A morning Matcha is one of my favorite ways to wake up. The method of the traditional preparation brings me such joy, and is also the last step in my morning skincare routine. The mornings are truly a sacred time to me — to be alone and finish the last chapters of a book, write some notes for the day, or just to stay under the covers until the last possible second... The next thing I do is gather my tonic herbs to craft a morning Matcha.
EDIBLE BEAUTY
Matcha is rich in antioxidants and has been treasured for centuries as a beauty ritual as much as a morning drink. White Dragon Matcha is a lovely addition to a morning routine — bright, grassy and grounding all at once.
A Note About Sun Potion's White Dragon Matcha
This White Dragon Matcha comes from young, shade-grown green tea leaves, farmed using natural methods long practiced in Japan and Korea and now expanding into the U.S. If you are curious about this effort happening across the world, a good place to start is the Netflix documentary “Sustainable.”
Sun Potion White Dragon Matcha
In addition to my favorite ceremonial Matcha, Ashitaba and Tocos are two superfoods that accompany Matcha in all the right ways. Ashitaba contains B vitamins, so if you are vegan it’s really a wonderful adaptogen to include in your morning routine. If you don't feel like whisking your potion, or don't have the tools on hand, adding the herbs and water with some homemade plant milk in a high-speed blender is the way to go, and will also achieve that foam-worthy creamy texture with help from our Tocos.
More beauty herbs...
Reishi and Pearl are my other two favorites for this recipe. Reishi is known as the “Queen of Mushrooms” and is traditionally valued in Chinese herbalism as a calming tonic — known to help with a sense of steadiness through a demanding day. Pearl has been treasured as a beauty herb for centuries and is traditionally valued for the appearance of radiant skin. It's great in a simple tonic and also in face masks.
Sun Potion Jasmine Tocos
THE RECIPE
Ingredients1 tsp. Sun Potion White Dragon Matcha 1/2 tsp. Sun Potion Ashitaba 1/2 tsp. Reishi and/or Cordyceps 1/2 tsp. Pearl 1 tbsp. Sun Potion Tocos 8 oz. plant-based milk or water option to sweeten: a small dollop of coconut nectar, raw honey or maple (my current favorite sweetener is raw honey) |
MethodDepending on the weather and mood, it can be prepared warm or cool The Traditional Method (My favorite way to savor every step of the process) In a matcha bowl — one that is wide and shallow — add warm water (about 175°F) and let sit for about one minute so the bowl warms Dip your whisk in the warm water and set aside Empty the warmed bowl and dry with a tea towel Add the matcha to the bowl, then water about two inches high, or 1/3 cup Whisk in a “W” or zigzag formation (this method will help achieve more froth) Add another 1/4 cup of water, then the Ashitaba and the other adaptogens being used Repeat the whisking motion Enjoy in the bowl OR The Modern Preparation Add all ingredients to a blender for 30 seconds (warm or cold)* *One great way to prepare a cold-brew matcha is to freeze prepared matcha into ice cubes — the perfect cold, not-watered-down elixir, and they can be added to a prepared matcha on a hot day If prepared this way, add to your favorite ceramic and enjoy |
Also, for a traditional preparation, check out this beautiful video that continues to inspire me...
Frequently Asked Questions
What water temperature should I use for matcha?
About 175°F. Boiling water scorches the leaf and turns it bitter.
Do I need a bamboo whisk?
Not strictly — a high-speed blender for 30 seconds gets you there, and gives a creamier result when you're adding Tocos. The whisk is about the ritual as much as the froth.
What makes White Dragon Matcha different?
White Dragon Matcha is made from young, shade-grown leaves, which is what gives it its bright colour and smooth, low-bitterness flavour.
Can I make it iced?
Yes — freeze prepared matcha into ice cubes, then add them to a fresh cup so it chills without diluting.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
danielle dain
Hi,
Can you do a similar recipe like this with coffee?