Seasonal Matcha: Recipes to Celebrate Every Time of Year

Matcha, a finely ground green tea powder, has gained popularity as a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons. With its unique flavour and numerous health benefits, matcha is not only a delicious beverage but also an excellent addition to various recipes. From refreshing iced drinks in the summer to warming lattes in the winter, matcha provides a delightful experience no matter the time of year. In this blog post, we’ll explore seasonal matcha recipes that celebrate the flavours and feelings of each season, showcasing the best matcha green tea to drink.

1. Spring: Matcha Cherry Blossom Latte

As nature begins to bloom, so does our desire for fresh, vibrant flavours. The Matcha Cherry Blossom Latte is a delightful way to welcome spring and enjoy the aesthetic beauty of blooming cherry blossoms.

 

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of ceremonial-grade matcha

1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based)

1 tablespoon cherry blossom syrup (or any floral syrup)

Hot water (175°F or 80°C)

Edible flowers (for garnish, optional)

 

Instructions:

• Prepare the Matcha: In a bowl, sift the matcha to avoid clumps. Add about 2 ounces of hot water (175°F) and whisk until frothy using a bamboo whisk or electric frother.
• Heat the Milk: In a saucepan, gently heat the milk over low heat until warm. You can froth it for a creamy texture if desired.
• Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cherry blossom syrup into the warmed milk, ensuring it’s well mixed.
• Serve: Pour the milk mixture into the bowl with the whisked matcha, stirring gently to combine. For an elegant touch, top with edible flowers.

 

Why It’s Special:

The floral notes of the cherry blossom syrup pair perfectly with the earthiness of matcha, creating a light and refreshing drink that captures the essence of spring. This latte not only looks stunning but also embodies the spirit of renewal and growth, making it a wonderful way to celebrate the season.

 

Health Benefits:

The ceremonial grade matcha used in this recipe is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which are known for their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Pairing it with milk enhances calcium intake, while the cherry blossom syrup adds a hint of natural sweetness.

2. Summer: Iced Matcha Mint Lemonade

As the summer heat sets in, it’s essential to stay cool and hydrated. The Iced Matcha Mint Lemonade is a refreshing drink that combines the best green tea to drink with the zesty freshness of lemonade and mint.

 

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of culinary-grade matcha

1 cup of cold water

1 lemon (juiced)

1 tablespoon honey (or sweetener of choice)

Fresh mint leaves

Ice cubes

Lemon slices (for garnish)

 

Instructions:

• Mix the Matcha: In a glass, whisk the matcha with a few tablespoons of cold water until fully dissolved. This step ensures a smooth drink without clumps.
• Prepare the Lemonade: In another glass, combine the lemon juice, honey, and the rest of the cold water. Stir well to mix.
• Assemble the Drink: Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Pour the lemonade mixture over the ice and gently layer the whisked matcha on top.
• Garnish: Add fresh mint leaves and lemon slices for an extra refreshing touch.

 

Why It’s Special:

This drink not only cools you down but also invigorates you with its refreshing flavours. The mint complements the matcha beautifully, and the acidity of the lemon enhances the overall taste profile. It’s the perfect summer drink to enjoy by the pool or during a picnic.

 

Health Benefits:

The combination of matcha and lemon provides a refreshing dose of vitamin C and antioxidants. Matcha is known for its metabolism-boosting properties, while mint aids digestion and adds a cooling effect—perfect for hot summer days.

3. Fall: Spiced Matcha Chai

As the leaves turn vibrant hues and the air gets crisp, it’s time to cosy up with a comforting Spiced Matcha Chai. This cosy drink brings the flavours of fall into your cup.

 

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of ceremonial-grade matcha

1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based)

1 chai tea bag

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Sweetener to taste (e.g., brown sugar, maple syrup)

 

Instructions:

• Brew the Chai: Steep the chai tea bag in 1 cup of hot water for about 5 minutes to extract the flavours. Remove the tea bag and set aside.
• Prepare the Matcha: In a bowl, sift the matcha and whisk it with about 2 ounces of hot water until frothy.
• Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, heat the brewed chai tea and milk together. Add cinnamon, vanilla extract, and your preferred sweetener. Stir well and heat until warm.
• Serve: Pour the spiced chai mixture into the matcha bowl and stir to combine. Optionally, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavour.

 

Why It’s Special:

This drink captures the essence of fall, combining the spiciness of chai with the smoothness of matcha. It’s warming and comforting, perfect for those chilly autumn days when you want something cosy in your hands.

 

Health Benefits:

The spices in chai, including cinnamon and ginger, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties. Combined with matcha’s antioxidants, this drink can help boost your immune system while providing a soothing and enjoyable experience.

4. Winter: Creamy Matcha Hot Chocolate

When winter arrives, cosy up with a rich and indulgent Creamy Matcha Hot Chocolate. This luxurious drink combines the best of both worlds: matcha and chocolate.

 

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of culinary-grade matcha

1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based)

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 tablespoon maple syrup or sweetener of choice

Whipped cream (optional for topping)

Dark chocolate shavings (for garnish)

 

Instructions:

• Mix the Matcha: In a small bowl, sift the matcha and whisk with a few tablespoons of hot water until fully dissolved. This will ensure a smooth consistency in your drink.
• Prepare Hot Chocolate: In a saucepan, heat the milk until warm. Whisk in the cocoa powder and maple syrup until fully combined and there are no lumps.
• Combine Ingredients: Pour the hot chocolate mixture into the bowl with the whisked matcha and stir well to combine all ingredients.
• Serve Top with whipped cream and dark chocolate shavings for an extra indulgent treat.

 

Why It’s Special:

This hot chocolate adds a unique twist by incorporating matcha, providing a rich flavour profile with added health benefits. The combination of matcha and chocolate creates a decadent experience, making it a delightful choice for winter nights spent indoors.

 

Health Benefits:

This creamy hot chocolate is a treat that still offers health benefits. The cocoa powder is rich in antioxidants and can help improve mood, while matcha contributes additional antioxidants and promotes a sense of calm focus.

5. Seasonal Matcha Smoothie Bowl

To bridge the seasons, consider a seasonal Matcha Smoothie Bowl, which can be tailored to highlight fruits and ingredients that are in season. This recipe works beautifully in spring and summer, providing a nutritious breakfast or snack option.

 

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon of culinary-grade matcha

1 banana (frozen for creaminess)

1/2 cup of spinach (optional for added greens)

1 cup of almond milk (or milk of choice)

Toppings: fresh fruits (berries, kiwi, etc.), granola, coconut flakes, and nuts

 

Instructions:

• Blend the Base: In a blender, combine the frozen banana, spinach (if using), matcha, and almond milk. Blend until smooth and creamy.
• Assemble the Bowl: Pour the smoothie mixture into a bowl and smooth the top.
• Add Toppings: Arrange your favourite toppings over the smoothie bowl, creating an aesthetically pleasing design.

 

Why It’s Special:

This colourful bowl allows you to celebrate the changing seasons through various toppings. In spring, you can top with fresh berries, while in summer, tropical fruits like mango or pineapple can be used. This versatility makes it a fun and engaging dish for any time of year.

 

Health Benefits:

This smoothie bowl is packed with nutrients. Bananas provide potassium and natural sweetness, spinach adds iron and vitamins, and matcha is a rich source of antioxidants, making it a powerhouse of nutrition.

 

Conclusion

Matcha is truly a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various forms throughout the year. From refreshing iced drinks in the summer to warming lattes in the winter, there’s a seasonal matcha recipe for every palate. Incorporating matcha into your seasonal recipes not only enhances the flavour but also provides numerous health benefits, making it the best green tea to drink year-round.

 

So, embrace the seasons and enjoy the delightful world of matcha! Whether you’re sipping a light Cherry Blossom Latte in spring or indulging in a Creamy Hot Chocolate in winter, there’s a matcha recipe waiting for you to discover and savour all year round.