Matcha Green Tea

The best Matcha Green Tea comes from Japan where it is the staple ingredient upon which traditional Japanese tea ceremonies were built in the 12th century. Matcha has many health benefits, and a beautiful, distinct flavor. Matcha is essentially processed green tea leaves that have been stone-ground into a delicate powder. The powder is then sifted and whisked with hot water. .

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What most distinguishes Matcha from other Green Teas is that matcha bushes are covered for up to 20 days prior to harvest to shade the leaves from direct sunlight. This is done to boost the plants' chlorophyll levels, which turns the leaves a darker, more vibrant shade of green, and increases the production of L-Theanine, an amino acid that occurs naturally in the tea plant.  Thanks to the L-Theanine in the tea it will give you both a calming and stimulant affect! .

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Matcha is high in antioxidants, And contains a specific set of organic compounds known as catechins. Among antioxidants, catechins are the most potent and beneficial. One specific catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) makes up 60% of the catechins in Matcha Green Tea. Out of all the antioxidants, EGCg is the most widely recognized for its cancer fighting properties. Scientists have found that Matcha Green Tea contains over 100 times more EGCg than any other tea! .

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Matcha is a traditional delight in Japanese ceremonies while also adding a lot of health benefits. You can make delicious Matcha teas or bake with it as well and your body and mind will thank you! .

Matcha Green Tea Cake

Matcha Green Tea Cake

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Cake:

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3/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free All Purpose Flour 

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 cup packed soft medjool dates, pitted, soaked in water for 30 minutes and 1/2 cup of the water reserved

2 Tbsp raw almond butter

1 tsp pure vanilla extract

1 Tbsp matcha powder

1/2 cup filtered water

1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

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Topping:

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1/4 cup thin coconut milk

1 tsp matcha

2 tsp maple syrup

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1. Preheat the oven to 375F degrees and Oil a round cake pan with coconut oil and line the bottom with parchment.

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2. Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, sea salt in a large bowl and blend well.

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3. Place dates, reserved water, almond butter, water, matcha, and vanilla extract into a blender, and blend until smooth, then whisk the mixture into the flour mixture until well blended. Whisk in the cider vinegar until bubbles form.

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4. Pour the cake batter into prepared pan, and place in the oven.

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5. Bake cake until set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean, about 25-30 minutes.  Remove from oven, let cool completely, then unmold onto a plate. 

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6. To make the Topping, whisk together the coconut milk, matcha, maple syrup and vanilla. Brush this over the cake until it's soaked in the topping.

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7. Dust with Matcha Powder and Coconut Sugar and let set and cool before serving

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This delicious cake is full of Matcha goodness! It has such a sweet unique flavor and soaking the cake in the topping gives this cake a melt in your mouth texture and a very delicious taste! Enjoy! 

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