Catering-grade matcha powder is a versatile and cost-effective ingredient that is widely used in the catering trade to create a variety of beverages, desserts, and culinary dishes. Its bold flavour, vibrant green colour, and health benefits make it a popular choice for restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and large-scale food service environments. Here’s how catering-grade matcha is typically used in the catering trade:
1. Beverages:
Catering-grade matcha is ideal for creating high-volume matcha beverages quickly and efficiently. Here are some common uses:
-
Matcha Lattes:
- Hot Latte: Mix 1-2 teaspoons of matcha powder with a small amount of hot water to dissolve it into a smooth paste. Add steamed milk (dairy or plant-based) and sweetener (optional) to create a rich and creamy matcha latte.
- Iced Latte: For a refreshing cold drink, dissolve the matcha powder in a small amount of warm water, then add cold milk and pour it over ice. It can be pre-made in large batches for quick service in cafes or restaurants.
-
Smoothies & Frappes:
- Add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to smoothies, blending it with fruits, yogurt, milk, or juice to create an energizing and antioxidant-rich smoothie. Matcha frappes can be made by blending matcha with ice, milk, and a sweetener.
- These are popular in cafes or juice bars where quick, healthy drink options are in demand.
-
Iced Matcha:
- Cold brew matcha by mixing catering-grade matcha with cold water. Serve it over ice for a refreshing, caffeine-packed iced tea. This is easy to prepare in bulk and store in the fridge, making it a quick option for large-scale service.
2. Baked Goods & Desserts:
Matcha’s vibrant colour and unique flavour make it a favourite ingredient for desserts and pastries in catering environments. Here’s how it is used:
-
Matcha Cakes, Cookies, and Pastries:
- Catering-grade matcha powder can be added directly into batter or dough for cakes, cookies, or muffins, adding a signature green tea flavour. Matcha also gives a beautiful green hue, making desserts visually appealing.
-
Matcha Ice Cream & Frozen Desserts:
- Matcha is a popular flavour for ice creams and gelato in restaurants and catering. It can be blended into the cream base for rich, earthy flavours that complement the sweetness of desserts.
-
Matcha Glazes, Frostings, and Sauces:
- Add matcha to frosting, buttercream, or glaze to top cakes, donuts, or pastries. Its bright colour makes the finished desserts look more appealing and gourmet, while the flavour adds a subtle bitterness that balances sweetness.
3. Culinary Dishes:
Matcha isn’t limited to just sweet treats—it can also be used in savoury dishes in the catering industry:
-
Matcha in Noodles or Pasta:
- Matcha can be added to noodle or pasta dough, giving the dish a distinct green tea flavour and colour. This is a unique way to introduce matcha into savoury courses, especially in fusion cuisine.
-
Matcha in Salad Dressings or Sauces:
- Catering chefs can mix matcha powder into vinaigrettes, sauces, or marinades, offering a subtle tea flavour that pairs well with dishes like grilled vegetables, fish, or salads.
4. Bulk Preparation for Large Events:
Catering-grade matcha is especially useful for bulk preparation in large-scale events such as banquets, corporate functions, or high-traffic cafes. Here are some bulk preparation methods:
-
Large-Batch Matcha Drinks:
- Matcha lattes or iced matcha can be made in large batches and stored in carafes or pitchers for fast service. This reduces preparation time and ensures that customers receive their drinks quickly during busy periods.
-
Dessert Buffets:
- Matcha-infused desserts, such as cakes, cookies, and pastries, can be pre-prepared and served in dessert buffets or catering events. The bright green colour of matcha adds variety and visual appeal to dessert tables.
5. Branding & Menu Appeal:
-
Health-Conscious Appeal: Matcha is known for its high antioxidant content, and many health-conscious customers are drawn to products featuring matcha. Offering matcha-based drinks and foods in a catering setting can elevate a menu and attract customers looking for healthy options.
-
Visual Aesthetic: The bright green colour of matcha is striking and can enhance the presentation of dishes and beverages. Using matcha in catering menus adds a visual appeal that draws attention to matcha-based items.
