The Art of Ceremonial Matcha Tea

Matcha tea is a jewel of Japanese tradition. Its preparation is more than just a beverage; it's a spiritual and artistic experience. In this blog, we'll explore everything necessary 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 native to 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

Without going into all the qualities, which 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, smooth, and delicate flavor and bright green color. It is made from the youngest and most tender green tea leaves, 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's less expensive than ceremonial tea, but still offers a delicious flavor and a deep green color. It's 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 container where the matcha tea is prepared and served.
Chasen (whisk) : A bamboo whisk for mixing the tea powder with hot water.
Chashaku (ladle) : A bamboo spoon for measuring the exact amount of matcha tea.
Chakin (cloth) : A linen cloth for wiping the chawan and drying the chasen.

How to Prepare Matcha Tea?

Heat the chawan: Pour hot water into the chawan to warm it up.
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: Sip slowly and savour every 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 updated prices and a full description, so you can buy the one you like best:

Artcome Japanese Matcha Tea Set   ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

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

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

TEANAGOO ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

PREMIUM MACHATA CEREMONY SET. This is the most professional we've found, although its price is somewhat high. It's the choice we made, as in this case, it can last a long time, and it's always better to buy the highest quality:

Composition: There are 9 pieces/set, contains: 1*Bamboo Whisk, 1*Bamboo Scoop (Chashaku), 1*Ceramic Bowl (Chawan) 510ml/18oz, 1*Ceramic Whisk Holder. 1*Ceramic Spoon Holder, 1*Cotton Cloth (Chakin), 1*Matcha Powder Strainer, 2*Cups (7.2oz). This kit makes it super easy to embrace matcha as a lifestyle.

ORIGEENS TE MATCHA KIT ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This matcha tea set 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 organic Japanese matcha, a bamboo te macha whisk (chasen), and a bamboo matcha tea spoon (chashaku). And this is the best-selling of all.

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