Matcha: The Green Gold

You see it everywhere! In coffee, in pastries, and even in your favorite milk tea drink. Matcha has gained a following, especially among the younger ones. Matcha is a traditional Japanese powdered green tea that has been a staple around the globe but has now worked its way into the Filipino tastebuds.

Even with its distinct earthy and slightly bitter flavor, matcha has enjoyed a significant increase in popularity due to its many health benefits. What are these benefits? Let’s find out! Now, we might get a tad scientific from this point on, but we’ll make sure to simplify it as best we can. 

Matcha is packed with a compound called L-theanine. What exactly is this for? Well, it helps in promoting awareness and better memory. But it doesn’t stop there. After giving your brain a workout, L-theanine also gives it a break by increasing a specific brain activity which induces relaxation and lower stress levels 

Talk about being a superfood! Matcha is also rich in a natural compound that has been linked to cancer prevention, especially of the prostate, skin, lung, and liver. 

Want to keep your heart healthy? Matcha consumption is the key! This type of tea can reduce total LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides. Matcha also helps protect the liver and kidneys. Now you’ll look forward to your next Annual Physical Exam! 

Surprise, surprise! Match is also chock-full of antioxidants that help stabilize free radicals (compounds which can damage the cells) and help fight off chronic diseases. Here is something we bet you didn’t know: Powdered matcha dissolved in water produces up to three times more antioxidants than its leaf form. 

While usually enjoyed as a drink, matcha has also found its way into other delicacies. Its powdered form has rendered it versatile and is especially suited for baking. Check out these five creative recipes that feature matcha in all its glory, blending seamlessly into the Filipino cuisine.

There’s no way we’re starting this list without mentioning pandesal, the ultimate Filipino breakfast staple. Adding matcha to your pandesal gives it a unique flavor profile and may just be that extra kick you need to get you through the day. 

Sweet, luscious, and nutty sylvanas are a gift from butter heaven. This French-inspired Filipino meringue cookie is known for its oozing buttercream center and crunchy, cashew-filled crumb. Put the Japanese-inspired matcha in, and you’ll get the perfect three-way fusion for a mouth-watering bite. 

This treat, which boasts Spanish influence but is proudly Pinoy, is an absolute must-try—especially with matcha. Blending the subtle earthy undertones of matcha with the creamy decadence of pastillas de leche is a winning move in this dish.

Usually eaten around Christmas, the soft and fluffy bibingka has spawned a host of flavors in recent years. The earthy notes of matcha add depth to this classic dessert without overpowering the perfect sweet and savory flavor that we all love and enjoy.