Matcha, also known as maccha, is powdered green tea which comes straight from Japan. It's one of the most popular green teas in Japan and a very important item of the cultural activity known as 'Japanese Tea Ceremony'. Other than the making of matcha green tea, this powder is often used to make other recipes. Matcha is actually made with very specific type of tea leaves which are protected from sunlight a few weeks before harvesting, so that they take more time for growing. This slow growth causes a rise in the amino acid levels in the leaves. After harvesting, these leaves are laid out flat on the ground to dry. Once the leaves dry, they are called 'tencha'. This tencha is then made into a fine powder known as 'matcha'. It's necessary that the leaves are first dried and then made into the fine powder. Matcha Green Tea It's advised that people only buy matcha green powder from traditional Japanese stores. It's also said that western utensils shouldn't be used to make matcha as the result would be quite disappointing. People who have been making matcha tea for many years advise the usage of traditional Japanese utensils to make sure that people get the perfect matcha tea. Here's the list of utensils that are used; matcha bowl, bamboo matcha whisk and a bamboo matcha scoop. Take an empty matcha bowl and pour hot water in it. Once the bowl has become hot, remove that hot water in another bowl and clean the bowl with a clean cloth. With the bamboo scoop take at least 2 scoops matcha and place it in the bowl. It's a good idea to sift the matcha to prevent the formation of clumps. Now pour that hot water and then start to whisk the matcha. Whisk until the liquid forms a thick froth with many tiny bubbles on the surface. The thick froth indicates that the tea is ready to drink. Matcha Green Tea Recipes It is a well-known fact that matcha is one of the most healthiest herbs in the world, but this doesn't mean that it can only be consumed as tea. Here are some delicious recipes which have matcha green tea powder as an important ingredient and are filled with amazing benefits. Matcha Green Tea Tiramisu Ingredients

• Green matcha tea, 1 tbsp
• Vanilla extract, 2 tbsp
• Egg yolks, 3
• Mascarpone cheese, 1 ½ cup
• White sugar, ½ cup
• Lady finger biscuits, 24
• Water, ½ cup

Preparation Begin the recipe by making the syrup. For syrup, boil water in saucepan and dissolve ½ cup of sugar in it. Remove this saucepan from heat and pour this hot water in a shallow dish containing green matcha. In a different mixing bowl, place egg yolks with vanilla extract and ¼ cup sugar. Mix all these ingredients until the mixture becomes light yellow. Slowly add in the cheese and mix it until the mixture is smooth. Arrange the biscuits in 8×8 baking dish and coat it with the green matcha syrup. Now spread the egg and cheese mixture over the biscuits and cover these biscuits with a wrap and keep it for cooling overnight. Serve it chilled. Matcha Green Tea Latte Ingredients

• Green matcha tea, 2 tbsp
• Water, 2 cups
• Steamed milk, 6 oz
• Cocoa powder (optional)

Preparation Sift 1 tbsp of green matcha in a cup. Now add hot water in the cup and stir until you see a thick green paste. In a separate bowl pour in all the steamed milk and add the green paste in bowl. Mix well and sprinkle it with cocoa powder. Serve it hot. Green Tea Matcha Ice Cream Ingredients

• Fine sugar, 1/3 cup
• Double cream, 1 cup
• Thin cream, 250 ml
• Cold water, ½ cup
• Green matcha tea, 2 tbsp

Preparation In a saucepan add in sugar and water and heat it on a low flame. Now allow it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes and remove the saucepan from the heat. In a separate cup add in the matcha and mix in 1 tbsp of hot water. Mix well and add this green paste to the saucepan. In a separate bowl beat the double cream. Add in the thin and the double cream in the saucepan and gently stir in together. Pour this entire mixture in a baking dish and place it in the freezer. After 1 hour remove the tray and with an electric beater beat the mixture for about 3 to 4 minutes before putting the tray back in the freezer for 3 hours. Garnish it with wafers on top. So these were some great recipes which can be made using green matcha tea. It's advised that the green matcha powder should be always kept in a freezer for its long shelf life. Matcha has high caffeine content, however, the impact of caffeine found in green matcha is very different from caffeine found in drinks such as coffee and other beverages. Coffee caffeine is known to recharge the body within few minutes while matcha caffeine is a little slow and takes its own time to release energy in the body.