The Art of Matcha
Chandan Singh
| 25-12-2024
· Food Team
Making matcha at home is more than brewing tea—it's a journey into a centuries-old tradition.
With the right tools and patience, you can create your matcha, savoring the artistry and dedication behind every step.
The Beauty of Matcha
High-quality matcha stands out with its vibrant green hue, smooth texture, and umami-rich flavor. Achieving this begins with meticulous preparation, rooted in tradition.
Essential Ingredients and Tools
What You'll Need:
- Ingredients: Fresh Camellia Sinensis leaves
- Tools: Steamer, paper towels, cookie sheet, oven (preheat to 175°F), mortar or coffee grinder, fine-mesh sifter, measuring spoons, teacups
7 Steps to Perfect Matcha
1. Harvesting Leaves: Select the young, tender leaves at the top of the Camellia Sinensis plant, focusing on two leaves and a bud for optimal flavor.
2. Steaming Leaves: Steam the leaves for 1-2 minutes to lock in their bright green color and antioxidants.
3. Cooling: Lay the steamed leaves on a paper towel-lined cookie sheet for 10 minutes.
4. Drying: Place the cooled leaves in a preheated oven at 175°F for 5-10 minutes, ensuring they don't brown.
5. Removing Veins and Stems: Gently remove any veins or stems. The resulting crushed leaves, known as Tencha, are ready for grinding.
6. Grinding to Powder: Grind the Tencha using a coffee grinder or mortar. While it may not achieve the finesse of ceremonial-grade matcha, it will still be rich and flavorful.
7. Sifting: Sift the powder to remove any larger particles for a smoother texture.
Brewing and Enjoying Your Matcha
To brew, use water heated to 145°F. The bright green liquid reflects your care, while the taste reveals the essence of your effort.
Why Try Homemade Matcha?
Making matcha at home connects you to its origins, offering a hands-on appreciation for the craft. While time-consuming, the satisfaction of enjoying a cup made with your own hands is unparalleled.
How to Make Traditional Matcha + Easy Way to Make Matcha Green Tea
Video by Make Sushi 1