If you are on the quest for a beverage that is as delicious as it sounds, then matcha is the perfect solution. Matcha is not just a trendy drink but rather has health benefits, and it’s been enjoyed for centuries in Japan.
The leaves used for matcha are grown under shade, which increases their chlorophyll content and gives the powder its vivid green color. Once harvested, the leaves are dried, ground into a fine powder, and whisked into hot water or milk. So, when you drink matcha, you’re consuming the whole tea leaf, making it far more potent than regular green tea! Matcha is the perfect alternative for coffee- if you don’t like the strong taste of coffee and prefer something sweet and earthy, I would recommend this. It contains caffeine, but not the jittery kind you experience from coffee, but more on the calm side, if it makes sense because it contains an amino acid that promotes calm and focus
.Matcha Tip of the Day
If you’re new to matcha, start with a small amount and gradually increase it to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the flavor. Matcha has a rich, earthy taste that may take a little getting used to, but trust us, it’s worth the experience!
How to make a good matcha
To make the perfect matcha:
- Use the right equipment: You’ll need a chasen (matcha whisk) and a bowl (not a mug). While you don’t need expensive tools, a handcrafted whisk is a worthwhile investment for a smooth cup of matcha.
- Use hot water: While matcha isn’t as temperamental as other teas, it dissolves best in hot water. Boil water, let it cool slightly, and warm the bowl before whisking.
- Sift the tea: Sifting the matcha helps avoid lumps and ensures a smooth tea. You can sift into the bowl or directly into your storage tin.
- Get the right ratio: A general guideline is 2 grams of matcha powder to 70-80 ml of water. If you don’t have a scale, use 1 teaspoon of matcha with 1/3 to 1/2 cup of water.
- Whisk vigorously: Whisk the tea back and forth in a zig-zag motion to create a frothy, creamy top, similar to espresso crema.
- Serve with sweets: In Japan, matcha is often paired with a small sweet, like chocolate or a pastry, to balance the bitterness of the tea.
Enjoy your perfect cup of matcha!
How to make the perfect matcha?
Firstly, of course, you can not obtain the result of a perfect matcha without buying a good one. But how can you tell you have chosen a good one? Firstly, don’t bother with matcha that’s not from Japan; you need a puff of vibrant green powder, and the grassy aroma indicates that you’ve opened a good can of matcha. It needs to be stamped somewhere on the package with the best-by date, says Vogue. If it’s served in a bag, it needs to be opaque (to protect the tea from the light), I’d say that’s why matcha is usually sold in a tin. Most importantly, buy small batches of matcha, once opened, it loses potency, that’s why you need to consume it quickly. Matcha is expensive because its production involves a labor-intensive process, including careful growing, harvesting, and grinding of tea leaves into a fine powder.
To make the perfect matcha:
- Use the right equipment: You’ll need a chasen (matcha whisk) and a bowl (not a mug). While you don’t need expensive tools, a handcrafted whisk is a worthwhile investment for a smooth cup of matcha.
- Use hot water: While matcha isn’t as temperamental as other teas, it dissolves best in hot water. Boil water, let it cool slightly, and warm the bowl before whisking.
- Sift the tea: Sifting the matcha helps avoid lumps and ensures a smooth tea. You can sift into the bowl or directly into your storage tin.
- Get the right ratio: A general guideline is 2 grams of matcha powder to 70-80 ml of water. If you don’t have a scale, use 1 teaspoon of matcha with 1/3 to 1/2 cup of water.
- Whisk vigorously: Whisk the tea back and forth in a zig-zag motion to create a frothy, creamy top, similar to espresso crema.
- Serve with sweets: In Japan, matcha is often paired with a small sweet, like chocolate or a pastry, to balance the bitterness of the tea.
Enjoy your perfect cup of matcha!
source: Vogue
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@sipandself
Latte
The coffeehouse classic, a latte. It has become a staple in our daily routines and is the ultimate comfort drink. The word “latte” comes from the Italian word for milk “caffé latte” which translates to “milk coffee”. It’s practically a combination of espresso and steamed milk, a perfect combination if you’d ask me, that results in a creamy coffee that leaves out the bitterness of the espresso.
Latte can be transformed into many fun variations, not just the traditional latte. Try a chai latte, steamed milk, and chai tea concentrate. Tumeric latte, aka the golden milk made with turmeric, ginger, and other spices, or even a matcha latte. Latte art has become an entire art form. Baristas create stunning designs using steamed milk and expert pouring techniques, turning your cup of coffee into a mini-masterpiece.
Read below to find out more about latte.
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@sipandself
About latte/ how to make a good latte
Quick Guide to Making a Latte:
- Prepare Your Espresso:
- Brew a single or double espresso directly into a latte glass.
- Prepare the Milk:
- Fill your milk jug about 1/3 full with whole milk (recommended for creaminess).
- Purge your steam arm to remove any residual water before frothing the milk.
- Foam the Milk:
- Begin foaming your milk, creating a smooth microfoam (small, velvety bubbles).
- Tap the jug on the counter to remove any large air bubbles.
- Pour the Milk:
- Start pouring the frothed milk into your espresso from a high position (about 1-2 inches above the cup).
- Gradually lower the jug and steepen the pouring angle to form a smooth, consistent pour.
- Leave a thin layer of foam on top as you finish pouring.
- Enjoy Your Latte!
- Sip and enjoy the velvety smooth coffee and milk combo!
Expert Tips by Paul Meikle-Janney:
- Perfecting the Milk: Milk makes up about 2/3 of a latte, so getting the frothing right is key. Aim for a thin foam layer on top, rather than a thick froth.
- Separate Tasks: If you’re a beginner, don’t hesitate to separate the espresso brewing and milk frothing into two distinct tasks for more control.
- Steaming Milk: Fill the jug about 1/3 full to allow space for expansion. Introduce air by keeping the steam wand just below the milk’s surface, and create a nice swirl motion as it heats.
Essentials for Latte Making:
- Espresso Machine: To brew the perfect espresso.
- Milk Jug: For frothing the milk.
- Milk Thermometer: To ensure the milk is heated to the right temperature.
- Cappuccino Cups: To serve your delicious latte.
Fun Fact About the Latte:
Although latte is often associated with American coffee culture, similar milk-based coffee drinks have existed in Europe for centuries. The term “latte” was first mentioned in the 1860s, but it was in the 1980s Seattle coffee scene that the latte became widely popular and cemented its place as a specialty drink.
Enjoy crafting your perfect latte!
source: Caffe Society
Affogato
Affogato is the ultimate coffe desert. It’s a match made in heaven if you are a fan of coffee and something sweet, you have the best of both worlds- espresso and ice cream- a rich combination, decadent experince that is a must. Affogato translates to “drowned” in Italian because that is exactly what is happening: a perfect scoop of vanilla ice cream is drowned in a hot shot of espresso, freshly brewed, the perfect harmony of sweet ice cream with the bold taste of coffee. Traditionally speaking, this is how it is made, but people are adding their twists to it- whether it’s by adding a different flavor of ice cream, adding a splash of liqueur, or even incorporating toppings like cocoa powder. pistachio or biscotti.
Origins & Evolution:
Though its exact origins are debated, the affogato likely appeared in Italy in the 1950s, following the modern boom in the ice cream industry. It gained popularity internationally, with the term making its debut in Merriam-Webster in 1992. The affogato truly hit mainstream U.S. menus in the 1990s, as specialty coffee culture exploded.
More
What is an Affogato?
An affogato is a classic Italian dessert that combines two beloved ingredients: espresso and ice cream (or gelato). The name “affogato” translates to “drowned” in Italian, referring to the process of pouring a hot shot of espresso over a scoop (or two) of ice cream. This creates a harmonious balance of hot and cold, bitter and sweet, making it an indulgent yet surprisingly simple treat.
The Magic of an Affogato:
The beauty of an affogato lies in the contrast of flavors and textures:
- Bitter espresso meets the creamy sweetness of the ice cream.
- Hot espresso melts the ice cream into a deliciously rich, silky mix.
Variations & Trends:
While the traditional affogato is made with vanilla gelato and a shot of espresso, there are many creative variations:
- Hojicha affogato: In places like Kumquat Coffee, you might find a hojicha (roasted green tea) version.
- Ice Cream Options: Some places use flavored gelato or even coffee ice cream to make it more indulgent (like at Blkdog Coffee, where they serve a tiramisu version).
- Liqueurs: For an extra punch, some variations introduce liqueurs such as Kahlua, whiskey, or rum into the mix.
- Innovative Riffs: You’ll find exciting takes like the It’s-It affogato at Andytown Roaster, which uses an oatmeal cookie sandwich filled with vanilla ice cream, then doused with espresso.
How to Make a Classic Affogato:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 scoops of vanilla ice cream or gelato
- 1 ounce espresso
- Optional: Amaretto, shaved chocolate for garnish
Instructions:
- Brew your espresso (1 shot).
- Scoop the ice cream into a bowl or coupe glass.
- Pour the hot espresso directly over the ice cream.
- Optionally, splash a little amaretto for added flavor.
- Garnish with shaved dark chocolate (optional).
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Fun Fact:
An Instagram post by Sam Youkilis, featuring a Sicilian-style affogato (with gelato around the edges of the cup and espresso poured in the center), went viral in 2023. This brought the affogato back into the spotlight, with thousands of people sharing their own creative takes on the dessert.
Whether you stick to the classic or get experimental with liqueurs and toppings, the affogato continues to evolve and delight coffee and dessert lovers everywhere!
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@sipandself
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Article author
Ioana Stoica
email- sioana818@gmail.com