How to Brew Matcha: Tools, Recipes, and Tips

In addition to being healthy, matcha is a versatile drink that can be prepared cold, hot, with or without milk. I share my tips for making it at home and it tastes delicious.

How to Brew Matcha: Tools, Recipes, and Tips

latest update: October 6, 2023

I must admit – as many have experienced – I used to be skeptical when people told me about matcha and its benefits. It feels like a bitter drink to me and doesn’t taste very good. Still, it piqued my curiosity because several friends frequently requested it when we visited coffee shops. Why do they prefer it to traditional coffee or cappuccino?

The best way to find out is to give me a chance to try. Just like that, one day I decided to ask for it and there was no turning back; today it is one of my favorite drinks. So much so that I no longer just enjoy it outside, but prepare it at home. Because I know a lot of people want to learn how to make it, today I wanted to share the ingredients, tools, and methods I use.

First time trying matcha?you should know this

Before I share the recipe with you, I think it’s important to tell you what to expect during your first matcha drinking experience. When you take your first bite, The vegetable tastes slightly bitter and may not give you the best feeling; However, later on you will feel some very pleasant sweet notes.

The best thing comes when you discover that you can change the flavor, aroma, and texture by adding it to milk, vegetable drinks, juices, smoothies, and more. I think at this point you’ll already like it better than other infusions and coffee. Simply delicious!

Now, since it is one of the most popular and demanded drinks nowadays, you will find many options in the market. This is also a determining factor in the taste when you make it at home. My suggestion is that you choose a good brand that is guaranteed to be organic and natural.

If possible, select the one labeled “Grade” High quality» This also guarantees its quality. They contain no colorings, preservatives or other additives. It has a lighter flavor and a very typical dark green color.

I emphasize these details because At first, I had a hard time finding a presentation that tasted similar to the matcha I drank at the cafe. In fact, the first option I chose in my home recipe had a very strong smell and tasted like seaweed. This is not what I expected.

Of course, this requires trying out a variety of options until you find the one that best suits your flavor, aroma, and texture..Personally, I’m obsessed with NaturaleBio Matcha . It’s light and has a sweet, vegetal aroma that leaves a herbal note when drinking but ends with a sweet finish.

NaturaleBio Premium Matcha Green Tea
NaturaleBio Matcha Green Tea is a premium matcha perfect for brewing as a drinking tea or adding to smoothies and lattes.


How to make matcha at home

One of the things you should consider when you want to brew matcha at home is that it is not an infusion. Unlike traditional green tea, this drink needs to be shaken and frothed. Therefore, the commercial presentation is a fine powder extracted from the tenderest leaves of the plant. tea tree– You can prepare a variety of recipes with it.

Ingredients needed for matcha
The essential ingredients for an authentic matcha experience: high-quality matcha powder and traditional brewing equipment.

Required ingredients

  • Good quality matcha (preferably “Grade” High quality»).
  • Weakly mineralized water.
  • Milk (whole or skim) or vegetable drinks (rice, oatmeal, coconut, etc.).

tableware

  • pot: It’s not a required element, but it can be useful if you want to heat water quickly.
  • Chawan: This is a bowl-shaped cup traditionally used to make tea.
  • Tea making: This is the name of the bamboo spoon used to drink the necessary amount of matcha.
  • Chasen: It is a piece of bamboo used to dissolve matcha powder. This removes foam from the drink.

Prepare traditional hot matcha tea

Hot matcha is one of the traditional ways to enjoy this drink. Generally speaking, It comes with a small dessert, which is eaten before the drink. However, this is optional. I usually eat it without a companion.

raw material

  • 1 or 2 measuring spoons (chasaku) matcha
  • 1 small cup of water (150ml)

instruct

First, wash the teacup or bowl in hot water. Make sure it’s very clean. While doing this, heat the water but do not let it boil (the temperature should not exceed 80 degrees Celsius).

Then, pour the recommended amount of matcha into the tea bowl, which can be one or two measuring spoons (Chasaku), depending on the intensity of flavor you want to achieve (I usually just use a handful).

Pour the recommended amount of matcha into the tea bowl, which can be one to two measuring spoons (Chasaku)
If you want a more concentrated flavor, use two measuring spoons (Chasaku).

Pour hot water over the tea and dilute it with an infuser. Chasen.

Pour hot water over the tea and dilute with Chasen.

During this step, make sure to beat steadily in a W or M motion, not a circular motion. After about 30 seconds, you will start to notice foam forming in your drink.

How to Brew Matcha: Tools, Recipes, and Tips

After preparation, consume as soon as possible. Keep in mind that the dust will move to the bottom, so waiting too long is not recommended. In my case, there were several times where I had to beat it again to enjoy it.

Making cold matcha

Cold matcha is one of my hot weather favorites. I like it because it’s refreshing and I feel like it gives me energy.

raw material

  • 2 or 3 measuring spoons (chasaku) matcha
  • 1 cup water (200 ml)
  • 3 large ice cubes

instruct

  • As in the previous case, first clean the tea bowl in hot water.
  • Now, pour in the matcha and mix it with 25ml of water first. After dilution, add remaining cold water and shake with Chasen.
  • Add ice cubes and continue stirring.
  • If you want it colder, place it in the refrigerator for 10 or 15 minutes. After this, shake well again and consume.

Preparation of Matcha Tea Latte

One of my favorite ways to make matcha is the latte version. The key here is to strike a good balance between the amount of tea and the milk of choice (can be cow’s milk or vegetable). This will determine the final flavor and whether it has a creamy, light texture.

raw material

  • 1 or 2 measuring spoons (chasaku) matcha
  • 2 tablespoons water (30 ml)
  • 1 small cup of milk (150ml)

instruct

  • After washing the tea bowl with hot water, mix the matcha with a tablespoon of water. Next, add the hot milk (do not let it boil) and stir with a Chasen until you get a frothy drink. You can garnish it with a little matcha powder.
  • If you want a cold latte, follow the same steps but add a splash of cold milk (175ml). Pour over ice, shake vigorously and enjoy.

Tips for brewing delicious matcha tea

If you are looking for delicious matcha, the most important advice I can give you is to invest in a high-quality product. Avoid being guided by price and instead inquire about its features, attributes and the brand that supports it.

Although there are other ways to prepare drinks, it’s best to also invest in tools specifically designed for their preparation. These can usually be purchased in the same online or brick-and-mortar stores that sell tea.

Avoid added sugar, sweeteners or other additives. As long as the preparation steps are correct, the drink will not have an unbearable bitter taste. In fact, it leaves a pleasant sweetness on the palate. Ready to make your own recipes?

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