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Matcha, a green tea favored in Japan, comes in a powder form that you mix with hot, but not boiling, water. Finding good quality matcha may be the most challenging aspect of making it, but it's not at all difficult. This guide will show you the best resources and process for making this exquisite beverage.
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Matcha Tea Tips
- Matcha consists of ground tea leaves, so you should only buy what looks to be a fine, green powder.
- Store the powder in the freezer to keep it fresh. Then take it out well enough ahead of time so it can warm to room temperature before making the tea.
- Don't use boiling water. Wait for water to cool a bit before using it.
- Use a bamboo scoop and whisk for optimal results.
- To follow tradition, don't add anything to your tea: not sugar, not lemon, and certainly not cream!
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Introduction
- Matcha is a centuries-old type of green tea favored in Japan, as well as by connoisseurs everywhere. Made of an antioxidant-rich and subtle-tasting delicate green powder, you simply add boiling water. Perhaps the trickiest part of the process is finding a good matcha powder, and one that isn't too exorbitantly priced (it is rather labor-intensive to craft). Still used in Japanese tea ceremonies, matcha is now popular in frozen lattes at mega-chains like Starbucks, as well as in traditional Japanese delights like green tea ice cream.
Youtube Expertvillage: How to Make Gourmet Tea & Coffee Drinks : How to Make an Iced Matcha Latte
Natalja Robertsdottir, who manages a cafe and has been a barista in Iceland and Canada gives us her recipe for making iced matcha latte at home. In this 2 minute video she demonstrates each step as she makes it in this easy to follow high quality video. You have instructions for how to make matcha tea below, so I chose this video to add value to the page for those of you who want to try something a little different with your matcha tea mix.
Step 1: Find Your Materials
- It's possible you live near a Japanese market or other potential source, but if not you can always order it online.
- There may be a Japanese market nearby that you don't even know about yet. Try Googling "Japanese market" and your city's name to find one.
- There may even be a whole section of your city, like Little Tokyo in Los Angeles, for example, where you can find much more than good matcha.
- Some online retailers offering matcha include:
- Once you've bought your matcha, you'll want to store it in a freezer in an air-tight container to keep it fresh.
Your Equipment
- There are a few things you'll need to have on hand as well:
- Whisk
- You can use a regular whisk, but a bamboo whisk is recommended
- Sifter
- Cup or Matcha Bowl
- Measuring Spoon or traditional Chasaku (bamboo scoop)
Step 2: Make the Tea
- Now it's time to stir things up.
- Take your powder out of the freezer and let it warm up to room temperature before using.
- Sift your matcha through a strainer so it is as fine as can be.
- Boil enough water to serve you and/or your guests, but don't add the water to your matcha while it's still boiling hot.
- Some suggest boiling water in a saucepan and then reducing to a simmer for a few minutes.
- While your water's cooling, check that your cup is dry to make sure it's ready for the powder.
- Add about a half teaspoon of powder to an empty cup or bowl for a small cup of tea (use more if you like).
- Traditionalists use a small bamboo scoop to measure out one and a half scoops of matcha for one cup of tea.
- Add hot water and whisk rapidly until all the tea is dissolved, and you see a light foam forming.
- Whisk in an "M" or "W" pattern.
- Experts recommend using a bamboo whisk for optimal results.
- Drink right away, before the powdered leaves have time to settle again.
- According to traditional preparation, you should not add anything to your tea—no cream, sugar or lemon.
- As you continue to drink it, a sediment of powder will form at the bottom of your cup. This is normal!
Step 3: Advanced Ideas for Matcha Tea
- Once you become proficient in mixing up matcha, you may wish to explore its roots a little more.
- If you're curious about its cultural significance, you can research the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which is a historically rich and ritualistic process.
- You can even take courses in the ceremony. Check in with your local library or see if there is a Japanese Society in your city that may offer more information.
- Some sources for matcha, above, offer full sets, complete with traditional bamboo scoops and whisks, along with proper serving bowls. O-Cha.com offers such sets, which will let you serve your tea the way it was intended.
More Matcha Recipes
- There are more ways to enjoy matcha than a thin usucha or thick koicha!
- Experiment by making an iced latte.
- Enjoy its flavor in a cake or shortbread cookies.
- What about trying green tea ice cream?
Conclusion
- Once you've followed these instructions to craft the perfect cup of tea, you'll find it's not only rich in flavor but good for you too, as it's full of antioxidants and much lower in caffeine than a traditional cup of coffee. It can taste bitter, however, so you may, as is tradition, serve a small sweet alongside your tea for the perfect complement.
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