The Art of Ceremonial Matcha Tea

Matcha tea is a jewel of Japanese tradition. Its preparation is more than just a beverage; it is a spiritual and artistic experience. In this blog, we will explore everything needed to prepare an authentic ceremonial matcha tea. From the utensils to the techniques, we will 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 grown in the shade before harvest to increase their chlorophyll and amino acid content, giving them their distinctive vibrant green color and sweet, earthy flavor.

Grades of Matcha Tea

To avoid going into all the qualities, which vary according to origin, harvest, packaging, production type, 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, smooth, and delicate flavor, and its bright green color. It is made from the youngest and tenderest green tea leaves, slowly ground on stone mills 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 the ceremonial grade but still offers a delicious flavor and intense green color. It is made from slightly older tea leaves, giving it a more bitter taste than higher-grade varieties.

Utensils for the Matcha Tea Ceremony

Let's explore the tools needed to prepare a ceremonial matcha tea:

Chawan (bowl): The vessel where matcha tea is prepared and served.
Chasen (whisk): A bamboo whisk to mix the tea powder with hot water.
Chashaku (scoop): A bamboo spoon to measure the exact amount of matcha tea.
Chakin (cloth): A linen cloth to clean the chawan and dry the chasen.

How to Prepare Matcha Tea?

Heat the chawan: Pour hot water into the chawan to warm it.
Add the matcha tea: Using the chasaku, place 1-2 tablespoons of matcha tea into the chawan.
Add hot water: Pour hot water (70-80°C) over the matcha tea.
Mix with the chasen: Whisk in a “W” shape until a creamy foam forms.
Enjoy: Drink slowly and savor every sip.

Substitutions and Technical Terms

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 cloth can replace it.

The Best Matcha Ceremony Kits

Here are the best ceremony kits, click on the name to see updated prices and full description, and buy the one you like the most:

Artcome Juego de té Matcha japonés  ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It really does the job, it is simple but very practical.

Composition: Whisk set: matcha whisk, traditional spoon, matcha bowl, ceramic whisk holder, tea cloth, spoon holder, matcha powder strainer.

Natural bamboo: the entire set is made of natural bamboo. No mysterious varnishes or other chemicals were used in this product. It is made of 100% bamboo with a vegetable oil finish to enhance its durability.

TEANAGOO ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

PREMIUM MATCHA CEREMONY SET. It is the most professional 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 usage life, 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 holder, 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

ORIGEENS TE MATCHA KIT ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This matcha tea kit includes not only the necessary utensils for the tea ceremony: a ceramic matcha tea bowl (chawan) made in Portugal, but also a 30g bag of Japanese organic matcha, a bamboo matcha whisk (chasen), and a bamboo matcha spoon (chashaku) And this is the best seller of all.

Preparing a ceremonial matcha tea is an art worth exploring! I hope this blog inspires you to dive into this ancient tradition. 🍵