Mint matcha on my mind

Written by Michael Mantz, M.D.

Flavor Structure

Mint and green tea are a classic pairing since their flavors complement each other so well. The cool and smooth mint flavors combine well with the delicate grassy notes from the matcha creating a light, bright, and soothing flavor. The mint aromas accentuate the light sweetness from the matcha.

For those of you who are getting more accustomed to the matcha flavor, this is the next step down the line to tasting more of the matcha green tea with the balancing effects of the mint to harmonize the entire recipe.

Ingredients:

1 tsp of matcha powder

8 oz of peppermint or spearmint tea brewed

Optional: 1 scoop of coconut milk powder

Optional: 1-2 tsp of caprylic Acid

Instructions:

Brew the mint tea as per instructions on the tea box – be sure to not over brew as this will lead to a bitter product.

If using fresh mint leaves – you take 10 leaves, tear them up, and place them at the bottom of a cup. Add fresh hot water and cover for 5-10 minutes. For more mint flavor, halfway through the steeping process, stir the tea and bruise some of the leaves with a spoon to release more of the essential oils.

When steeping always keep a lid on the tea or the volatile essential oils will diffuse in the air which may smell nice but leaves less flavor and nutrients in the tea.

Using a strainer pour the brewed tea into a blender and add the matcha. Blend for 10 seconds.

Nutritional Design

The matcha green tea provides time-release caffeine, brain-boosting polyphenols, and L-theanine.

The peppermint tea, Mentha piperita, provides polyphenols along with other health promoting compounds such as menthol and menthone that in animal studies have shown memory improvement and anxiety reducing properties. In one small human study, 24 young healthy people performed significantly better on cognitive tests while reducing their overall fatigue when given peppermint oil capsules.

In cellular studies the compounds in peppermint have been shown to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, the main enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine in our brain. Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter for memory function.

Both the matcha and the mint have the unique quality of being both alerting and relaxing at the same time. Combining these two powerful ingredients boosts this balanced quality and promotes a wonderful sense of well-being.

This is one of my favorite teas for when I feel like I need a break from doing demanding cognitive work. I love the bright alerting smell of the mint as I slowly savor this fine brew. Enjoy!

Tips

-If you want more nutrients make the fresh mint tea and don’t strain it. Add the entire mixture – leaves and all – with the matcha powder and blend. You will need a high-power blender like a Vita-mix, or you will not get a smooth consistency. You can always strain it after you blend it to make sure any remaining particles are removed.

-It bears repeating, if you are using dried peppermint tea bags do not over brew it or the tea will become bitter.

-When steeping mint tea, it is critical that you always keep a lid on it when steeping – otherwise the volatile oils will escape in the air leaving you with a lackluster tea.