Matcha Brewing Instructions

- High-quality matcha powder

- Water (ideally soft water)

- Matcha bowl (chawan)

- Bamboo whisk (chasen)

- Bamboo scoop (chashaku)

- Sifter (optional)

- All equipment is available for purchase(excluding matcha and water) here 

Steps 

1. **Prepare the Utensils:**

   - Ensure that your matcha bowl, bamboo whisk, and bamboo scoop are clean and dry. Preheat the matcha bowl by adding a small amount of hot water, then discard the water.

2. **Measure Matcha Powder:**

   - Using the bamboo scoop (chashaku), measure about 1-2 scoops (1-2 grams) of matcha powder. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred strength.

3. **Sift the Matcha (Optional):**

   - For a smoother consistency, you can sift the matcha powder using a fine mesh sifter directly into the matcha bowl to avoid clumps.

4. **Add Water:**

   - Heat water to about 160–175°F (71–80°C). Pour about 2 ounces (60 ml) of hot water into the matcha bowl. Using water below boiling helps preserve the delicate flavors of matcha.

5. **Whisk to Create a Paste:**

   - Use the bamboo whisk (chasen) to mix the matcha powder with the hot water, creating a smooth paste. Whisk in a 'W' or 'M' shape motion, making sure to dissolve any lumps.

6. **Add Remaining Water:**

   - Pour the remaining hot water into the matcha bowl. The water-to-matcha ratio can be adjusted based on your preference for a thicker or thinner tea.

7. **Whisk Vigorously:**

   - Whisk the matcha briskly in a back-and-forth motion, creating a frothy layer on the surface. Focus on achieving a consistent frothiness throughout the tea.

8. **Inspect the Froth:**

   - Lift the whisk to check the consistency of the froth. A well-prepared matcha should have a fine, creamy froth that persists on the surface.

9. **Present and Enjoy:**

   - Hold the matcha bowl with both hands and present it to your guests or enjoy it yourself. Sip the matcha in small sips, appreciating the unique and rich flavor.

10. **Cleanse and Store Utensils:**

    - After the ceremony, rinse the bamboo whisk and scoop with cold water. Allow them to air dry, and store them in a cool, dry place.

11. **Appreciate the Moment:**

    - Take a moment to appreciate the tranquility of the tea ceremony. The preparation and consumption of matcha are integral parts of a mindful experience.

Remember, the key to an exceptional matcha tea ceremony is practice and attention to detail. Adjust the matcha powder quantity, water temperature, and whisking technique to suit your preferences, and savor the beauty of this traditional Japanese ritual.

See below for instruction of a more formal matcha preparation meant for tea ceremonies:

- Matcha powder

- Hot water (not boiling)

- Matcha bowl (chawan)

- Bamboo whisk (chasen)

- Bamboo scoop (chashaku)

- Tea caddy (natsume or chaire)

- Tea whisk holder (kuse naoshi)

- Tea cloth (chakin)

- Tea scoop (cha-ire or usucha-ki)

Steps 

1. **Cleanse Utensils:**

   - Begin by cleaning the tea scoop (chashaku), tea whisk (chasen), and tea bowl (chawan) using a tea cloth (chakin). This is done with precise and deliberate movements to convey respect for the ceremony.

2. **Prepare Matcha Powder:**

   - Use the tea scoop (chashaku) to measure the appropriate amount of matcha powder into the tea bowl. The amount may vary based on personal preference, but it's typically around two scoops (2-4 grams).

3. **Sift the Matcha (Optional):**

   - To achieve a smooth and lump-free consistency, sift the matcha powder into the tea bowl using a fine mesh sieve or the back of the tea scoop.

4. **Add Hot Water:**

   - Pour a small amount of hot water (not boiling) into the tea bowl over the matcha powder. Using a traditional ladle, whisk the matcha and water into a smooth paste, ensuring there are no clumps.

5. **Whisk to Form a Froth:**

   - Use the bamboo whisk (chasen) to briskly whisk the matcha in a 'W' or 'M' shape motion until a frothy layer forms on the surface. This creates a beautiful and consistent layer of froth.

6. **Present and Receive the Tea Bowl:**

   - The host presents the prepared matcha bowl to the guest with a respectful bow. The guest receives the bowl with both hands, turns it to admire the design, and takes a sip from the side without the decoration.

7. **Wipe the Rim and Pass the Bowl:**

   - The guest wipes the rim of the tea bowl with the tea cloth before taking another sip. The bowl is then passed back to the host.

8. **Cleanse and Prepare for the Next Guest:**

   - The host cleanses the tea bowl, whisk, and tea scoop before preparing matcha for the next guest. This process is repeated for each guest in attendance.

9. **Conclude the Ceremony:**

   - Once all guests have received and enjoyed their matcha, the host concludes the ceremony by cleaning and storing the utensils.

The Japanese tea ceremony is a highly choreographed and symbolic ritual that emphasizes harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. The preparation and consumption of matcha during this ceremony are integral elements of this cultural practice.