your drink a little sweeter. But the best matcha as a milk tea is the one that’s made with fresh ingredients.
For example, you can mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 cup of almond milk to make your matcha as a milk tea. You can serve it with a wide straw and enjoy a smooth drink.