Browsing the current issue of Bon Appétit, I came across a story on matcha, the superhero of green teas. Powdered and brilliantly green—it looks a lot like dry wasabi—matcha is a powerful source of antioxidants and vitamins. Long the darling of the Japanese tea ceremony, the musty, herbal-flavored powder has found its way onto the menus of modern teahouses—and, as Bon Appétit reports, into food.

Which leads me to Wystone’s World Teas in Belmar. Here, owner Wy Livingston introduced me to matcha. As she espoused its tremendous health benefits, I sipped an iced “wise soy,” a matcha-enriched latte made with soy milk and agave. The creamy drink had a milk shake-like quality (think green tea shake) and could be one of the easiest—and tastiest—ways to boost your health in the metro area.

Bonus: Wystone’s chef, Mark Kalix, cooks with all varieties of tea. Stop by for breakfast or lunch, or check here for recipes to cook at home.

7323 W. Alaska Dr., Lakewood, 303-663-5775

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.