Matcha — the finely ground green tea powder — has a history of use spanning centuries, making it an ancient superfood and modern health superstar. Matcha is now loved worldwide for its high antioxidant content and calming properties.
With all its health benefits, matcha does have a bold, grassy flavor, which can be challenging to many people. Choosing matcha over a cozy hot chocolate or a sweet latte is not easy for most, and that first sip of matcha feels like gulping spinach water rather than a step towards long life.
If you’ve been curious to try matcha but have never really liked it, you’re fortunate because matcha is an incredibly versatile drink that can be adjusted to one’s own preference and made taste buds friendly.
Becoming acquainted with the wide range of benefits matcha offers does not mean jumping right into the deep end. Here are four simple and delicious ways to make the most of matcha, whether you are health-conscious or just wish to take a dip into the green tea pool.
There’s Something Sacred About Matcha
Matcha is an age-old staple of Japanese tea ceremonies, and its reverence has only grown in modern times, with matcha being an ingredient touted for its powerful antioxidants and calming rituals.
However, including matcha in your diet can be contentious due to its divisive flavor profile. Its taste is earthy and rich in umami, having an intense savoriness that some admire while others outright detest. For many people, that first sip does not feel like the discovery of a wellness elixir, but rather like sipping on liquefied kale. Yet, matcha need not be a taste bud torture device. The secret? Discovering your style.
Add Creaminess to Soften the Edges
Matcha is unapologetically bold and grassy, especially when consumed straight. Its full intensity is almost overpowering for some drinkers, but adding a base with cream changes the game entirely.
Try combining this with:
- Oat milk – adds subtle sweetness.
- Coconut milk – gives a smooth, tropical richness.
- Cashew milk – provides a silky, buttery texture.
- A dash of cream or condensed milk transforms it into a dessert-like treat.
- These fats help tone down matcha’s sharpness, giving it a gentle, velvety profile. A matcha latte with different milks can transform into an entirely different beverage. It doesn’t need to be a discipline; it can be a luxury.
Eat Your Matcha: Puddings and Baked Goods
If drinking matcha seems difficult, you can always consume it through food.
Matcha can be used in different recipes. Moreover, its flavor can be enjoyable when complemented with certain ingredients. When added to food, Matcha’s flavor can be pleasantly soft and sweet.
Ideas to try:
- Chia matcha pudding – cooling, herbal, and pairs well with coconut flakes or fruit.
- Cookies or sponge cakes – Their warmth, combined with sweetness, balances some of the sharper flavors.
- Matcha energy bites – dates and nuts, along with shredded coconut, make for a healthful treat.
- When baked or chilled, matcha offers a soothing rather than jarring experience. It transforms from merely a “health food” to something intelligent, delicious, and deeply satisfying.
Blend It into Smoothies or Shakes
Still hesitant about the flavor? Let matcha take a back seat first. Blend it into smoothies or cold shakes where the flavor is subtle, but the benefits are bold. This is particularly refreshing in India’s warmer climate.
Try this blend:
- Banana, mango, or chikoo (sapota) for sweetness
- A spoonful of peanut butter
- A splash of chilled almond milk
- A pinch of cinnamon
- And of course, a scoop of matcha
- The result? A creamy, energizing shake with a soft green hue. Far from anything you’d call “grassy.”
- Ideal for hectic mornings, post-exercise recovery, or sultry afternoons in need of something cool and nourishing.
Make Matcha a Ritual, not a Rush.
In contrast to other beverages, matcha is prepared slowly, intentionally, and mindfully. This provides great beauty to its persona.
Preparing matcha is a form of meditation. While full ceremonial practices are not mandatory, spending a few quiet moments whisking in stillness is already a meditative act. This resonates deeply with Indian culture, where appreciation of rituals is held in high regard.
Matcha can serve as a moment of tranquility amidst the storms of life, whether you are journaling, reading the morning news, or simply catching your breath before a long day. It is more about how you feel when consuming matcha, rather than its components.
Final Thoughts: Enjoying Matcha is Personal
If your very first attempt at consuming matcha didn’t capture your palate, do not dismiss it just yet. Like coffee, wine, or olives, with proper pairing and preparation, matcha has an array of flavors that emerge over time.
Sipping on a bitter green latte every single morning does not make you “healthy.” Reconsider:
- Start small
- Focus on balance, sweetness, and texture.
- Make matcha an ingredient, not the centerpiece.
- Instead of making matcha an intense, all-in-one encounter, try different forms throughout the week. With the right approach, matcha might just become your favorite ritual.
