Preparation of Matcha is more than just getting the tea ready to consume, it can be a meditation. The Japanese take the preparation very seriously and have a formal ceremony built around this tea. You don’t have to make it a ceremony, but I do encourage you to take the time to be present and slow down. Enjoy all the steps involved in making this wonderful tea.
Try to prepare your tea in a quiet atmosphere. Listen to the sound of the water as it enters your kettle. Take that time that the water is heating to clear your mind and reflect on pleasant things.
Assemble all your tools and accessories that you will need to prepare the Matcha. You will need a small sieve or strainer to prevent any lumps in the Matcha, you will also need a Matcha scoop or “chashaku”. This scoops and measures the Matcha. Traditionally they are made from bamboo and are beautiful in their simplicity. You also need a whisk or “chasen” also made from bamboo. A Matcha bowl is not absolutely necessary, but for me it is all part of the experience. There are many Matcha bowls available that are quite beautiful.
The first step is to take your hot water from the kettle and put it in a container to cool. You don’t want your water too hot. Even 10 degrees too hot can make a huge difference in taste. About 165 to 175 degrees is good. Place 1 or 2 scoops of sifted tea in the bowl. Place a few tablespoons of hot water in the bowl and briskly whisk with a “W” or “M” motion until frothy. Add more water to taste and whisk again. Enjoy.
If you need a lot of focus for something, you can use more Matcha. Monks have used Matcha for centuries to get them in the zone for meditation. We hope that you will give Matcha a try, and of course we have everything you need at Shangri-La for a great Matcha experience.