Our obsession with all things matcha is still going strong. While you might head to a matcha-filled bakery or cafe to get your fill of this flavourful, antioxidant rich green tea, one Toronto company is making it easier to get our fix at home with a user-friendly, easy-to-prepare tea.
Making a cup of matcha can be a time-involved process requiring a traditional bamboo whisk to dissolve the powder in water. But Toronto-based Matcha Ninja makes an organic, ceremonial-grade matcha that’s highly water soluble – even in cold beverages – with no whisking required.
Matcha Ninja’s fine powder is made from tencha green tea leaves. The plant is grown in the shade for two weeks before the leaves are picked, which ramps up the tea’s chlorophyll content, thus increasing its coveted antioxidant power. A cup of matcha has a whopping 137 times the antioxidant levels as regular steeped green tea. You’ll also find high levels of the amino acid L-Theanine for a long-lasting energy boost that helps you concentrate without the dreaded caffeine crash.
To prepare Matcha Ninja, mix it into warm or cold water, nut milks or even juices. Be sure to avoid boiling water and regular milk as heat and lactose decrease the tea’s nutritional value. We’ve achieved a smoother result by adding a splash of water with a half-teaspoon of powder and mixing it to form a paste before adding the rest of your liquid. Or if you’re preparing it cold, make sure to leave a bit of room in your bottle or jar for a vigorous shake to mix everything together.
Aside from beverages, Matcha Ninja’s got some great recipe ideas on their website, ranging from energy balls to smoothie bowls and peanut butter cups. You can purchase Matcha Ninja online and from select Toronto cafés and health food stores like The Big Carrot.
$34.99 for 70g pouch; matchaninja.com
