Matcha
is the finely ground powder of shade-grown and hand-picked Japanese green tea
leaves. It has been celebrated in the artistic and Zen-inspired Japanese tea
ceremony for hundreds of years and is considered the highest quality of tea
available in Japan.
Introduced
in the 12th century by Buddhist monks returning from China, Matcha was the
first type of tea consumed in Japan. The Uji region of Kyoto Prefecture is
considered the birthplace of Matcha, as the first tea plants brought back from
China were transplanted to this area. Today, Uji is renowned for producing the best-quality
Matcha in Japan.
Matcha's
distinctive rich flavor and bright green color is a result of its unique
processing method. The young spring tea
leaves are shaded with special reed and straw screens for more than 20 days
prior to harvest to reduce exposure to the sun. Shading stimulates the tea
leaves to produce more chlorophyll, giving Matcha its vibrant green color. Shading
also changes the taste and aroma of Matcha. It enhances the production of
L-theanine and other amino acids which contribute to Matcha's umami sweetness
with little to no bitterness and its invigorating energy. Studies have shown
that L-theanine helps improve cognitive function, increase focus, and relieve
stress. Due to the high levels of L-theanine, the caffeine in Matcha is moderated
to provide a state of relaxed alertness.
After picking, the leaves are steamed and dried and then the stalks and veins are removed so that the tea can be easily ground to a fine powder. This produces Tencha, which is then stone-ground into Matcha.
After picking, the leaves are steamed and dried and then the stalks and veins are removed so that the tea can be easily ground to a fine powder. This produces Tencha, which is then stone-ground into Matcha.
Preparing Matcha (single serving)
What you'll need:
High-quality matcha (organic)
Hot water
Chawan (small bowl), about 3" high and 4.5" in diameter
Chashaku (bamboo scoop), or 1 tsp. measuring spoon
Chasen (bamboo whisk)
Furui (matcha sifter), or fine mesh strainer
Hot water
Chawan (small bowl), about 3" high and 4.5" in diameter
Chashaku (bamboo scoop), or 1 tsp. measuring spoon
Chasen (bamboo whisk)
Furui (matcha sifter), or fine mesh strainer
Directions:
Place two bamboo scoops, or about 1 tsp. (1 1/2 to 2 grams), of the matcha powder in the sifter over the bowl.
Sift the matcha into the bowl. The sifting of the matcha makes the froth smoother and prevents the formation of lumps.
Add 2 - 3 oz. of water, just under boiling (167 - 175° F or 75° C).
Hold the bamboo whisk vertically just above the bottom of the bowl. Whisk vigorously in a zig‐zag motion for about 30 seconds until the tea is frothy.
Gently break up any large bubbles on the surface with the whisk. If the tea is too strong, you can add more hot water to taste.
Place two bamboo scoops, or about 1 tsp. (1 1/2 to 2 grams), of the matcha powder in the sifter over the bowl.
Sift the matcha into the bowl. The sifting of the matcha makes the froth smoother and prevents the formation of lumps.
Add 2 - 3 oz. of water, just under boiling (167 - 175° F or 75° C).
Hold the bamboo whisk vertically just above the bottom of the bowl. Whisk vigorously in a zig‐zag motion for about 30 seconds until the tea is frothy.
Gently break up any large bubbles on the surface with the whisk. If the tea is too strong, you can add more hot water to taste.
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