Meditations on Matcha with Salúd Juicery

The matcha craze is hitting its stride as a superfood. Though the green tea powder tastes slightly bitter on its own, its flavor shines through especially when mixed as an additive, pairing well with sweet desserts, both baked and frozen, and acting as a key element to the color and flavor of our current addiction: smoothie bowls. So, we couldn’t have been happier to hear that Ginny Corbett, owner of Salúd Juicery and a longtime proponent of this powerful powder, will be adding a “Matcha Bowl” to Salúd’s menu as a summer special. The juicery, which sources its matcha from The Santé Company, already features a “Samurai Medicinal Drink” on its regular menu, comprised of matcha, mint, and honey, served hot or cold. “People are really recognizing it as one of the most powerful antioxidants. Its index is higher than any other superfood. They gravitate towards matcha because it gives you the energy and focus, without the crash or the jitters,” she says. Many people describe feeling an alert calmness after savoring a matcha tea — not steeped and instead whisked into hot water — a response due to combination of caffeine with L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation without drowsiness. “Buddhist monks actually used matcha in meditation ceremonies,” she says. But, not all matcha is created equal. Corbett advises to pay attention to the differences between them while shopping, and to look for tea powder from Japan, the producer of the highest quality matcha. Now widely available in the tea section of most grocery stores, we predict that you’ll soon be sneaking it in to dishes whenever possible, the first indication that you’ve become a “matchaholic,” just like us.

Salúd Juicery, 348 Beaver St., Sewickley. 412.259.8818. 733 Copeland St., Shadyside. 412.683.1064. saludjuicery.com.