Today, I will share some tips for making delicious matcha! I love matcha, and it's wonderful to enjoy it with a traditional Japanese azuki bean sweet.
Matcha is a traditional Japanese tea, loved for its beautiful green color and rich flavor. The type of water used plays a crucial role in making delicious matcha. Japanese water is soft, which naturally enhances the color and flavor of matcha. However, in many European countries, hard water is common. To achieve a vibrant green color, it is important to use soft water.
What You Need:
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Matcha bowl (chawan)
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Bamboo whisk (chasen)
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Bamboo scoop (chashaku) or a teaspoon
Instructions:
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Prepare the Water:
• Use soft water. Recommended brands include Volvic, Evian, Highland Spring, Spa Reine, Wattwiller, Crystal Geyser, Mountain Valley Spring Water, and Fiji Water.
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Prepare the Utensils:
• Boil the water and then let it cool down to about 70-80°C (158-176°F) by transferring it to another bowl.
• Warm up the matcha bowl and the whisk. In tea ceremonies, there is a step called "chasen toshi," where hot water is poured into the bowl, and the whisk is twirled around in the water before being discarded. This helps to warm the bowl and soften the whisk.
Steps:
1. Sift the Matcha:
• Sift the matcha to remove any clumps. Use about 1.5-2 grams (approximately 1 teaspoon) of sifted matcha powder, which is equivalent to two scoops with a chashaku, into the bowl.
2. Mix the Matcha:
• Prepare 70 ml of water cooled to 70-80°C (158-176°F). Pour a small amount into the bowl and use the whisk to mix the matcha into the water, ensuring there are no clumps.3. Whisk the Matcha:
• Pour the remaining water into the bowl. Move your wrist back and forth, starting with small, quick movements, then making larger movements to smooth the surface. Whisk in a "W" or "M" motion until the matcha is frothy. If large bubbles form, pop them with the tip of the whisk and smooth the surface.
4. Enjoy
• The finer the foam, the smoother and more delicious the matcha will be. Enjoy your matcha slowly with a tasty treat. Making matcha is a quiet, peaceful time. I, too, enjoy these moments of calm. Please, take the time to enjoy your matcha.
By following these steps and using the right type of water, you can enjoy a delicious cup of matcha with a beautiful green color, even outside of Japan.
I enjoy these moments of calm from time to time. Please, take the time to enjoy your matcha!!