I learned about matcha green tea when I was in Japan for a training exercise. We were given a couple of days off to explore this wonderful place.

Two places I visited were Osaka and Kyoto. It is here I was introduced to matcha green tea. I became a fan.

I would switch between eating and drinking matcha green tea ice cream, mochi, and a hot latte.

There are vending machines around Osaka where you can buy cans of matcha green tea latte.

The vending machines fueled my daily matcha green tea obsession.

I would switch back and forth between matcha green tea latte and matcha green tea with just a little sweetener.

So wish we had a similar set up in the States. Luckily, there is a Starbucks on every corner for me to get my occasional fix.

Matcha Green Tea

If you have ever had green tea, matcha tea is similar to a more earthy taste that may not be appealing.

Matcha green tea in Japan is traditionally made putting powder a bowl, adding a little hot water, whisking it with a bamboo whisk to create a paste and then adding more hot water.

Some say matcha green tastes like grass. Regardless of the taste, matcha green tea is an antioxidant powerhouse. The drink can reduce stress, and can aid in weight loss.

Years later, Starbucks has all things matcha on its menu. One beverage that became my favorite was the matcha green tea lemonade.

Its a beautiful and refreshing summer drink.

In the winter when Minnesota has gotten a lot of snow and roads haven’t been cleared, this an excellent time to stay inside and enjoy two versions of the drink.

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