Here’s Why Matcha Is Extra Beneficial During The Winter

Matcha is one of the buzziest drinks of the moment. The hashtag #matcha has racked up over 50.9 million posts on TikTok over the past year, while Google sees 130k monthly searches for the term alone, and there are an ever-growing collection of cafes dedicated to the leafy-hued tipple. And for good reason: the tea powder is packed with health benefits, which are particularly useful during the winter. Here Evita Upeniece, an expert at Newby Teas, explains some of the cold-specific perks, plus shares a festive matcha recipe to try this December.

Why Should We Drink Matcha In The Winter?

Matcha is a type of powdered green tea created from the camellia sinensis plant, first cultivated in China. It can be whisked into hot water to make a frothy drink, which is blended with milk to create a matcha latte, or used as an ingredient in recipes for things like oat bars and salad dressings.

The beverage is lauded for its nutritional credentials, and it turns out drinking it during the colder months can be especially beneficial. ‘Unlike traditional teas, matcha involves consuming the entire leaf, allowing you to absorb a concentrated amount of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals – boasting a range of impressive health benefits that will help us during the winter months,’ Evita says.

These include:

• Rich in antioxidants: ‘Matcha is full of powerful antioxidants which help combat free radicals and reduce stress. These antioxidants are especially important in winter to protect against cold-weather damage and support overall health during the season.’
• Provides a winter mood boost: ‘Matcha’s combination of L-theanine and antioxidants offers a natural way to combat winter blues, promoting relaxation and mental wellbeing during the darker, colder months.’
• Boosts immune function: ‘Winter is the season for colds and flu, but matcha’s rich antioxidant content strengthens your immune system, helping you fight off seasonal viruses and stay healthy.’
• Helps skin health: ‘Matcha’s antioxidants help protect your skin from winter damage, reducing dryness, irritation, and redness caused by cold weather. They also leave your skin glowing and youthful despite the harsh seasonal conditions.’
• Reduces inflammation: ‘Winter can aggravate skin issues and joint pain, but matcha’s anti-inflammatory properties can help soothe redness, acne, and skin irritation while supporting overall health during the colder months.’
• Improves focus: ‘Matcha contains high levels of L-theanine, which promotes calm, sustained energy and mental clarity without the jitters. It’s a great way to stay focused and productive during shorter, darker winter days.’

Unsplash

Recipe: Cinnamon Matcha Latte

1. Add matcha powder: Place 1 teaspoon of matcha powder into your matcha bowl.
2. Pour water: Add 140ml of freshly brewed water at 70°C to the bowl.
3. Whisk: Whisk the matcha in a ‘W’ motion, moving from top to bottom and left to right, until a delicate layer of froth forms on top.
4. Prepare the cinnamon milk: Get 1 cup of milk (dairy or plant-based) and add in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir well.
5. Optional – add sweetener: Add 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for a festive touch.
6. Optional – add ice: For an iced version, fill a tall glass with ice cubes.
7. Combine: Pour the cinnamon-infused milk over the ice (or directly into the glass for a hot version), then add the whisked matcha.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon on top and garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive flair. Stir gently and enjoy!

Recipe from Newby Teas