Matcha, the green tea leaf powder, is having its moment in the spotlight in this inception phase—but it looks like it will only grow in popularity. It has been used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, and
Datassential claims it ranks in the 97th percentile for future growth potential. It’s easy to see why, as it’s gaining buzz as a superfood with caffeine. But how versatile is it?
Lattes And...Bubbles?
As it turns out, matcha is very versatile. Used in hot drinks, it pairs well with steamed milk, almond milk, coconut milk, honey, and vanilla. Used in cold drinks, it can be mixed around the bottom of milk or milk alternative over ice.
Restaurants are also finding there’s popularity in making it bubbly: bubble tea is a popular vehicle for matcha. Bubble tea is a cold beverage originally from Taiwan: make it with matcha, sweetened milk, and little balls or “pearls” made of tapioca. The pearls have a chewy texture and paired with matcha, there’s something fresh and modern about these traditional Asian ingredients.
Green Baked Goods
Matcha is also used frequently as an addition in baked goods. Many restaurants offer matcha latte pancakes, and serve with Greek yogurt, fresh blueberries, and warm berry compote atop the lightgreen cakes. Matcha is being baked into muffins with ingredients like honey and chia seeds for a breakfast treat that’s sweet and sea-colored.
Superfine Superfood
Beyond the taste and versatility, a lot of matcha’s appeal is its health food status. Matcha contains L-Theanine, a rare amino acid and natural calming agent. So with the caffeine, it gives a boost without the jitters.
The superfine powder also contains more antioxidants than most superfoods, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg)—an antioxidant Fitness Magazine claims is linked to fighting viruses.
Your Sourcing Solution
With an impending surge in matcha on the menu, Dot Foods is your sample solution. Sample culinary-grade matcha powder; ready-made matcha smoothies; even matcha green tea shortbread for use as garnish or desserts. How will you have your own matcha moment?