The product we used:
Sipping on Japanese Culture
Matcha green tea is a traditional Japanese drink that is now popular worldwide. Matcha was originally a luxury good primarily consumed by nobility and samurai in sometimes elaborate zen Buddhist tea ceremonies. These days, matcha is a used in all kinds of drinks and foods: matcha lattes, matcha ice cream, matcha chocolate, etc. My own mother has indulged in homemade matcha ice cream.
While you can fit into modern Japanese culture by munching on matcha Kit-Kat candy bars, for a deeper connection to Japanese history and tradition, nothing beats sipping on the original. Making matcha is simple, but it requires some specialized tools. Our friends at Yamacoh make a set with all the tools for making matcha–all you need to do is procure your own matcha.
What’s in a Matcha Tea Set?
To fully experience matcha, a traditional tea set is essential. A typical matcha set includes:
- Chawan (Tea Bowl): A wide, shallow bowl designed for whisking and drinking matcha.
- Chasen (Bamboo Whisk): A delicate tool crafted from bamboo, used to froth the matcha.
- Chashaku (Bamboo Scoop): A slender scoop for measuring the perfect amount of matcha powder.
- Natsume (Tea Caddy or canister): A small container for storing matcha powder, often beautifully lacquered.
The Chashin matcha set from Tamacoh includes the above, plus a larger bowl for preparing matcha for two people. All you have to do is procure your own matcha and then you’re ready make some delicious green tea.
How to Prepare Matcha
Preparing matcha is easy.
Warm the Tools:
Rinse the large bowl and chasen with hot water to warm them, ensuring the matcha stays at the right temperature.
Sift the Matcha:
Pass 1–2 chashaku scoops of matcha through a sifter into the chawan to remove clumps, ensuring a smooth texture. The amount a matcha depends on the type and quality of the tea itself; we used two scoops for the images in this article.
Pour Hot Water:
Add about 2 ounces (60 ml) of water, heated to just below boiling (around 175°F or 80°C), to the bowl.
Whisk Vigorously:
Use the chasen to whisk the matcha in a rapid “W” motion for 15–30 seconds.
Extended Instructions
For the full matcha experience, instead of adding the hot water all at once, first add 10ml of cold water and whisk. This will bring out more of the umami flavor of the matcha and give it the characteristic frothy bubbles that matcha is known for.
Serve:
Pour the finished tea into the chawans and enjoy.
Ways to Enjoy Matcha
Matcha by itself is a treat, but there are other ways to enjoy the sweet pleasure of powdered green goodness.
- Mindful Sipping: Take small sips from the chawan, appreciating the creamy texture and umami-rich flavor.
- Pairing with Sweets: In Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha is often paired with wagashi (traditional sweets) to balance its slight bitterness.
- Creative Uses: Beyond drinking, matcha shines in recipes like lattes, smoothies, or desserts such as matcha ice cream or mochi.
Finding Matcha Zen
If you’re planning on making matcha, you might want to grab a nice cast iron tea kettle to pair with the Tamacoh tea set. And of course, if you’re on the hunt for a nice tea, you can’t go wrong with cold brew ice tea.
