What utensils are needed to prepare the Matcha tea ceremony?
The Art of Ceremonial Matcha Tea
Matcha tea is a gem of Japanese tradition. Its preparation is more than a simple drink; It is a spiritual and artistic experience. In this blog, we will explore everything needed to prepare an authentic ceremonial matcha tea. From utensils to techniques, we'll break down every detail.
What is Matcha Tea?
Matcha tea is a special variety of green tea originating from Japan. It is made from green tea leaves that have been ground into a fine powder. Unlike other green tea varieties, matcha tea leaves are shade-grown before harvesting to increase their chlorophyll and amino acid content, giving them their distinctive vibrant green color and sweet, earthy flavor.Matcha Tea Grades
Not to go into all the qualities, which will vary depending on the origin, harvest, packaging, type of production, etc. We will summarize that there are two main grades of matcha tea:Ceremonial Matcha Tea
This is the highest quality variety. It is characterized by its sweet, soft and delicate flavor, and its bright green color. It is made from the youngest, most tender leaves of green tea, slowly ground on millstones to produce an ultra-fine powder. It is ideal for the Japanese tea ceremony.
Culinary Matcha Tea
Used in cooking for desserts, smoothies and other dishes. It is less expensive than ceremonial, but still offers a delicious flavor and deep green color. It is made from slightly older tea leaves, which gives it a more bitter flavor than higher grade varieties.
Matcha Tea Ceremony Utensils
Let's explore the gadgets needed to prepare a ceremonial matcha tea:
Chawan (bowl) : The container where matcha tea is prepared and served.
Chasen (whisk) : A bamboo whisk for mixing tea powder with hot water.
Chashaku (Ladle) : A bamboo spoon for measuring the exact amount of matcha tea.
Chakin (cloth) : A linen cloth for cleaning the chawan and drying the chasen.
How to Prepare Matcha Tea?
Heat the chawan: Pour hot water into the chawan to heat it up.
Add the matcha tea: Using the chasaku, place 1-2 tablespoons of the matcha tea into the chawan.
Add hot water: Pour hot water (70-80°C) over the matcha tea.
Mix with the chasen : Beat in a “W” shape until a creamy foam forms.
Enjoy: Sip slowly and appreciate each sip.
Substitutions and Technical Words
Chasen: If you don't have a bamboo whisk, you can use a small fork.
Chashaku: A measuring teaspoon also works.
Chakin: A clean kitchen towel can replace it.
The Best Matcha Ceremony Kits
Here are the best ceremony kits, click on the name to see the updated prices and the entire description, and thus buy the one you like the most:
Artcome Japanese Matcha Tea Set
It really does the job, it's simple but very practical.
Composition: Whisk set: matcha whisk, traditional spoon, matcha bowl, ceramic whisk holder, tea cloth, scoop holder, matcha powder strainer.
Natural Bamboo: The entire set is constructed of natural bamboo. No mystery varnishes or other chemicals were used in this product. It is made from 100% bamboo with a vegetable oil finish to improve its durability.
PREMIUM MACHATA CEREMONY SET. It is the most professional that we have found, although its price is somewhat high, it is the choice we have made, since in this case, it can have a long life of use, and it is always better to buy the highest quality:
Composition: There are 9 pieces/set, contains: 1 * bamboo whisk, 1 * bamboo spoon (chashaku), 1 * ceramic bowl (chawan) 510 ml/18 oz, 1 * ceramic whisk holder. 1 * Ceramic Spoon Rest, 1 * Cotton Cloth (Chakin), 1 * Matcha Powder Strainer, 2 Cups (7.2 oz). This kit makes it very easy to adopt matcha as a lifestyle
This matcha kit includes not only the necessary utensils for the tea ceremony: a ceramic matcha bowl (chawan) made in Portugal, but also includes a 30g bag of BIO Japanese matcha, a bamboo whisk (chasen) and a bamboo matcha spoon (chashaku) And this is the best seller of all.
Making ceremonial matcha tea is an art worth exploring! I hope this blog inspires you to immerse yourself in this ancient tradition. 🍵