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Did you know matcha isn’t just a delicious tea to drink during the day? It can also be used as an ingredient in cooking and baking. In recent years, matcha has become a popular drink among health-conscious individuals. But what exactly is matcha? Matcha powder is mainly used to make matcha tea but is also a great way to add flavour and nutrients to your food. This article will show you how to make matcha with powder so you can enjoy this healthy drink any time of day.
What is matcha?
Matcha is a type of green tea that is made from powdered tea leaves. It originates from Japan and has been used in the Japanese tea ceremony for centuries. Matcha is different from other types of green tea because it is grown and processed differently. The leaves are shade-grown for three to four weeks compared to other green teas grown in the sun. This process increases the chlorophyll content in the leaves and gives matcha its bright green colour.
How to Make Matcha with Powder? The Perfect Cup Each time
Making matcha with powder is a simple and easy process. To make the perfect cup of matcha green tea, you will need
- One teaspoon of Matcha powder
- 2 ounces of hot water (not boiling)
- A bamboo whisk, also known as a chasan
- A cup/mug
To make a delicious cup of matcha tea
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Put a spoonful of the powdered matcha tea into your mug and add the hot water.
- Using the bamboo whisk, shake vigorously until it reaches a frothy consistency.
- Pour this frothy liquid into your cup.
- Drink it straight or with a favourite snack!
When describing matcha, it’s usually described as “umami or savoury”, depending on quality. Some people may find it has a bitter taste. Try adding honey or sugar if you want a sweeter cup of matcha.
Shop Matcha Source’s entire line of matcha teas today!The Ritual of Preparing Matcha Tea – the traditional way to prepare matcha
Did you know that preparing matcha tea can be a ritual, like a meditation? The ritual of preparing matcha tea is just as important as the taste. For years, the Japanese tea ceremony has incorporated this practise to find inner peace. The key is to be mindful and present in the moment and appreciate the simple act of making tea.
When you take the time to prepare your tea, you’re slowing down and appreciating the moment. This may be an excellent method to begin your day or unwind after a hard day’s work. It aids in meditation by focusing on one’s breathing while calming the mind and body.
In the previous section, we outlined the fundamentals of making matcha. Let’s delve deeper into the authentic ritual of preparing matcha tea – the traditional way to prepare matcha.
To start, you will need to gather your supplies. This includes the following or purchase the whole kit (Teanagoo Japanese Tea Set, Amazon)
- High-quality matcha powder
- Hot water
- Chashaku, a bamboo scoop (Dojo natural Bamboo Matcha Scoop, Amazon)
- Ultra Fine Matcha Tea Sifter (Matcha strainer, Amazon)
- Chasan, a bamboo whisk (Matcha Bae Traditional Bamboo Whisk, Amazon)
- Chawan, a traditional Japanese matcha bowl (Elitea Matcha Green Tea Bowl Chawan, Amazon)
It’s time to get started after you’ve gathered everything you’ll need. It’s a good idea to clear your mind and concentrate on the task. Take a few breaths, just as you would during a mediation session.
- Using a chashaku, scoop the desired amount of matcha powder into a sieve. The more you add, the thicker the tea will be. A general rule is two chashaku of matcha powder.
- To sift the matcha powder, use an ultra-fine matcha tea sifter. By doing so, you prevent tea clumps from forming and get a smoother cup of tea. A chawan, rather than a cup or mug, is used in this ritual since it has a larger surface area, making it easier to whisk in the next step.
- Add 2 ounces of hot water to the chawan. The water should be hot but not boiling. If the water is too hot, it will make the matcha bitter.
- Now it’s time to whisk. Use the Chasen, the bamboo whisk, to mix the powder into the hot water. There is a correct way to do it, which should involve many steps.
The purpose of the whisk is to shake the powder back and forth in your bowl, which turns it into this frothy consistency. You don’t want to use a spoon because matcha tends to clump together if you do not stir it with an implement for this purpose.
You can whisk in one of two ways: shake it up with the chasen (slow) or rapidly move the whisk back and forth in your cup (fast). It aerates the mixture, so the matcha gives off a mellow aroma and creates this thick, frothy consistency.
Once the tea is frothy, slowly pour it into your cup. Sit back and enjoy your tea in bliss. The ritual itself is pretty therapeutic and can be very calming. You will appreciate the simple act of making tea and the inner peace. You will also notice a difference in the taste since you’ve taken the time to whisk and aerate the mixture properly.
Now that you know how to make a delicious cup of matcha, it’s time to enjoy the taste and surprising health benefits that come along with it.
Save 10% Off Your First Matcha PurchaseWrap up
We have covered the traditional method of preparing matcha tea. It is more involved than just adding water and powder to a cup. It’s essential to take time and be mindful of the process. There will be a noticeable improvement in the taste, and the ritual may be enjoyable.
Matcha tea is a delicious way to start your day or wind down after a long one. The key to making a great cup of matcha is using high-quality powder and taking the time to whisk it correctly. This creates a frothy mixture that is full of flavour and aroma. The ritual of making matcha is also therapeutic and can help you find inner peace.
So, the next time you’re looking for a relaxing cup of tea, be sure to give matcha. Matcha is a perfect choice. It is a healthy, delicious drink to enjoy any day.
Try it for yourself and see! Purchase a bag of matcha powder and a matcha set today and start your daily ritual. Not only does it tastes great, but your mind and body will also thank you.
FAQ
What are other ways to use matcha powder?
Matcha comes in a variety of forms and with different compositions. It can be made into an umami-rich paste, a sweetened soft cake called mochi or used in hot or cold drinks. Other ways to incorporate matcha powder into your diet include
- Add it into coffees to make a matcha latte
- Matcha smoothies
- Green matcha pancakes
- Matcha desserts like pannacotta, ice cream, cheesecake, pavlova etc
- Use it in baked goods such as cakes, cookies, brownies, souffle, etc
- Matcha sauces or glazes
What are the benefits of matcha?
Matcha is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that can enhance your health. Some of the potential benefits of matcha include:
- Reduced risk of cancer
- Boosted metabolism
- Lower cholesterol levels
- Reduced inflammation
- Detoxification
- Relaxation
- Alertness
- Weight loss
- Lower blood sugar levels
What is the difference between matcha and green tea?
Matcha and green tea come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference is in how they are grown, harvested, and processed.
Matcha leaves are shaded for the final few weeks before harvest, boosting the chlorophyll content and creating a vibrant green colour. The leaves are then hand-picked, steamed, and dried before ground into a fine powder.
Green tea leaves are simply picked and dried before being brewed. Because matcha is made from the whole leaf, it has more nutrients than regular green tea.
How do I store matcha powder?
Store matcha powder in a cool, dark place in an airtight container.
