By Amy Rankin

So, erm, matcha more than green tea…

Ready to take your nutrition to the next level? This antioxidant-packed powder can be used in all kinds of ways, so get ready to power up.

What is it?

Used in traditional tea ceremonies, matcha is a finely ground, hand-picked green tea grown in the shade. While the popularity of powdered tea died out long ago (only the Zen Buddhists have been using it), the green stuff has regained it’s popularity – and not just in the East.  Why? It’s packed with amino acids, which neutralise the bad, speed, jittery negative effects of caffeine, without reducing the energising, fat-burning properties.

Super-alert AND calm all the time! Where to we sign up?

OK, so now you know what it is, but how do you exactly use it? Here are three of our favourite ways to go green.

1. Matcha It Up Latte

One of Gwyneth Paltrow’s faves: mix one teaspoon matcha with one cup heated almond milk and stir in one teaspoon honey, to taste.

2. Pow(d)er Balls

Combine Medjool dates, almonds, raw cacao and matcha powder, adding a little almond milk at a time for consistency until you can form power balls.

3. Meet Your Green Smoothie

Blend together one teaspoon matcha, one handful spinach, half an avocado, one pear, a quarter cucumber and two cups coconut water. Hangover slayer!

You can get your green fix at Ooh La La Artisan Confectionery in Joburg (the Matcha and Orange Blossom Nougat is out-of-this-world amazing!), at The Tea Bar in Long Street, or make your own green concoction with Lady Bonin’s Matcha Green Tea which you can order from Faithful To Nature.

This protein-packed egg muffin is actually all you need. Plus: 3 delicious snacks that are great for your gut.