Matcha is quickly becoming an identifiable ingredient in many items in the supermarket. Matcha is a green tea that has been grown in a specific way and then ground into a fine powder for use. Traditionally matcha was used in Japanese tea ceremonies as a hot tea, whereas today it is added as a flavor or for nutritional benefits to ice cream, lattes, candies, cookies and other foods.

Since matcha is generally a denser version of green tea, it is a power-packed source of antioxidants and phytochemicals. Green tea is already considered a very nutritious addition to your diet, so this concentrated form of green tea can provide. The flavanols found in green tea may help you to maintain healthy heart function, bolstering your cell's antioxidant defense system and eliminating some free radicals that may damage cells. Green tea is also popular for its association with promoting weight control and reducing your risk for certain types of cancers.

Ways to Use Matcha:

1. Add to your smoothies for a nutrient blast! Whether you prefer fruit smoothies or vegetable smoothies a small spoonful of matcha will add a nutrient boost to your favorite smoothie recipe.

2. Use as a coloring and flavor to your soups, oatmeal, quiche or even yogurt! For people who like less sweet plain yogurt, sprinkling some of this on the top can add a fresh taste to your favorite plain yogurt.

3. Make matcha green tea and keep a stock of it in your refrigerator to add to cocktails or lemonade. You can even freeze a batch of matcha in ice cube trays to spruce up your water with a little nutrient and flavor boost.

4. Matcha can be used as a flavoring in cakes, cookies, and homemade ice cream. When paired with sweet foods, this flavor profile is really highlighted. You can mix it into icing to contrast the flavors in your cake or mix straight into the batter. When you make homemade ice cream, you want to add the powdered matcha during the mixing process.

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