Release Date: February 4, 2020
Got Matcha? Ziggi’s Coffee Does!
By Mersadi McClure
As a self-described coffee lover, I can confidently say that I am very familiar with the many different types of coffee out there. Drip, chemex, french-pressed, iced, cold brewed, espresso, you name it, if coffee is involved, i’ve probably tried it or would like to. What I am a total novice to although, is tea!
Although I appreciate and firmly believe in a cup of herbal tea’s abilities to cure colds when paired with warm honey and lemon, tea is not something I would necessarily choose when it’s on a menu, especially if coffee is also present. When Ziggi’s Coffee on Main St. reached out to me to see if I would be interested in trying their brand new Matcha Green Tea latte, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but I'm always up to try something new.
If you’ve had Matcha before, you probably recognize it from the bright green powder that comprises the base of the drink. Matcha in the wild looks rather different, first starting off as green teas leaves that favor the shade. These leaves are then stone-ground into the versatile powder we recognize as Matcha, and can be used as an inclusion in lattes, smoothies, crepes, and of course tea!
In addition to turning any creation it’s included in a lovely shade of green, Matcha is rich with antioxidants and other key nutrients, plus is low in sugar and calories, gluten free, vegan, and contains a bit of the always necessary caffeine.
At Ziggi’s Coffee, Matcha powder has been used to craft a new signature recipe, the Verde Matcha Latte. Matcha powder is paired with steamed coconut milk and vanilla to produce a latte that's 0% dairy but 100% delicious. As a Matcha amaetur, the subtle but comforting flavor of the Matcha was a welcome surprise and paired perfectly with the vanilla and coconut milk to produce a latte that elicits memories of visiting a spa, but in a mug and a whole lot cheaper.
The next drink with Matcha was a bit of my own creation, as I took the Verde Matcha Latte ingredients and turned it into a Blender, accented with chocolate drizzle, making for smooth, slightly sweeter, and very instagramable drink. The customization that Matcha powder affords was perhaps the most interesting aspect to me, and I can see myself ordering smoothies in the future with Matcha included for a boost of energy, or opting for Matcha on slower days when I don’t require the amount of caffeine thats in espresso or cold-brew.
If you’re looking for a coffee alternative that doesn't sacrifice good ingredients and flavor, try out the new Matcha from Ziggi’s Coffee, it may be your new go-to!