(I made this recipe using this organic matcha powder, which I received as a gift or at a discount in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.)
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I just discovered matcha and I love it. I have been using it to make near-daily matcha lattes, but I’ve also been wanting to try it in some recipes.
So I decided to do that when I got to review this organic matcha. It comes in a 4-oz package and is friendlier on the pocketbook than some other brands I’ve tried.
It is certified organic by JONA, which is the Japanese Organic and Natural Foods Association. (The product comes from Japan.) It is a beautiful bright green color.
The taste, to me, is the same as other matchas I’ve tried. I did a side-by-side comparison of this against a brand of ceremonial matcha I have (just mixing the matcha in hot water) and they tasted the same to me. While the ceremonial matcha dissolved right away when I swirled it around in the hot water, this matcha left a few flecks of green. It didn’t seem grainy or anything, so that didn’t bother me at all.
I did, however, notice a big difference in smell between the matchas. This matcha smells a little bit grassier than the other one I have right now.
There’s not a lot of info on the label. It doesn’t say whether it’s culinary or ceremonial grade, but the product listing on Amazon does say culinary grade. I figured that, with the price being much less than the cost of the ceremonial matcha I have.
Overall, for the price especially, I’m very happy with it. And it worked wonderfully in this Peanut Butter Matcha Balls Recipe! This is an adaptation of the peanut butter balls my sister-in-law makes.
Peanut Butter Matcha Ball Recipe
1 cup oats
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 Tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
1/4 cup honey
2 Tablespoons ground flax seed
1/2 Tablespoon matcha powder
Mix the honey, oil, and peanut butter until smooth. Add the oats, coconut, flax, and matcha. Mix till combined. Roll into balls. They will be sticky, so put them in the refrigerator and enjoy after they’ve hardened a bit.
Honestly, you can’t really taste the matcha in this. Which might be good if you’re just wanting to add it to your diet but don’t enjoy the taste! It does turn the balls very, very green, opening up some fun Halloween treat possibilities. 🙂 Enjoy!
