Have you tried matcha yet? Matcha tea is the highest grade green tea you can buy. The name matcha literally means “powdered tea.” Unlike traditional green tea where the tea leaves are discarded, matcha tea includes the leaves ground into a fine powder.

This Japanese tea is considered a superfood packed with nutrients. It is high in antioxidants called polyphenols which have been found to help protect against heart disease and cancer as well as help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure. Matcha also has other antioxidants called catechins which help with endurance and concentration. It is used by monks to help with mediation.

Another interesting thing about matcha is that it contains more caffeine than other teas but rather than cause jitteriness, it creates an “alert calm.” This may be due to l-theanine which relaxes us without making us drowsy. So matcha can give you energy without any of the shakiness you can get from coffee. Learn more about how Matcha is good for your health in this informative article, Matcha Green Tea: A Superfood to Supercharge You!

Matcha tastes a bit like spinach with a savory flavor. You can drink it but you can also use it as an ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. People are putting matcha tea into everything! Just look at these 10 Yummy Ways to Use Matcha Green Tea in Your Plant-Based Recipes. Are you ready to meet your matcha? Learn How to Use Tea as an Ingredient When Cooking and then try these 10 recipes using matcha tea to get you started.

1. 2 Minute Matcha Ice Cream With Baklava Sprinkles

If you are looking for a low fat, vegan ice cream recipe that tastes great and will wow your taste buds, then this 2 Minute Matcha Ice Cream with Baklava Sprinkles is it. Made from a frozen banana base, this creamy dessert is healthy and heart friendly… and best of all, tastes amazing!

2. Matcha Mochi Strawberry Popsicles

Popsicles are so much fun when the weather turns warm. These refreshing Matcha Mochi Strawberry Popsicles have homemade mocha with matcha in them. They’re creamy, lightly sweet and have chewy bits of fresh strawberries throughout.

3. Mint Matcha Chip Ice Cream

Summer means ice cream and this Mint Matcha Chip Ice Cream turns your favorite flavor into a superfood. This will be your new favorite ice cream flavor.

4. Healthy Matcha Coconut Pops

Coconut and matcha are a perfect pairing for both your health and your taste buds. These Healthy Matcha Coconut Pops has the rich taste of coconut and all the nutritional benefits of matcha. Keeping cool never tasted so good.

5. Raw Vanilla, Matcha and Coconut Macaroons

These Raw Vanilla, Matcha and Coconut Macaroons are a delicious no-bake dessert. They have a sweet green tea flavor from the matcha with shredded coconut and just a hint of vanilla for a yummy summer treat.

6. Matcha Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches

These Matcha Vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches are perfect way to satisfy your cravings for refreshing cold treats on hot summer afternoons. The ice cream is made with bananas, avocado and matcha while the sandwich layers achieve the perfect, slightly crunchy consistency from the nuts and oats.

7. Grilled Matcha Mochi

Make your own mocha at home like this Grilled Matcha Mochi. Made with sweet rice flour and matcha green tea powder, this mocha is crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside and starchy sweet red bean paste seeps out with every bite for a delicious treat.

8. Raw Matcha Coconut Cream Pie

The classic pie goes green with this Raw Matcha Coconut Cream Pie. A raw pie crust filled with matcha-laced coconut cream and large coconut flakes will show you just how heavenly the sweet flavor of coconut pairs with earthy matcha.

9. Passion Fruit Matcha Coconut Layered Cake

Imagine a moist and delicious tea-soaked cake with whipped cream, fruit and coconut. Now make this amazing Passion Fruit Matcha Coconut Layered Cake and you won’t have to imagine it because you’ll be eating it and loving every bite.

10. Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes

When your dessert is made with superfoods like these Matcha Green Tea Cupcakes, you can feel good about digging in. The matcha green tea is in both the cupcakes and the frosting so be sure to eat every bite!

Matcha green tea is delicious to sip or use in smoothies. Adding a spoonful to your desserts can turn a sweet treat into a healthy dessert so put a little green into your recipes.

Lead Image Photo: Passion Fruit Matcha Coconut Layered Cake