Morning Glory Latte: Turmeric Milk and Spiced Matcha Latte

There's something magical about the stillness of the early morning – a moment of calm before the world awakens. For me, it has become a special moment where I can set intentions for the day ahead. And I've found that creating a morning routine with good habits can really help me feel more balanced and centred throughout the day.

In the face of unexpected challenges, the power of a consistent routines and small habits became my anchor during a period of recovery from a cervical spine injury and subsequent surgery. Navigating the restrictions and adaptations required a profound rethinking and reworking of many aspects of my daily life. Establishing a structured morning routine not only provided a sense of balance but also served as a therapeutic process. It is a small window of time where I reclaim control, set positive intentions, and cultivate habits that resonate with my well-being.

The Power of Consistency:
Creating a morning routine is more than just a series of tasks; it's about cultivating consistency. A consistent routine sets the rhythm for the day, providing a sense of stability and purpose. Whether it's waking up at the same time each day, making the beds, stretching exercises, practicing mindfulness, or nourishing your body with wholesome foods, these habits contribute to a positive start, enabling to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

Before my injury, I would wake up in the morning for a 10-minute session of meditation. It served my purpose well allowing me for most of the time to start my day in a more calm and serene state. However, after I had my surgery my body was telling me that I needed a more dynamic start to activate my muscles. Listening to the body is so vital and for the past year now my morning routine incorporates a 15-minute morning stretch and a few yoga exercises, which mobilize my shoulders and stimulate my muscles. I feel strengthened and refreshed for the entire morning.

Another one of the rotuines I love is to indulge in what I have come to call my "morning glory time" - a warm and comforting Glory Latte. These are not just a tasty treats, but the time is also a chance for me to slow down and enjoy the present moment.

Matcha Latte – Harnessing Green Energy:

For a refreshing and invigorating morning boost, I turn to my spiced Matcha Latte. Matcha, finely ground green tea leaves, is rich in antioxidants and offers a unique, earthy flavor profile. The powdered green tea contains 137 times more antioxidants than brewed green tea.

Benefits of Matcha Latte:

• Antioxidant powerhouse: Matcha is packed with catechins, a type of antioxidant that helps combat oxidative stress.
• Natural energy boost: Unlike traditional coffee, matcha provides a sustained and focused energy lift without the jitters.
• Calming effect: L-Theanine, an amino acid present in matcha, promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
• Metabolism Booster: Matcha is known to boosts metabolism and burn calories.

Making the best Matcha Latte:

1. Quality Matters: Invest in high-quality matcha powder for a richer flavor and vibrant color. Look for ceremonial-grade matcha for the best taste.
2. Sift the Matcha: Before whisking, sift the matcha powder to ensure a smooth and lump-free texture in your latte.
3. Use Hot, Not Boiling Water: Heat water to about 70–80°C (160–175°F), just below boiling. Pouring boiling water directly onto matcha can result in a bitter taste.
4. Whisking Technique: Use a bamboo matcha whisk (chasen) to whisk the matcha and hot water in a "W" or "M" shape. This helps create a frothy and creamy consistency.
5. Experiment with Milk: Try different types of milk—dairy, almond, soy, or oat—to find the one that complements the matcha flavor to your liking.
6. Sweeten Mindfully: Start with less sweetener, as matcha has its own distinct flavor. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference.
7. Add Flavor Enhancers: Experiment with vanilla extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg for additional flavor dimensions.

What I love about this Matcha Latte is the warming spices, which enhance the flavour palette adding a beautiful spicy kick to the early morning routine. Here's how you can whip up this vibrant green spiced elixir:

Recipe: Spiced Matcha Glory Latte

Print Recipe

By Meeta K. Wolff
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Makes: 2 mugs

Ingredients

• 300 ml coconut or almond milk
• 80 ml warm water
• 200g + 100g sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 15 ml maple syrup
• 1 - 1 1/2 teaspoon matcha poweder

Method

1. Add all ingredients except matcha powder and warm water to a small saucepan and warm gently, whisking frequently, until smooth and warmed. Using a bamboo whisk (if you have it), whisk matcha and warm water in a small bowl or mug until smooth. Pour into a mug or glass.
2. Once the spiced milk has heated through, using a frother, give the mikl a good whisk. The spices and maple syrup will be nicely mixed and the milk creamy. Pour this into the mug or glass with the matcha mixture. Enjoy immediately. Shake or stir if the spices start settling to the bottom of the mug.

Turmeric Latte – A Golden Elixir:

Kickstart your morning routine with the warmth and vibrancy of a Turmeric Latte, often referred to as "Golden Milk." This ancient elixir boasts a rich history rooted in Ayurvedic traditions and is celebrated for its potential health benefits.

Haldi Doodh is what my nani called this milk. She of course made no fancy effort of calling it "Golden milk" or "Latte." The recipe was pretty straightforward: heat the milk in a copper pot, add a good pinch of turmeric, jaggery, a few crushed cardamom capsules and some crushed ginger. The whole concoction was strained into a glass. I remember my Nana would wait till the milk was covered in the creamy "malai" - the creamy skin, which we as kids detested. I would skim it off and blow on the golden milk, watching the golden ripples. My own Haldi Doodh still encapsulates this recipe. A sprinkling of ground black pepper and maple syrup added to almond milk are the slight changes I made. I also froth the milk at the end to give it that golden latte feel!

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Benefits of Turmeric Latte:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Turmeric contains curcumin, a powerful compound known for its anti-inflammatory effects.
• Immune system support: The combination of turmeric and black pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin, promoting a robust immune system.
• Soothing and comforting: The warm, aromatic blend provides a cozy start to your day.

For the best Turmeric Latte / Golden Milk expereince:

1. Choose High-Quality Turmeric: Select fresh and high-quality turmeric powder or, even better, use fresh turmeric root. This ensures a more robust flavor and better health benefits.
2. Combine with Healthy Fats: Turmeric is fat-soluble, so combining it with healthy fats enhances its absorption. Consider using coconut milk or adding a small amount of coconut oil.
3. Warm the Milk Gradually: Heat the milk slowly over medium heat to avoid scalding. This gradual process allows the turmeric and other spices to infuse into the milk properly.
4. Enjoy Before Bed: Turmeric Latte is known for its calming properties. Consider having it before bedtime as a soothing, caffeine-free alternative to help promote relaxation.

Recipe: Turmeric Glory Latte

Print Recipe

By Meeta K. Wolff
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Makes: 2 mugs

Ingredients

• 500 ml almond milk
• 1 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 4 cardamom pods, crushed
• a pinch of ground black pepper
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Sweetener of choice: I like either honey or maple syrup
• 15 g coconut oil

Method

1. Add all your ingredients to a saucepan and on medium to low heat heat the milk through, making sure it does not boil.
2. Whisk to combine all the ingredients - about 4 minutes. Turn off the heat, if you like froth the milk with an electric forther.
3. Pour into mugs and serve immediately. This is best when it is fresh. If you have leftovers, fill in glass bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, then reheat in the microwave.

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Verdict

Both beverages are a powerhouse of goodness, there is no doubt about it. Incorporating both milks into my daily routine has been vital to my all-round health. As I turned 50 I have been keen to give more value to my body and soul using natural products. Our granparents really knew best. Embracing such powerful methods after 50 has become not just a choice but a delightful and empowering commitment to my self-care, not to mention these milks are invaluable additions to our daily routines, offering a blend of age-defying benefits.

Turmeric's anti-inflammatory properties aid in joint health, potentially alleviating the stiffness that can accompany aging. Additionally, its antioxidant content supports cognitive function, promoting mental clarity. Matcha, with its abundant antioxidants and sustained energy release, becomes a natural ally in maintaining vitality. Both lattes contribute to overall well-being, assisting in managing the effects of aging while transforming the morning ritual into a celebration of health and resilience.

You might like these powerhouse recipes from WFLH:

Quinoa Chichkpea Avocado Bhel Salad	Buddha Bowl: Giant Couscous, Baked Falafel, Hummus, Lentils, Pickled Vegetables and Kalettes	Slow Roasted Turmeric Vegetables with Moghrabieh Pilaf

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