How to Prepare Matcha Green Tea
One thing that is noticeable these days when we sit in a café for some minutes is that a new class of people is formed—people who choose to have matcha as their order, matcha green tea, or show excessive curiosity in knowing how to prepare matcha tea. The interesting factor is the diversity of the classes of people who make such a choice. That stems from various products that are driven out of this magical green powder, ranging from matcha latte to matcha ice cream or the traditional matcha green tea. For those who are new to this trend and wondering where to buy matcha powder, the rising popularity has made it widely accessible both online and in specialty stores. Hence, in this article, stages of matcha preparation are elaborated thoroughly.
How to Prepare Matcha Green Tea:
Many these days have become more interested in turning to a more natural lifestyle which is more aligned to nature leading to a better sense of well-being and more serotonin being generated. Step by step how matcha is prepared is explained simply but fully. By the way, all the required materials and appliances are mentioned in the image below.
1- Smoothly Heat the Water:
It is believed soft water is more appealing for this cause, natural mineral water or tap water which is filtered could be also used. Providing you have only access to urban tap water without being filtered, evaporation can be a practical choice by boiling water in a pot while the lid is not closed so the chlorine would be taken out of the ingredients by reaching at least once to the boiling point. Cool down the water to reach a warm but not boiling pleasant temperature around 70 C to aid maintaining flavors and nutrients.
2- Sifting the Matcha Powder:
Approximately 2 teaspoons of matcha powder is used or to be exact, weigh 1.5 grams using a kitchen scale. By hand, hold the sifter/sieve straight over your tea bowl and shake gently. After that, spoon the matcha into the sifter and press it through the steel mesh by moving the simmer and/or chashaku along the edge.
The mixing breaks any clumps that could occur in the powder owing to moisture or static. Running the matcha through a sifter helps the matcha become light and prevents any lumps in the drink while whisking. Take your time with this part, as it affects the texture and taste of your cappuccino.
3-Making the paste: The first Whisk
Put the measured matcha into a sifter or small sieve held over your bowl. Use a chashaku tea spoon or an ordinary spoon to press the tea through the net of the sifter into the bowl.
It is important to sift the powder because this spreads out any lumps in flour which make for a more uniform and smooth mixture when mixed with water. It also makes it simple to mix the matcha into your drink.
Try to get some hot water poured into the bowl of matcha and begin whisking it. Ensure you use 70 ml (2.4 ounce) or ¼ cup of hot water for the initial stirring. Put the powder in a bowl with water and whisk it to form a smooth paste.
4- The Secret to Making the Froth:
After that, fill the mug or bowl with the rest of the hot water. Make sure to hold the bowl tightly with your hand. Use your entire arm and wrist to whip the liquid in your pot using quick and regular back-and-forth motions. Move the chasen up a little from the bottom and avoid turning the tea in the bowl. Keep whisking for 30 seconds so that air and frothy foam forms on the top of the tea. Dissolve any little lumps with the tip of the whisk.
5-Refine the Foam and Finish:
Once a fine creamy foam is achieved, slow down the whisking. Move the chasen gently just in the surface to remove larger bubbles and to make an even smooth surface. Finally, turn the chasen slowly around the bowl and carefully lift it from the center to produce a little mound of foam. Alternatively, hold the chasen in in the middle of your foam, allow the liquid in the chasen to draw off, and gently remove the whisk.
Optional Additions or Alternative Methods:
If you find the pure matcha taste too strong or bitter, you can add a sweetener of your choice, such as honey or maple syrup. If you are in a rush, you can whisk the matcha powder straight into your cup with hot water using an electric frother, but do not try to stir with just a spoon as it will result in clumps. To make iced matcha tea, prepare the matcha tea as described, chill it in the fridge, and then pour it over ice in a glass. Many choose ceremonial-grade matcha not just for its smoother taste but also because of the benefits of ceremonial matcha, which include higher antioxidant content and a more calming energy boost compared to other types.
Conclusion
To sum it up, matcha has become a healthy trend that not only could change the taste of a generation for the better. Matcha green tea makes a great number of people feel better about themselves and carry on with a better sense of well-being mentally and physically speaking. The thing is finding a product with proper quality and care, Golden Herbs is a well-known brand producing grade one premium quality matcha green tea both ceremonial and culinary.
