I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but matcha is starting to pop up all over the country. Enthusiasts of this trendy drink rave about its health benefits. When sweetened, matcha tastes amazing. Watch out, coffee! The green wave is coming. Many varieties of matcha have become prevalent in coffee shops all over. You won’t have a hard time finding teas, lattes, smoothies, ice cream, icing, and donuts. Today, Zoku will be adding yet another matcha recipe to the list.

But first, what exactly is matcha and what are its health benefits?

The word matcha translates to “fine powdered tea.” It is actually a form of green tea, but instead of infusing hot water with tea leaves that are later discarded with Matcha recipes you are drinking the actual leaves. Perhaps, this is one reason why it is so healthy.

According to Healthline there are seven main benefits of drinking Matcha.

1. High in antioxidants
2. May help protect the liver
3. Boosts brain function
4. May help prevent cancer
5. May promote heart health
6. Helps you lose weight
7. Matcha tea is very easy to prepare

Visit healthline for an in-depth look on the health benefits. 

ICED VANILLA MATCHA LATTE

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup coconut milk (or milk of your choice)
1 tsp coconut oil
2 tsp of matcha powder
2 tsp agave nectar (or sweeter of your choice)
1 vanilla bean scraped (1/4 tsp vanilla extract)

Directions:

1. Pour coconut milk, coconut oil and matcha into a blender. Mix on high until blended.

2. Add in agave nectar and vanilla bean. Mix for about 10 seconds. Texture should be creamy and frothy.  

Hopefully this recipe will become a staple to your morning routine. Enjoy!