This is a handy guide for making Japanese matcha - the tea that's become popular as a way to have your much-needed caffeine fix but without the usual coffee or tea hangover.
What is Green Tea?
Green tea is one of the most popular drinks in Japan and has been consumed there for centuries. The traditional way to make green tea is with matcha powder, which is a type of green tea powder that is made from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis plant.
Making this tea is a simple process that just requires a few steps.
What is Matcha?
Matcha is a traditional Japanese green tea powder that is made from shade-grown tea leaves. The leaves are ground into a fine powder and then used to brew a deliciously rich and vibrant green tea. Matcha has become increasingly popular in recent years, due in part to its unique flavour and health benefits.
Matcha is a very versatile drink and can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on your preference. If you're looking to make your own matcha green tea, here's a rundown of what you'll need and how to do it:
The Tools and Equipment Needed To Prepare Matcha Traditionally
This traditional Japanese drink is made from finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea leaves. It has a strong, umami flavour and a distinct green colour.
If you want to try making matcha at home, there are a few things you should know:
The first step is to measure the powder. Traditionally, this is done by using a bamboo scoop called a chashaku.
The next step is to sift the matcha powder through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. This step is important because it prevents clumps from forming in your final drink.
Then, you will need a bowl, or chawan to measure out the correct amount of water. These bowls are typically shallow and made from ceramic or porcelain.
Finally, you will need a tea whisk, or chasen, to froth the tea.
These days, many people use electric tea kettles to heat their water.
However, if you want to make your tea the traditional way, you will need to use a Japanese teapot, or kyusu, and a tea bowl heater, or mizusashi. Fill the teapot with fresh cold water and place it on the heater. Allow the water to come to a boil before pouring it into your matcha bowl.
A Basic Way To Prepare Traditional Matcha At Home
INGREDIENTS
- 120 ml steaming/ hot water
- 1-2 gm Tencha's matcha powder, you can use either Ceremonial grade or Culinary grade
- Honey/ sugar/ sweetener of choice
PREPARATION
- Add 1-2 gm of matcha into a bowl.
- Pour 10-20 ml of warm water and whisk into a smooth dark green paste. (you can use an electric whisk, a mini stainless steel whisk or a fork)
- Take your favourite cup and fill it with 100 ml of hot water.
- Now add your sweetener of choice.
- Finally, pour in the whisked matcha from the bow to a cup and stir.
Tea is one of the oldest and most enjoyed beverages in the world. Green tea, in particular, has been shown to offer a wide range of health benefits. Matcha green tea is a type of green tea that is especially rich in antioxidants and other nutrients.
Matcha green tea has been used in traditional Japanese ceremonies for centuries. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular in the Western world as people have become more aware of its potential health benefits.
Some of the potential health benefits associated with matcha green tea include:
- Boosting metabolism and burning fat
- Enhancing concentration and improving mental focus
- Boosting energy levels and preventing fatigue
- Reducing stress and promoting relaxation
- Improving heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure levels
If you’re looking for a healthy beverage to add to your diet, this tea is a great option. It’s easy to make and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
Matcha tea is a delicious and healthy way to start your day or enjoy a mid-day pick-me-up. Traditional matcha green tea powder is made from shade-grown Camellia Sinensis leaves, which are stone ground into a fine powder. The best quality matcha will be bright green in colour with a slightly sweet taste.
Whether you enjoy your matcha plain or with a bit of sweetness, we hope you’ll agree that this is one drink that’s definitely worth trying.
