How to Make Matcha

Crafting a cup of matcha tea is a delicate process, relaxing in its simplistic ritual, routine but not mundane. The best part: at the end, you’re rewarded with a refreshing cup of tea. There are several ways to go about this process depending on the tools you have available; below is how to make matcha with traditional Japanese utensils, with a whisk, plus how to make extra thick matcha and matcha lattes.

With Tea Utensils

If you have a matcha tea set, the traditional method of preparation is very straightforward. The most strenuous part, the whisking, is much easier with a chasen.

Requires:

• chashaku – bamboo tea ladle
• chasen – bamboo whisk
• chawan – flat-bottomed tea bowl
• sieve or strainer

Instructions:

1.  Scoop one and a half heaping ladlefuls— about one teaspoon— into the sieve and sift into the tea bowl; use the tea ladle to press the powder through. This step serves to break up clumps, producing a creamier cup with more foam.
2. Bring water to a boil, approximately 2 ounces. Allow to cool to around 180-190°F, around one minute after taken off heat.
3. Pour steaming water into the bowl with the powder. Grip the bowl firmly and whisk the matcha quickly, in an “m” or “w” shape works well, until frothy; stop when an emerald green foam forms, about 10-15 seconds.
4. Serve in tea cup, and drink!

For a less foamy, more smooth tea, whisk more gently with a looser wrist. Smooth and foamy tea each have slightly different scents and flavors; give both a try! Be sure to drink matcha soon after serving, before the powder settles.

How to make Matcha with a Whisk

Lacking in traditional tea brewing utensils? As long as you have a metal whisk or immersion blender, you can still make your own matcha.

Requires:

• teaspoon measure
• metal whisk or immersion blender
• deep ceramic bowl

Instructions:

1. Microwave the bowl until it’s warm, but not too hot to handle. This will help the tea stay warm as you prepare and drink it.
2. Measure out one teaspoon of matcha powder and add to the bowl. Use the whisk to break up clumps.
3. Bring water to a boil, then let cool to approximately 180-190°F; around one minute after removing from heat.
4. Combine water and matcha in the bowl and whisk or blend for about one to two minutes, or until completely blended with a layer of foam formed.
5. Serve in tea cup, and drink!

Because a metal whisk or an immersion blender aren’t specifically designed to aerate matcha tea, this method will generally produce a less foamy cup of tea.

How to make Thick Matcha Tea

If the flavor of typically prepared matcha tea isn’t quite enough for you, extra thick matcha might hit the spot.

To make this variation:

1. Add three heaping ladlefuls of powder (about two teaspoons) to your bowl.
2. Heat two ounces of water to boiling then add half to bowl; do not add all the water at once or the powder will clump.
3. Swirl water gently around the bowl, then make slow circles with your whisk to carefully combine matcha with water.
4. Add remaining water and whisk in small circles until tea is completely smooth.
5. Serve and enjoy!

How to make Matcha Latte

If you enjoy a slightly sweeter take on green tea, or if you’re after an alternative to a cup of coffee every morning, matcha lattes might be what you’ve been looking for. To tickle your sweet tooth:

1. Sift one to two teaspoons of matcha powder into your bowl.
2. Heat two ounces of water to boiling then allow to cool to 180-190°F, approximately one minute after removing from the heat.
3. Add water to bowl, then add sweetener of choice. Whisk to combine.
4. Add six ounces of steamed milk and whisk until frothy.
5. Transfer to glass, top with milk foam, and serve.

Matcha lattes are a delicately sweet alternative to morning coffee, with a near equivalent caffeine content to give you a boost.

Matcha Is Good For You!

Matcha in its many forms is a great addition to a healthful diet. Packed with more nutrients than typical steeped green tea due to it being made from whole leaves, matcha is chock full of vitamins, minerals, and especially polyphenols. These are antioxidants linked to improved blood sugar regulation, decreased blood pressure, and lowered risk of heart disease and cancer. Matcha is also high in EGCG, proven to increase cardiovascular and metabolic health.

As with all things, quality is key regarding matcha. There are generally two grades: cooking (MatchaSecrets Superior Matcha) and ceremonial (MatchaSecrets Ceremonial and Premium). To learn about the different grade and to find out which one is the best for you, follow our links and let your matcha journey being!