Expanding this into general matcha matcha ware questions… Got my set. LOVE it! I’m learning so much about steeping Japanese greens. Is matcha made from one specific type of Japanese green tea? I’ve seeen “powdered sencha” and that’s different. Also, what’s the caffeine content of matcha? I’m assuming it’s much higher than average green tea since you consume the entire leaf.
Matcha is made from a shade-grown tea plants. It is not so much the variety of tea plant (though many kinds of matcha boast that they are made from ancient tea plants) but the growing method. The growing method increases the amount of theanine (but not caffeine) in the tea. The amount of caffeine overall may be as high, but because you are eating whole leaves it takes longer to fully enter your blood. So the caffeine (and theanine) high lasts longer but is less intense.
BTW, which matcha set did you end up getting?
The one I mentioned in the topic. I went w/ this one not only cuz it was cheaper, but because I thought the other bowl was ugly lol. The Den’s tea catalog says matcha is made from tencha, but considering there are so many conflicting statements about steeping time and caffeine I thought I’d ask here.
What is the best way to keep matchaware, especially utensils, clean?
I just noticed my chasen molded! Probably from keeping it in a plastic bag over the weekend while I was out of town. Does anyone have any cleaning/sanitation/storage suggestions especially for traveling? I’m going out of town next month (this time by plane) and I don’t want this to happen again.
I’d recommend keeping it in open air…I bet the little bit of moisture left on the whisk, kept in an enclosed airtight space, contributed to the mold! I’d recommend immersing the moldy areas in near boiling water for a couple of mins- I ‘think’ the bamboo will be ok! Get confirmation from someone else first though!
Good idea, I orderd a new one today- I just want this one to get me thru til my new one gets here. The issue was we had to leave right after breakfast so I didn’t want it laying around all day. Since it’s so delicate and drying it w/ a towel is out, I’m thinking of drying it w/ a hair dryer… or would the intense heat harm it?
Honestly I just air dry mine, leaving it out on the counter! I don’t think it is even necessary to go to using a hair dryer.
But… if I’m staying somewhere- like a hotel or another person’s house, I don’t want my personal belongings laying all over when I’m done using them. It’s not polite. I air dry mine at home as well, but it’s when I’m on vacation that I’m worried about.
You could get a chasen holder – that way it’s open air drying and keeping the shape, but looks neater than just laying around on a counter…?
They seem to run $12-15, which seems high for what it is. Amazon has a 3-pack from DoMatcha for $17, but why would I need 3?
plain white:
http://www.artoftea.com/catalog/matcha-whisk-holder-p-111.html
pretty light blue:
http://www.taooftea.com/detail2617-Matcha_Whisk_Holder.html
3-pack:
http://www.amazon.com/DoMatcha-Cereamic-Whisk-Stand-Pack/dp/B001EPPM76
Wait, what are the uses of matcha? I don’t understand what the point of buying a set is… is the set for creating the powder from leaves?
No, the set is for preparing it. I’ve been told a full ceremonial set has more, but my starter set came w/ a Chashaku or scoop which is the authentic way to measure Matcha for preparation, the Chasen or whisk to blend it, and a matcha bowl called a chawan. This is the set I got. http://www.denstea.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=289_295. Each item can absolutely be bought individually, but it is often more economical (especially if you factor separate shipping on each of the items) to buy them in a set just like furniture.
As for the uses of matcha. It can either be drank traditionally made w/ water, in latte form w/ milk or a combo of water and milk, or put in food items both savory and sweet.
I know you’re supposed to whisk matcha w/ a chasen, but I still haven’t been able to get it to froth. Has anyone used a milk frother to make it froth? Would it work? would it just make a big mess?
Someone mentioned samovar in a tasting comment so I went looking and should NOT have… does anyone have this???
http://shop.samovarlife.com/Matcha_Mill_Matcha_Grinding_Mill_Tencha_Mill_p/910321.htm
Those tiny stone grinders are adorable, that one sure was pricey though…wonder if this one would work for you. http://www.cwtrades.com/?mainURL=/store/item/rdqp/Maifan_Stone/5_Tea_Spice_Grinder.html
I’m glad you posted this before I went out and bought samovars! I wonder if it would grind it fine enough for matcha. I will email them and find out. If it will work- I’ll be eternally greatful to you!=P
Try this website: http://www.wokshop.com/HTML/products/hard_to_find/hard_to_find_stone_flourmill.html
There is a link to yahoo store with contact info and tel no (think its a store in chinatown SF ca
Good Luck
This one doesn’t say it’s for tea though which makes me wonder if it’s the same product. That and the fact that it’s a Chinese product company and matcha is Japanese. I’ve gotten really screwed ordering online in the past and I really don’t feel like getting burned again. I’ll email them and find out.
Just read some interesting Matcha facts and how to’s here:
http://www.steepedteablog.com/2010/01/matcha-facts-and-how-tos.html
The nutritional data is surprising, and I did not know about the whisking motion. I just got my chasen yesterday so I will be trying to make matcha the right way this weekend!
I just fell in love with this chawan on etsy and bought it. Didn’t plan to buy one online, but I like that this is handmade and I can trust that it’s lead free. Also the price is so much more affordable than many “traditional” chawan you see online. Can’t wait til it arrives!
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