Matcha is everywhere. The powdered green tea has been around for a long time, but lately it’s getting more media attention and showing up often in green-tinged food items in cafes and grocery stores around the world. Powdered tea has been consumed for over a thousand years and has a strong connection to Zen Buddhism. It originated in China and Japan and has evolved in its preparation and according to preferences, but it’s definitely in the midst of a renaissance.

Breakfast and beyond

So what is it? Matcha is a fine, vibrant green powder ground from a special type of Japanese green tea. The tea plants are covered three weeks before being harvested to prevent sunlight from reaching them, which slows growth and causes the leaves to turn a rich shade of green. To drink it as a tea, matcha powder is traditionally whisked into hot water. But it’s gone from being the base for tea to a small but significant ingredient in a broad array of recipes and consumed at any time of day, from ice cream to pancakes, popsicles to protein shakes.

Healthy appetites

Like most foods that suddenly surge in popularity, matcha has been linked to range of health benefits. With a high antioxidant count, it’s been hailed as a panacea with claims ranging from helping to prevent cancer, lower bad cholesterol and facilitate fat burning – though the scientific basis for these assertions is not always clear. And, of course, when you combine it with rich desserts such as shortbread cookies and ice cream, you’re likely negating some of the benefits.

Easy matcha recipes

In any case, matcha has a unique flavor that can land anywhere from earthy to vegetal to slightly sweet. The best way to describe the flavor is simply “matcha.” It complements a variety of items, which is why it is so popular in many dishes. Here are a few of our favorites.

Matcha Shortbread: Not only do these cookies taste good because of the addition of matcha, they also look great.

Green Tea Soufflé: Mastering the soufflé is a goal of many home cooks. Why not add a tangy twist and try this delicious matcha variation? It’s fun to practice because you get to eat your mistakes.

Chocolate Matcha Bundt Cake: Now we’re talking. This chocolate cake with a matcha inner swirl will impress any bundt enthusiast.

Matcha Muffins: Start the day off with a green bang with these delicate matcha muffins .

Do you have a favorite matcha recipe? Why are you holding back? Let us know in the comments below and on Twitter @luvoinc.