MATCHA KIT : How to choose and use these utensils ? Complete guide !
To make matcha tea at home, you only need five utensils: a matcha whisk for blending and improving the flavor, a holder to keep it clean, a bowl to aerate the tea, a bamboo spoon to measure the powder, and a strainer to create a smooth texture. I'll provide detailed information on how to choose these items, so even a beginner can make matcha tea with ease.
Table of content.
Complete kit to start at low cost!
Beautiful and elegant accessories made according to the traditional Japanese manufacturing methods are included in this kit, as well as a box of organic premium matcha. The whole set is 15% off compared to buying all the accessories individually, making it a fantastic bargain!
Chasen : Matcha whisk
In order to craft a delicious cup of matcha, a chasen, or Japanese bamboo whisk, is a must-have.
Why is the chasen whip essential?
Mixing Matcha, which is a green tea powder, requires special care in order to get a good cup without any lumps. The best way to achieve this is to use a whisk to make an "I" movement from left to right, rather than circular motions. This will ensure that the tea is well aerated and that the foam at the end is fine. Doing this will also ensure that the final cup of tea has a unique taste.
How to use the matcha whisk ?
In order to ensure that the chasen whisk made of bamboo is malleable enough to bend properly, it is important to keep the tip of the matcha whisk moist. This can be achieved by immersing it for two minutes in warm water just prior to use. After this, stirring the matcha tea for a minute with an 'I' shape movement from left to right should be done to achieve the desired result. To finish, rinse the whisk with cold water and leave it to dry on a naoshi matcha stand.
How to choose a matcha whisk?
When it comes to Matcha Chasen whips, you may have noticed that some are closed and others are not. Don't worry if you find that your new one has a knot in the middle - this is completely normal and occurs due to the stems being attached to one another. After the first use, they should open up and that is normal. If you are just starting out, it is recommended to use a Matcha Chasen whisk with around 80, 100 or 120 rods, as it will be much easier to handle. There are Matcha whips at all prices, so it's best to find one that fits your budget.
Chawan : Matcha bowl
The chawan matcha bowl has been crafted with an intentional purpose: to thoroughly mix matcha tea in the most ideal way. The chawan bowl provides you with a vessel that has the perfect shape and size to mix the tea, while keeping the heat in due to its thick edges. It also allows for proper aeration and the creation of a fine foam with controlled bubbles. The combination of the chasen matcha whisk and the chawan matcha bowl serve to upgrade the flavor of the matcha tea. Together, these two items are able to produce a remarkable flavor and a very different tasting experience.
What is the secret to using the matcha bowl properly?
To get the best-tasting matcha tea, it's important to preheat your chawan bowl. Fill it with hot water at a temperature of around 90°C and let it sit for a few minutes before adding the matcha powder. After stirring the powder into the hot water, the tea is ready to be enjoyed directly from the bowl. Transferring it to another container will disrupt the alchemy of the tea, potentially diminishing its flavor and the bubbles that form on the surface. Drink your matcha directly from the chawan bowl to get the best experience!
How to choose a chawan bowl?
I suggest you opt for a larger size, 12 x 7.5 cm or bigger, so that it's easier to mix. Look for a thick material like ceramic, which will help keep the tea warm for longer and make sure it is made from natural components without any lead or cadmium.
