Matcha Catechin Shake

What a crazy roller coaster ride these last few weeks have been. And it ain't over yet, folks, so strap in. Most of us now, across the globe, are advised to stay put. And we don't know what to do with ourselves. Our daily routines have gone topsy turvy, as we are now working from home, home-schooling our children, and only allowed to go to the grocery store or take an occasional walk. Hang in there!

More than ever, we must stay healthy and keep our immunity in check. While we are now changing up our routines, it might be a good time to bring matcha into your life. It is an excellent source of catechins (ka-tə-kins) - a natural source of antioxidants especially found in green tea. Catechins are also known to prevent heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Matcha is a green tea powder that has a deep, bitter, vegetal flavor. When it's good, it will taste like konbu (sea kelp - so full of umami). We like Daily Matcha by Mizuba Tea, which is very popular at Umami Mart. Here's an article in Healthline of all the benefits of matcha.

While Yoko was recently in Charleston at a corner coffee and wine shop called baba, she had a simple matcha shake, with just matcha, ice, and water. We've emulated the recipe here which is so easy, anyone can do it. Much easier, even, than brewing a pour-over cup of coffee in the morning!

INGREDIENTS
2 grams (about 0.5 teaspoon) of matcha, we like Daily Matcha by Mizuba
6oz water
Ice

TOOLS
Boston Shaker
Hawthorne Strainer

GLASS
HardStrong Pint Glass

METHOD

1. Measure out matcha and put into shaker. Add more or less matcha, depending on how bitter you want your drink to be.

2. Add water.* 

3. Add ice. 

4. Shake vigorously for about 10 seconds. Get it frothy!

5. Strain into a glass full of ice.

6. Get your catechins!

We want everyone to stay healthy, sane, and safe out there – we'll see you when this has all blown over and hug!

* Want it spiked? Make this a cocktail by adding shochu and some sugar! Here's the recipe:
IMO SPEEDO
2 grams (about 0.5 teaspoon) of matcha, we like Daily Matcha by Mizuba
6oz water
3oz Hakuten Hozan
0.5oz gum syrup (or simple syrup)
Ice

Follow the same steps above. Kanpai!