Ceremonial grade matcha is known as the highest quality matcha available, made from the finest Japanese tea leaves harvested from the shaded uppermost branches of tea bushes.
Unlike other green teas, the tea leaves used to make matcha are shade-grown for about 4-6 weeks prior to harvest, boosting the tea’s chlorophyll content and giving it its vibrant green color.
The tea leaves for ceremonial-grade matcha are hand-picked and then steamed, dehydrated, and ground into a fine powder using traditional stone grinders.
The ceremonial grade matcha powder is prized for its rich, vegetal flavor and its smooth, creamy texture.
One of the most popular ways to enjoy ceremonial matcha is in the form of a latte, and if you’re a fan of this delicious drink, why not try making it at home? With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can enjoy a ceremonial matcha latte right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 tsp ceremonial grade matcha powder
- 2 oz hot water (around 160-180°F)
- 8 oz milk (dairy, almond, soy, or oat)
- 1 tsp honey or sweetener of choice (optional)
Equipment:
- Matcha whisk
- Matcha bowl (chawan) or a mug
Instructions:
- Start by pouring your matcha powder into a ceremonial bowl.
- Add 2 oz of hot water to the bowl or mug and whisk the matcha using a matcha whisk until it forms a smooth paste.
- Heat the milk of your choice in a saucepan or in the microwave. If using a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it starts to steam but not boil. If using the microwave, heat the milk in a mug for 1 minute.
- Froth the milk until it’s creamy and has doubled in volume.
- Pour the frothed milk into the matcha mixture, using a spoon to hold back the foam if necessary.
- Stir the matcha and milk mixture until well combined.
- If desired, add 1 tsp of honey or sweetener of your choice to taste.
- Pour the latte into a mug and top it with the remaining foam.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade ceremonial matcha latte!
Tips:
- Always use ceremonial-grade matcha powder, as it has a higher quality and a smoother taste than culinary-grade matcha.
- Make sure to use water that is the right temperature (around 160-180°F), as too hot water will scorch the matcha, while too cold water will not dissolve it properly.
- Experiment with different types of milk to find your preferred taste and texture. Almond milk and oat milk are popular alternatives to dairy milk.
- To make your latte extra special, you can sprinkle some cocoa powder on top.
All in all
Making a ceremonial matcha latte at home is easy, affordable, and a great way to enjoy this delicious drink any time you want. With a little bit of practice, you can perfect your recipe and make it exactly how you like it. So why not give it a try today?