You need a tea whisk and a tea bowl to make matcha! Don't you think so?
In fact, you don't even need a tea whisk and a tea bowl to enjoy drinking matcha.
Here we introduce a technique for enjoying matcha easily using kitchen utensils that can be found in every home.
Matcha is usually mixed with a tea whisk to create a creamy froth before drinking, but it can also be enjoyed by simply dissolving it in hot water without using a tea whisk.
Even if you do not have specialized tools for the tea ceremony such as a tea whisk or a tea bowl, a mug and a spoon are all you need.
Not using a tea whisk or a tea bowl does not mean that one is lazy.
It is said that in the Muromachi period (1336-1573), when matcha was introduced to Japan from China, people enjoyed matcha by simply pouring hot water into a bowl and letting it dissolve, without using a tea whisk.
Modern farmers who make matcha tea also drink it easily in this way.
Not using a tea whisk or a tea bowl does not mean that one is lazy.
It is said that in the Muromachi period (1336-1573), when matcha was introduced to Japan from China, people enjoyed matcha by simply pouring hot water into a bowl and letting it dissolve, without using a tea whisk.
Some modern farmers who make matcha tea also drink it easily in this way.
So, what is the difference in flavor between using a tea whisk and not using a tea whisk?
Matcha made with a tea whisk has a mellow flavor with a moderate astringency, giving it a crisp impression.
On the other hand, matcha dissolved in hot water without using a tea whisk has a milder taste.
Now, let me explain how to actually make easy matcha.
What to prepare
・Hot water (200ml)
・Matcha green tea 0.5mg (1/4 teaspoon)
・Mug
・Spoon
How to make
Put matcha in a mug, add a few drops of hot water, and knead with a spoon.
Kneading the matcha first prevents lumps from forming. Pour hot water into the mug and serve.
Point
Hot water temperature
The recommended water temperature is 80-90 degrees Celsius, slightly cooled from boiling.
When dissolving at room temperature or in cold water, it tends to form lumps. When making iced Matcha, make Matcha thicker with hot water and then cool it with ice.
Amount of matcha
Books on how to brew tea often state “2 g (1 teaspoon) per 60 ml”, but this is a standard amount for use in the tea ceremony.
For casual, everyday drinking, it is advisable to make a thinner amount than used in tea ceremonies. About 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) per mug (about 200 ml) should be enough to make a tasty drink.
How was it?
As long as you have a mug and a spoon, you can easily enjoy matcha at home or at the office.
While matcha made with a tea whisk and served in a tea bowl is the best matcha, it would be nice to have a casual lifestyle to enjoy Japan's proud culture of chanoyu.
Please do not be afraid to enjoy Japanese matcha culture and try it with a casual attitude.
Of course, using a tea whisk to make tea in an elegant manner is also an exciting experience. We hope you will enjoy your own matcha lifestyle according to your own lifestyle and preferences!
Cotowaku offers a wide range of tea-related products such as matcha bowls, tea canisters, teacups, and other tea drinking utensils.
We hope you will find your favorites.
