If you’re a fan of matcha, you might want to try Sakura Matcha. Have you never heard about it? Well, this article is then right for you!
Sakura Matcha is a blend of Japanese green tea and cherry blossom petals. This combination creates a delicate, floral flavor perfect for any tea lover.
This blend is not only delicious, but it also has health benefits. Matcha is known for its high concentration of antioxidants and amino acids, which can help boost your immune system and improve your mood. Additionally, cherry blossom petals are rich in vitamin C.
Let’s keep exploring this enticing tea option.
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Understanding Sakura Matcha
What is Sakura Matcha?
Sakura Matcha is a Japanese tea made by blending matcha powder with cherry blossom petals. The result is a tea that has a subtle floral flavor. The tea is often enjoyed during the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom.
Matcha is a type of tea made by grinding green tea leaves into a fine powder. It is known for its bright green color and its high concentration of antioxidants. Matcha is an important part of Japanese culture and is often used in tea ceremonies.
The Origin of Sakura Matcha
Sakura Matcha has its roots in Japanese culture, where cherry blossoms symbolize renewal and the fleeting nature of life. The tea is often enjoyed during hanami, the traditional Japanese custom of viewing cherry blossoms.
The process of making this type of green tea involves blending matcha powder with cherry blossom petals. The petals are dried and then ground into a fine powder, then blended with the matcha. This adds floral notes to the final product.
Flavor Profile
Here is a breakdown of Sakura Matcha’s flavor profile.
- Traditional Matcha Base: Sakura matcha would retain the underlying taste of traditional matcha, with a smooth and velvety texture, along with its characteristic grassy, vegetal notes.
- Cherry Blossom Flavor: The defining feature of this blend is the subtle and delicate flavor of cherry blossoms. The matcha would be infused with the floral essence of sakura, adding a gentle and captivating aroma to the tea.
- Subtle Sweetness: The tea may also carry a mild sweetness that complements the floral notes, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- Balanced Bitterness: Like traditional matcha, Sakura matcha might have a slight bitterness, typically toned down by the sweetness and floral elements.
- Harmonious Blend: The blend creates a harmonious taste that captures the essence of the two main ingredients.
It’s important to remember that the specific flavor profile of this blend may vary depending on the quality of the matcha leaves, the concentration of cherry blossom flavor, and the production process.
Matcha vs Sakura Matcha
If you’re a fan of traditional matcha, you may wonder how Sakura Matcha compares.
Traditional matcha has a strong, earthy flavor with a slight bitterness. On the other hand, Sakura Matcha has floral notes and intricate sweetness. It’s a great option for those who find traditional matcha too strong or bitter.
When it comes to color, traditional matcha is a vibrant shade of green. Sakura Matcha has a pink hue due to adding cherry blossom petals. The color adds to the overall aesthetic of the tea and makes it an excellent choice for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests.
Preparing Sakura Matcha
Ingredients Needed
To prepare, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of Sakura Matcha powder
- 2 ounces of hot water (not boiling)
- A whisk
The Whisking Process
- Sift the matcha powder into a bowl to remove any lumps.
- Add 2 ounces of hot water to the bowl.
- Use the whisk to mix the powder and hot water until it forms a smooth, frothy mixture.
- Whisk the mixture in a “W” or “M” motion, whisk until no clumps are left.
- Once the mixture is frothy and smooth, pour it into a cup and enjoy!
You can adjust the recipe if you want to prepare a larger quantity.
Remember that the temperature of the water is important; it should be hot but not boiling. Boiling water can make your matcha taste bitter. Also, use a whisk to mix your, as a spoon or fork will not create the same frothy texture.
Even though this article is about Sakura Matcha (the actual blend), you can prepare beverages with a similar flavor profile by combining matcha and Sakura powder or syrup. We have a specific article detailing how to prepare a Sakura Matcha latte.
Also, you can enjoy the other variety of Sakura green tea, Sakura Sencha. In this case, green tea leaves are infused with Sakura petals. The tea is brewed and enjoyed as usual.
Sakura Matcha Pairings
Sakura Matcha is a perfect match for Japanese sweets and desserts. Here are some great pairing suggestions:
- Mochi: This sweet rice cake is a popular Japanese dessert in various flavors. The chewy texture of mochi and the sweet filling inside go well with the light, flowery taste of the tea.
- Dorayaki: This pancake-like dessert is filled with sweet red bean paste. The combination of the soft, fluffy texture of dorayaki and the taste of matcha and Sakura is a match made in heaven.
- Taiyaki: This fish-shaped cake is usually filled with sweet red bean paste or custard. The crispy exterior of taiyaki and the warm, gooey filling goes well with the fragrant aroma of this tea.
Japanese sweets are not the only snacks that go well with green tea. You can also pair it with other Japanese snacks like senbei (rice crackers), yokan (sweet jelly), and wagashi (traditional Japanese confectionery).
Also, keep in mind that since these flavors are so popular, there are desserts that incorporate both of them (ready to consume). Here are some examples
- Cookies: These cookies are made with flour, butter, sugar, and sakura matcha powder. They have a light and crispy texture with a subtle cherry blossom flavor.
- Sakura Matcha Oreos: This limited edition Oreos has a sakura matcha cream filling that is both sweet and savory. They are perfect for those who want to try something new and unique.
- Sakura Matcha Chocolate: This chocolate has a smooth and creamy texture with a hint of cherry blossom. It is a perfect gift for matcha lovers.
Buying Sakura Matcha
Here’s what you need to know when buying this green tea blend.
Price Range
The price can vary depending on the quality and quantity you’re looking for. You can expect to pay between $10 and $30 for a 30g tin. However, some higher-end brands may charge up to $50 for the same amount.
Where to Buy
You can find this tea at many specialty tea shops and online retailers. Amazon is a popular option for purchasing, as it offers a wide range of brands and price points. If you’re looking for a high-quality option, consider purchasing from a specialty tea shop or a Japanese or Chinese supplier.
If you are considering buying online, please take into consideration these recommendations:
Matcha Green Tea Powder with Cherry Blossom Tea
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sakura tea in Japanese?
Sakura tea is called “Sakura-cha” in Japanese. It is a type of tea made from cherry blossoms that are typically harvested during the spring season. The tea has a delicate and floral taste, often enjoyed during traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.
What does Sakura Matcha taste like?
Sakura Matcha has a unique taste that combines the earthy flavor of matcha with the sweet and floral notes of cherry blossoms. The taste is not too overpowering and is often described as refreshing and calming.
How do you make a Sakura Matcha latte?
To make this latte, you must mix Sakura Matcha powder with the milk and sweetener of your choice. First, whisk the matcha powder with a small amount of hot water until it is smooth and frothy. Then, add your desired amount of milk and sweetener and whisk again until everything is well combined. You can enjoy the latte hot or cold.
What is Pink Matcha?
Pink matcha is a type of matcha that is infused with natural pink coloring from sources like beetroot or Sakura flowers. It has a beautiful pink hue and a slightly sweeter taste than regular matcha.
What are some popular Sakura Matcha snacks?
The Sakura Matcha flavor has been infused into snacks such as KitKat, Pocky, and mochi. These snacks are often enjoyed as a sweet treat or a gift for friends and family.
I’m unsure if you can tell, but I am a big fan of cherry blossoms. I hope this article has inspired you to try this flavor.
Have you tried this tea?