With summer solstice approaching, the days are getting longer and busier, so we’re back with another tea pairing—one that’s sure to give you a well-deserved boost.

My Matcha Life’s Founder and CEO, Calli O’Brien, is as passionate about matcha tea as we are about shortbread, so we knew we’d get along.

Matcha is unique in the tea world for the intricate methods used in its growth, harvest and processing. It has also been linked to several health benefits, including stress-relief, alertness, and increased energy.

With its exacting process (it takes an hour of grinding leaves to make just one once of tea!), and its loyalty to the traditions of the Japanese tea ceremony, matcha from My Matcha Life is the best you can buy.

Of course, we think it goes perfectly with our shortbread.

Mixed, not steeped: How to prepare Matcha tea

Matcha tea, unlike other teas, is mixed directly with water, rather than steeped, so that you are drinking the whole tea leaf. Much like the way we make our shortbread, preparing matcha tea is a ritual, best done the traditional way.

• Begin by mixing 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoons of matcha with 30 mLs of hot water in a traditional tea bowl (or something similar), until a paste forms.
• Add another 60 to 90 mLs of hot water, and using a bamboo whisk (a chasen), whisk in a zigzag motion until frothy.
• Add more water or other liquid, as desired.

The Perfect Pair: Rich Chocolate Shortbread and Deep, Earthy Matcha

My Matcha Life’s 100% organic, ceremonial grade Tea Lover’s Matcha is the perfect match for our chocolate shortbread.

The dark, natural cacao tones in our chocolate shortbread pair beautifully with the deep, earthy flavour of the tea. The lingering sweetness of the tea highlights the more obvious butter-and-sugar flavour of the shortbread.

Try Rose’ Shortbread and My Matcha Life At Home

Visit the My Matcha Life website to learn more about this unique, feel-good tea, and where you can pick some up. If you’re running low on Rose’s shortbread, you can order more right here.