What is Matcha?
Matcha is a high-quality green tea powder made from finely ground young tea leaves. Unlike regular green tea, matcha comes from shade-grown tea plants, which increases the chlorophyll content, resulting in a vibrant green color and a higher concentration of nutrients.
Health Benefits of Matcha
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, offering numerous health benefits, such as:
- Boosting metabolism and burning calories
- Enhancing mood and mental focus
- Supporting a healthy immune system
- Detoxifying the body
The Perfect Matcha Bread Recipe
Ingredients
- 500g bread flour
- 100g sugar
- 10g salt
- 7g instant yeast
- 240g milk, room temperature
- 60g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 20g matcha powder
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine bread flour, sugar, salt, and instant yeast.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, softened butter, and egg.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions. Add matcha powder to one portion and knead until evenly incorporated.
- Cover both dough portions and let them rise for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Gently punch down the dough and roll out each portion into a rectangle.
- Place the matcha dough on top of the plain dough, aligning the edges.
- Starting from one of the shorter sides, roll the dough up tightly into a log.
- Place the log in a greased loaf pan, seam side down, and let it rise for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Bake the matcha bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Information
Matcha Bread Nutritional Profile
Here's the approximate nutritional information per 100g of bread:
- Calories: 280
- Carbohydrate Content: 50g
- Cholesterol Content: 20mg
- Fat Content: 6g
- Protein Content: 8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3g
- Sodium Content: 400mg
- Sugar Content: 10g
- Trans Fat Content: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat Content: 3g
Variations and Adaptations
Vegan Matcha Bread
To make vegan matcha bread, replace the milk with a non-dairy milk alternative and the butter with vegan butter. You can also substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg.
Gluten-Free Matcha Bread
For a gluten-free version, use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend in place of regular bread flour.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Matcha bread is delicious on its own or paired with a variety of spreads, such as:
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Nut butters
- Fruit preserves
Enjoy matcha bread with a cup of tea, coffee, or a matcha latte for a delightful and comforting treat.
Storing and Reheating Matcha Bread
Store matcha bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze matcha bread for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply toast individual slices in a toaster or oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but the texture of the bread may be slightly different.
How can I tell if my matcha powder is high-quality?
Look for vibrant green color, a fine texture, and a slightly sweet, earthy aroma.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins to my matcha bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with adding nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to your matcha bread.
How do I store matcha powder to maintain its freshness?
Store matcha powder in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
Why is my matcha bread not as green as I expected?
The intensity of the green color in matcha bread can vary depending on the quality and amount of matcha powder used. If you prefer a more vibrant green color, try using a higher quality matcha powder or increasing the amount slightly in your recipe.
Can I make matcha bread without a loaf pan?
Yes, you can shape the dough into a freeform loaf or divide it into smaller portions to make individual rolls. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and keep an eye on the bread as it bakes to ensure it doesn't overcook.
Can I make matcha bread in a bread machine?
While we haven't tested this specific recipe in a bread machine, it should be possible with some adjustments. Follow your bread machine's instructions for adding ingredients and use the appropriate settings for a milk bread or similar loaf.
Is matcha bread suitable for people with a caffeine sensitivity?
Matcha does contain caffeine, although it is generally lower in caffeine than coffee. If you're sensitive to caffeine, you may want to limit your intake of matcha bread or avoid it in the evenings.
Can I make matcha bread using a sourdough starter instead of yeast?
Yes, it's possible to make matcha bread with a sourdough starter. Replace the instant yeast with an appropriate amount of active sourdough starter, and adjust the flour and liquid quantities accordingly. You may also need to adjust the fermentation and proofing times to achieve the desired texture and flavor.