Tag: Baking with matcha

According to research published by Harvard Health, matcha contains anywhere from 38 to 89 milligrams of caffeine per serving, meaning that yes, matcha brownies have caffeine. The total amount in each brownie depends on the quantity of matcha powder used in the recipe and how many brownies are baked.

Caffeine is a notably heat-stable compound, meaning the high temperatures typically used for baking do not cause it to break down or dissipate. This means any matcha powder added to cookies, cakes, or muffins will retain its stimulant properties in the finished product.

While ceremonial matcha is prized for traditional tea ceremonies, grade 3 matcha—often referred to as culinary grade—is specifically cultivated to excel in cooking and baking. This versatile powder has a robust and astringent flavor profile designed to stand up to other ingredients, making it an affordable and effective choice for a wide array of recipes.

Over 800 years ago, Zen monks brought matcha to Japan, but today, its use varies significantly depending on its grade. The key difference between ceremonial grade matcha and normal (or culinary) matcha lies in the production process, resulting in variations in color, flavor, and texture.

According to matcha recipes and nutritional data, 2 tsp of matcha powder is typically equivalent to 4 grams. This conversion, however, is not always exact and can be affected by factors like density and measuring technique, making precision a key consideration for perfect results.