What is matcha?
Matcha is a hot beverage made from matcha powder and hot water being whisked together. Matcha powder is made from grinding the whole leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant.
Farmers who are growing Camellia sinensis to obtain matcha tea cover the plant for the final 20-30 days of growth to decrease its sunlight exposure. The decreased amount of sunlight causes the plant’s leaves to produce more chlorophyll.
Increased levels of chlorophyll lead to an increase in a range of beneficial phytonutrients (plant compounds). In particular, there is an increase in the number of polyphenols and amino acids, which contribute to the amazing nutritional profile of matcha tea.
The increase in chlorophyll is also responsible for the characteristic deep green colour and the delicious flavour of matcha powder. It also leads to matcha containing a high amount of caffeine and L-theanine compared to other forms of green tea.
For more information on how matcha tea is made click here.
What are the benefits of matcha?
Matcha tea does not just look good and taste amazing, but it actually has some important health benefits too.
Increased attention
Adding matcha to your morning routine can get you alert and focused on the day ahead.
Evidence has proven that three key ingredients of matcha tea – l-theanine, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and caffeine – can increase cognitive performance.
A study showed this by giving a 23 people a product containing matcha green tea powder, or a placebo. The people consuming the matcha products experienced significant improvements in their attention spans, compared to the placebo versions. They also found mildly positive effects on memory, for the matcha product drinkers.
Brimming with antioxidants
Matcha tea is packed with antioxidant substances, including flavonoids, polyphenols and vitamin C.
In fact, they make up around 30% of matcha tea’s dry mass.
We need antioxidants to help us fight off oxidative stress in our cells – which causes a wide range of diseases and contributes to skin ageing.
A healthy liver
In 2015, an analysis of the research studies previously done revealed that among green tea drinkers, there was a significant reduction in the risk of liver disease.
One factor for this could be the high levels of polyphenolic antioxidants which green tea has, which matcha tea is especially rich in.
Can you make matcha in a Nespresso machine?
With so many people now owning a Nespresso machine, more people are wanting to use them for drinks other than coffee - so 'can you make matcha in a Nespresso machine?'.
As we have seen, this popular drink has many health benefits so it is no wonder it is top of the list for the new drinks customers are looking to make using their Nespresso machine.
You can make matcha in a Nespresso machine, using Rejuvenation water's Nespresso compatible matcha pods.
These new matcha Nespresso pods mean you can create a Nespresso matcha latte in seconds.
How to make matcha with Nespresso machine
The best way for how to make matcha with Nespresso machine is using Rejuvenation water's matcha pods.
You can use your Nespresso matcha pods to make a range of different matcha drinks, including Nespresso matcha latte and iced matcha lattes.
Matcha Espresso
For the simplest way of how to make matcha with Nespresso machine, you can make a matcha espresso.
Step 1 - Pop your Nespresso compatible matcha pod in your machine and press the espresso button.
Step 2 - Enjoy your tasty green matcha espresso made in seconds!
For a lungo - simply press the two shot button and enjoy a slightly milder matcha taste.
Matcha Latte
Another easy matcha drink to make when using a Nespresso machine is a Nespresso matcha latte.
Step 1 - Pop your Nespresso compatible matcha pod in your machine and press the espresso button.
Step 2 - Pour the milk of your choice into the milk frother and heat.
Step 3 - Pour the frothed milk into the matcha and enjoy!
Iced Matcha Latte
For a refreshing drink on a hot summer's day , you can upgrade your Nespresso matcha latte easily by adding ice and making an iced matcha latte.
Step 1 - Pop your Nespresso compatible matcha pod in your machine and press the espresso button.
Step 2 - Add ice to a glass and pour over the milk of your choice.
Step 3 - Add the shot of matcha and enjoy!
Dirty matcha
If you love coffee and matcha then a dirty matcha latte will be perfect for you.
Using not only matcha Nespresso compatible capsules but keto coffee Nespresso compatible capsules too - it may seem like an unusual combo but trust me, it works!
Step 1 - Pop your Nespresso compatible matcha pod in your machine, press the espresso button and set aside.
Step 2 - Repeat for your Nespresso compatible keto coffee pod.
Step 3 - Next, add ice to a glass and pour over the milk of your choice.
Step 4 - Add the shot of matcha and keto coffee and enjoy!
Does Nespresso have a matcha pod?
When first buying a Nespresso machine, many people stay with Nespresso and use their pods. This means even with companies making their own pods people are asking 'does Nespresso have a matcha pod?'.
The answer to this is no, Nespresso does not have a matcha pod.
Fortunately, Rejuvenation water's Nespresso compatible matcha pods work in all original Nespresso machines.
In fact they are better than Nespresso pods as each pod is fully compostable, meaning they are good for you as well as the environment.
By Alex Warmisham ANutr - Nutritionist at Rejuvenation Water
