Matcha: my new morning ritual

Those who are close to me know that I do not generally drink coffee unless I am in Italy, Spain, France or Portugal where both the flavour and aroma are so totally irresistible and drinking coffee is a “way of life”.

I recall the smell of brewed coffee as a child, served daily around mid morning or any time an unexpected guest popped in. My parents are dutch where coffee is definitely a daily ritual but not usually first thing in the morning.

That being said you also know that I am an avid tea drinker; made in a pot, with boiling water, steeped perfectly under a tea cosy and served with milk and sugar. It is my first beverage in the morning after my hot lemon and one that I look forward to and cherish.

In England, Scotland, Ireland and Australia tea is served all the time but every day in the afternoon to tide one over till dinner.

I buy my tea from England where they understand dark black Assam and I drink it with milk poured into the cup first and then the tea to follow, blending it perfectly into a warm caramel coloured brew.

I have an assorted selection of beautiful tea pots: silver ones, passed down from my mother; Chinese enamel ones of various sizes collected over the years and ceramic and porcelain pots gifted from close friends and family.

This summer I was introduced to Matcha and it has changed my life.

Matcha is Japanese finally ground green tea grown and harvested with extremely stringent requirements.

Two weeks before harvesting the plants are protected from light to enhance the flavour and texture of the leaves. After harvest the tea leaves are quickly steamed and dried, carefully heated and ground into the finest of powders which must be carefully stored to prevent oxidation.

Matcha contains anti ageing molecules like catechins, antioxidants and polyphenols long touted for their health benefits in preventing cancer, arthritis and heart disease. The caffeine in Matcha is different than in coffee, providing a long and sustained rise in your energy and ability to focus that lasts the entire day.

I personally love the ritual of making my Matcha. I sift one teaspoon of the lime green powder into my favourite matcha bowl with a bamboo stirrer; add boiling water and blend with my beautiful bamboo chasen; I add milk or cream and occasionally on Sundays, a tiny bit of Xylitol as a sweetener.

Albeit an acquired taste, I love my new Matcha habit and can feel the sustained energy boost that it gives me.

written by Marjolein Brugman

Marjolein Brugman is the founder of lighterliving and Aeropilates. “lighterliving is a movement and lifestyle choice we can all make. Let’s make it simple – make one decision a day to be better and watch the small steps lead to big changes. Eat smart, stay active, and you’ll live to feel a lighter life."