We are so excited to bring to you our new Red Matcha Powder. Due to the overwhelming response, we have received for the Blue Matcha, it was time to bring in this next ingredient that is on everyone’s timeline, the Red Matcha. So what exactly is this red delight?

WHAT IS RED MATCHA POWDER?

The Red Matcha Powder is made from hand-picked, micro-milled hibiscus flowers (Hibiscus sabdariffa) that are harvested in the evening and early morning hours (before dawn) since the hibiscus flowers produce the most aroma and flavor during that time. They are naturally caffeine-free and have a pleasantly sour or tarty taste.

Just like our Butterfly Pea Flowers, the Red Matcha is sourced from a women-run cooperative of sustainable micro-farms from rural Thailand. Even though they are micro-farms their commitment to following sustainable farming practices and avoiding the use of any kind of pesticides is something we truly admire. These farms also promote the employment of middle-aged women, the elderly, and those that are differently-abled.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE RED MATCHA POWDER?

The uses and benefits of the hibiscus flower have been a part of many cultures and traditions all across the globe. In ancient African cultures for example, the hibiscus flower was consumed as a cold beverage to reduce body temperatures. According to popular ayurvedic traditions, hibiscus has been used to cleanse the body for physical and spiritual purposes. Even in parts of Iran and South-East Asia it is consumed as sour tea to promote liver health and for diuretic purposes.

Hibiscus flowers are rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamin C, anthocyanins, pectins and essential minerals and are often liked for its tarty taste. Red Matcha has that similar tarty, cranberry-like flavour and sometimes people prefer to add sugar to sweeten it. Sour tea is hugely popular in many parts of the world and it is a perfect way to add flavour and colour to your morning lattes or to make your very own red iced tea.

HOW DO YOU USE IT?

Red Matcha Powder can be used in a number of ways and to help you all get started we have listed a few of our favourite things to do with it:

• Red Matcha can be easily incorporated into baked goods to make bright red muffins, scones, cookies and so much more. All you need to do is to replace a small amount of flour with the Red Matcha powder. We love to make matcha pancakes or waffles for breakfast using either Red or Green Matcha Powder.
• You can also get started by adding Red Matcha powder to your morning breakfast bowls, smoothies and shakes to give it that natural red colour and nutrient boost or by sprinkling a little powder onto your popcorn.
• Adding some Red Matcha to your salad dressing is also a fun way to get started and to give that tarty-tangy kick to your salads.
• You can even use the Red Matcha in your home bar to prepare vibrant colourful cocktails.

Due to the ultra-fine milled hibiscus powder, Red Matcha Powder produces a deep red colour in any food. No coincidence why it is popularly used as a food dye to add colour to frosting, cakes, iced tea or to turn drinks and lattes into a beautiful red foamy treats.

It’s no coincidence that we are starting to see so many bright red lattes and teas on menus and on our Instagram stories. For all the teetotalers wondering how to get started, mix 2 teaspoons of the Red Matcha Powder in about 500 ml of water. Let the Red Matcha steep for up to 10 minutes and you would have your very own red coloured tea, feel free to mix honey or sugar for a more complex flavour or a squeeze of lime juice to balance the tartness