Matcha has become increasingly popular over the last few years. If you're not familiar, matcha is a Japanese green tea powder that's whisked into hot water, that can then be added to a latte or other beverage.
As a diehard coffee drinker, even I've found myself drifting in the more mellow matcha direction, since it gives me more of an even "buzz." Plus I can drink it later in the day without ruining my sleep.
So when the makers of the Cuzen Matcha maker offered to send me a machine to check out, I was totally in! And also very curious to see if it justified the $300 price tag.
First of all, the matcha it serves up tastes amazing. So much better than the powder-from-a-can stuff I've had at coffee shops. The futuristic, elegant design meant I didn't begrudge the counter space it took up. And it's already sparked so many conversations in my house, not to mention just as many requests to sample the matcha.
Now, about the price: Matcha can be a fussy process to make the "right" way. The water needs to be hot, but not too hot. The powder needs to be strained with a sieve to eliminate clumps, and then there's the 1-2 minutes of hand-whisking in a tiny bowl, which can lead to a lot of countertop spillage. Plus, loose-leaf matcha (if you're lucky enough to find it) requires the extra step of grinding.
Enter the Cuzen. The kit includes three bags of loose-leaf matcha and all the parts you need to get started. It also stores, grinds, warms, and whisks loose-leaf matcha into a shot that can be enjoyed on its own or added to lattes. All you have to do is press a button and add water.
So yes, it's still pricey, but not as insane once you consider the work that goes into making matcha by hand. Plus, the time-saving aspect of the Cuzen is part of what makes it feel so gifty—especially if you're buying for someone who makes matcha every day. And, if you have a frother (or worth the purchase of a hand-held one at Amazon.com for around $20, you will save money on all those lattes you've been purchasing throughout the year. (They're about $5-6 a pop!)
For me, it's been a nice way to treat myself without totally overdoing it on the caffeine. And to just have a spot in my kitchen that feels fancy and elevated and Gwyneth Paltrow-ish -- unlike the minefield of sippie cups and congealed oatmeal globs (thanks, kids!) that await my tidying.
Thanks so much for Cuzen for sending a sample for review. Find the Cuzen Matcha kit and their loose-leaf matcha blends at their website.
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For me, it's been a nice way to treat myself without totally overdoing it on the caffeine. And to just have a spot in my kitchen that feels fancy and elevated and Gwyneth Paltrow-ish -- unlike the minefield of sippie cups and congealed oatmeal globs (thanks, kids!) that await my tidying.
Thanks so much for Cuzen for sending a sample for review. Find the Cuzen Matcha kit and their loose-leaf matcha blends at their website. 
