Traditionally used in Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha green tea has been a part of the Japanese culture since the 12th Century. Specifically, the zen buddhist monks loved the stuff. Zen monasteries incorporated matcha into their rituals and it became highly appreciated by others in the upper-echelons of society during the 14th through 16th centuries.

The health benefits of matcha vs. green tea are incomparable. One glass of matcha is equivalent to 10 glasses of green tea (in terms of nurtitional value and antioxidant content)! This makes sense when you look at the science behind it. The matcha powder is essentially a delicately ground tea leaf, so rather than drinking the brewed water from tea leaves, you are actually ingesting the entire leaf.

WHAT YOU NEED

BLENDER

INGREDIENTS

coconut milk

greens (spinach + kale)

coconut water ice cubes

fozen pineapple

matcha green tea powder

cashews

flax meal

plant based protein powder

PRINTABLE RECIPE

#MorningMatchaChallenge

If you're new to matcha, I recommend trying it out this weekend. Matcha may be served hot, iced, or in the recommended smoothie below. Most specialty tea shops and health food stores (like Trader Joes, Sprouts, and Whole Foods) will carry matcha. So this Saturday, I challenge you to ditch the coffee, summon your inner zen buddhist monk, and start your day with a new ritual that involves your health. When you do, I want you to hashtag it #MorningMatchaChallenge. With naturally occurring vitamin C, potassium, iron, and fiber, it makes a wonderful alternative to your morning cup of joe.

Matcha Green Tea Breakfast Shake

BLEND

COCONUT MILK, COCONUT WATER, GREENS, CASHEWS, PINEAPPLE, MATCHA, FLAX, PROTEIN

serves: 2 breakfast shakes or about 12 shooters

total Time: 5 minutes

PRINT OR DOWNLOAD RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

2 cups coconut milk
3 cups greens (I used half spinach and half kale)
1.5 cups frozen coconut water cubes (I froze coconut water in an ice cube tray, but you could alternatively use 1 cup of coconut water + 1 -2 cups ice)
1 cup frozen pineapple
3 teaspoons matcha green tea powder ( I used this, but there are plenty of great options out there)
3 Tablespoons cashews
2 Tablespoons flax meal
2 scoops plant based protein powder

INSTRUCTIONS

Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Note: I like to start with the liquids, greens, nuts/meals, and powders. Once blended, I'll add the frozen stuff.
I served these in shot glasses as a sampler, but you can drink this for breakfast or as a snack!