Matcha and Black Sesame Latte

This is my new go-to morning brew to energize, nourish and detoxify: Matcha and Black Sesame Latte. As I ready myself for the cooler weather and a busier fall with work and school schedules to juggle, I don’t just want a jolt of caffeine to keep me alert, but rather something that can nourish and provide me with long term nutrients and health benefits as well. Matcha has less caffeine than coffee and is absorbed slowly in the bloodstream over a 6 hour period so you don’t get that jittery feeling that coffee can leave. Matcha has catechins, powerful antioxidants, which are also found in other green teas. But since it is powdered and the whole leaf is consumed, in one cup of matcha, you can receive more than 3 times the amount of antioxidants than from a cup of green tea!

I’ve always loved the nutty, sweet flavors of black sesame seeds and in Asia you’ll often see desserts made with them (think black sesame mochi or crunchy seed bars). Black sesame seeds are rich in calcium, iron and vitamin B. They are a good source of Omega-6 fatty acids and can provide energy with their high fat content. According to Chinese medicine dietetics, they nourish blood and yin and are often used to benefit blurry vision, tinnitus, and dizziness. They also nourish the skin and scalp and contain melanin to prevent dry, brittle, premature graying hair–another added plus!

Sip, savor and enjoy!

What helps get your day started?

Matcha and Black Sesame Latte

1 serving

Ingredients:

1 tsp matcha powder
1 Tbsp black sesame seed paste*
1-2 oz water
1 cup of oat milk, almond milk or milk of your choice

Tools:

Bamboo whisk (regular whisk is ok in a pinch but not as good)
Bowl or wide mouth mug
Small fine mesh strainer

Steps:

1. Sift matcha powder into a bowl with a fine mesh strainer (not totally necessary but will help prevent lumps in your tea)
2. Add 1-2 oz of almost boiled water. It is vital that the water is not boiling or it will burn the matcha and make it taste bitter as well as lower its nutritional content.
3. Whisk back and forth in a “W” shape until you make a smooth paste.
4. Add 1 cup of almost boiled milk and continue to whisk.
5. Add black sesame paste as desired and continue to whisk until relatively smooth. You could stick the mixture into a blender at this point to really blend it all smoothly but I don’t mind little bits of sesame floating around. Just be sure to check the mirror before your next zoom call!

*Black Sesame Seed Paste

Makes ½-1 cup

Ingredients:
½ cup Black sesame seeds (raw)
¼ cup Sesame oil
¼ cup honey

Steps:

1. Place sesame seeds into a pan and toast over medium heat until you smell the nutty aroma. 1-2 minutes
2. Let cool and place in a food processor and blend.
3. Add sesame oil and honey and continue to blend until you get a smooth paste. The texture can range from very smooth to gritty, blend to your liking. The longer you blend, the smoother it becomes.
4. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a month.