Q & A

Is matcha powder made from the same plant as regular tea?

Yes, but 3 or 4 weeks before harvest the tea plants are shaded to increase chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants. The stems and veins are removed in processing and the leaves finely ground into powder, which comes in several grades. When you whisk matcha into hot water, the tea contains nutrients from the entire leaf. It’s supposed to be very healthy, but be aware that matcha contains caffeine — best to drink no more than 5 cups a day.

Do you have a recipe for feijoa cake?

Preheat the oven to moderate, around 180C. Soften 125g butter, beat in 3⁄4 cup sugar followed by 1 large egg. Sift in 11⁄2 cups flour and 1 teaspoon baking powder, followed by 1 cup finely chopped peeled feijoas, and lastly 1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 3 tablespoons milk. Mix to combine then turn into a lined cake tin and bake for 30-40 minutes. Leave in the tin 15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack, once cold ice with lemon icing.

If you have a food question, email Glenys at glenyswoollard@icloud.com