Easy Homemade Matcha Granola

A vibrant and bioactive granola for a grounding Earth day. Only six ingredients and 25 minutes are required to enjoy this simple, anti-oxidant rich topping for your yogurt parfait, smoothie bowl, or trail mix.

What’s the tea on Matcha?

Originating from China, matcha green tea became widely known when it was introduced in Japan by a Buddhist monk who discovered its energizing yet relaxing benefits during long hours of meditation. For centuries now, matcha green tea has been consumed ceremonially not just by Zen monks but by a widespread population worldwide for a steady boost of energy and health benefits. It is well known and coveted for its balancing and synergistic effects provided by both its caffeine and L-theanine amino acid, a relaxant that modifies the effect of caffeine and produces a state of relaxed alertness by reducing heart rate. 

Matcha Green Tea vs Regular Green Tea

Both matcha green tea and regular green tea are derived from the plant Camelia sinesis. To make green tea, dried green tea leaves are steeped in hot water and then discarded before consuming. The process is taken a few steps further to create the pulverized form we know as green tea matcha in which the end product is the whole green tea leaf finely ground. This makes for a more concentrated product containing more caffeine and a more nutrient-dense composition because all vitamins and minerals are consumed. Essentially, matcha green tea powder is finely ground whole green tea leaves, a plant turned into a solution.

If you are currently deciding or are interested in transitioning to matcha green tea, get started by looking for organic, shade-grown, and pure. High quality matcha will also have a vibrant green color, an indication of high chlorophyl content.

Side note: it is worth noting the importance of regulating initial intake. Though highly beneficial health-wise, matcha green tea does contain a high level of antioxidants which could lead to stomach discomfort when over consumed.

Matcha Versatility

Due to its pulverization form, matcha green tea can be easily consumed not only in the conventional latte way, matcha can also be incorporated in various recipes for a boost of nutrition. For example, it can be added into baked goods (waffle, muffin, or pancake batter), smoothies, granola, and sweet or savory sauces or dressings (thanks to its umami flavor).

How to Make an EASY Matcha Granola

Granola is a pantry staple that can be easily prepared at home in different forms and flavors. It can be added to yogurt, apple slices with nut butter, smoothies or smoothie bowls, or simply by itself with a splash of mylk.

For this nutritious matcha granola, I used Matcha Kari‘s organic, culinary grade matcha available on their website or on Amazon.

To prepare a vibrant green granola, ensure the first step is not skipped! The rolled oats and matcha alone must be mixed together in a mixing bowl before mixing all ingredients. This allows for even distribution of the matcha powder on the rolled oats. Once these two ingredients are mixed together, the remaining ingredients can be incorporated starting with dry and then moving forward with the wet ingredients.

Whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract in one bowl and pour the mix into the dry ingredients. Mix all ingredients together and transfer to your baking sheet liner. Use a spoon or silicone spatula to spread the mix on the baking sheet. Spreading too much will result in crispy granola while leaving some clumps will get you some granola chunks.

This granola recipe is very similar to the one found here but with an additional spike of maple syrup to further balance matcha’s flavor. Play with different toppings and choose what you love or have on hand. Matcha is not naturally sweet, so I added dried mulberries for an added sweetness to balance matcha’s earthy umami flavor.

@sunkissedpalate

#granola #recipe #earthday

♬ Beginner’s Luck – Maribou State