Matcha and How to Make it

After checking the discussions I realized there was no thread I could find that would help new people with questions about how to make matcha so they don’t end up with an icky matcha that tastes gross :D So post here about how you make your matcha to make it the awsome stuff we know it can be :D

39 Replies
Em said

Great topic. I’ve been curious myself!

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I use two scoops in my travel mug and then I fill the cup most of the way with 185 F water whisk it with a mechanical frother and then I add milk :D This works best for me :D

the scoops are from a scoop I bought from Red Leaf Tea, before I was adding in… well let’s just say too much. I also used the wrong temp and burned the poor leaves… I was the Matcha’s boogeywoman for awhile :D the poor matcha’s sacrifice was not in vain however since I did learn :D

bumping this up so it doesn’t get lost :D

bumping thread again :D

bumping thread :D

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Em said

Where would you suggest ordering matcha from and does it really need all those special tools?

Honestly I’ve only tried Red Leaf Tea matcha and the scoop is pretty tiny so I was really over doing it before. Traditionally it’s done with a bowl and whisk. Being the lazy person I am I prefer a mechanical frother and dumping it in a mug :D I would say that if you didn’t have a scoop/spoon specifically designed for matcha I would recommend it :D as for the mechanical frother or whisk it depends. Some people just toss it in a blender for smoothies (Sil this means you) others just toss it cold into a bottle and shake. It’s mostly finding what works for you.

Uniquity said

I always recommend avoiding the tools until you know if you like matcha (only because I bought all the stuff then realized I don’t like it a whole lot). Most matcha spoons are 1/2 teaspoon and I think you could use a baking spoon instead. The little scoop things (like a stick but flattened and curved at the end) are a different story though. Whisk is pretty important, but again I suggest trying it before you invest. : )

Sil select said

…because helena called me out. Yes i’m one of THOSE people who never drinks matcha straight up. Tried it once and can’t stand all the fuss to whisk it and get it “right.” Instead I’ve found that I prefer flavoured matcha, to regular matcha and i LOVE them in a latte or smoothie. That typically involves me dumping in what likely amounts to “too much matcha” into a blender with a frozen banana and milk. OR if i’m going the latte route, i heat the milk (in the microwave! OMG i know! how could i!) and added it to a bit of matcha that i’ve stirred around with a bit of liquid to get rid of clumps.

Needless to say, smoothies are my go to think, first thing in the morning to kick off my date just right!

Serenity said

Just saw this on another discussion thread, maybe ok for smoothies, what do you think?
http://www.redleaftea.com/matcha-tea/starter-matcha-en.html

Sil select said

Serenity – i’d likely use the starter grade in my smoothies since i add in milk, frozen fruits etc… If i’m only adding milk, i’d be inclined to stay with the basic version or higher. Especially because if i ever make it with just water, i’d want the high grade for drinking.
Starter grade I’d probably keep for cooking and smoothies.

If you’re in Europe I recommend http://www.matchafactory.com I found their matcha a really good quality at a great price. My understanding is that if you mix matcha with citrus juice it makes the antioxidants more stable and so your body can absorb far more of them!

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I don’t have a scoop thingy so I usually use like, the tip of a knife? I heard the appropriate amount is something like a 1/2 tsp or an almond size scoop or something. I love me my mechanical frother. I mostly drink matcha lattes but sometimes I’ll shake it up with some ice water and drink it cold.

Babble said

The tip of a knife sounds like a great idea!! LOL.

I use 1/2 tsp in my water bottle, but it’s can be a pain to measure it out since I only have one measuring spoon

a knife now why didn’t I think of that?? oh you smart cookie :D I’ve heard from another matcha place that ideally 175 F is good if your just pouring into a cup :D

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I make my smoothies all ways!!
In a blender with fruit, using a whisk/bamboo spoon (knife tip in a pinch!), or tossing some into a water bottle and shaking vigorously!
I tried it as a latte but that did not turn out well for me, as most of the matcha flavour was drowned out.
Also, I have a milk frother which I use occasionally when I add a dash of milk.
Other times, I use almond milk in my matcha or smoothie. All depends on my mood :)

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Em said

It seems that there are a lot of flavors. Is matcha always flavored? What flavor would you suggest for a beginner?

Babble said

Matcha is usually NOT flavored. Red Leaf Tea is the only company that I know of that has so many different matcha flavors. I’ve seen a couple companies carry one or two flavors, but not to the level that Red Leaf does. Flavored matcha is not necessary, but it’s good for people like me who aren’t crazy about the taste of matcha.

Caramel and Cheesecake are two very popular flavors on Steepster. If you’re like me and like the more fruity flavors, I’d recommend Bosenberry or Black Cherry.

Keep your eye out on the Red Leaf tea website for Black Friday. I know they will be doing a sale, even though we’re not sure what exactly yet.

I love the Maple Syrup Matcha :D The Caramel Matcha is very popular on steepster :D

So far my fave is Brandy, or Cherry.
For your first matcha, depending on your budget, go with a straight one, or a basic flavour like Caramel, maybe chocolate.

Uniquity said

Caramel was the only flavoured matcha I’ve liked so far – I would suggest avoiding the strawberry though!

Em said

Thank you for all your advice. I plan to check out Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals for my first. Might be an early Christmas present for myself :)

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Serenity said

Great idea for a topic, thank you! Here is a video that introduces people to some basics of matcha preparation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t04JvZONNEM&feature=related

And do you like lattes? I love matcha lattes, too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdGEr_mg8rU

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Donna A said

I have a matcha whisk, but since I prefer cold flavored matcha lattes, I find that what I use all the time now is an Aerolatte frother that I got for under $16 using a coupon at a nationwide home/bath store. I love a lot of flavor, so I use 1/2 to 1 tsp matcha for a 12 oz serving. I put the matcha in a container with a few oz of cold water, froth that, then add about 9 oz of almond milk, sweetener and sometimes a splash of cream and froth it again. It’s quick, easy, and delicious. In a pinch you can shake in bottle, but I love the foam that the frother creates and it distributes the matcha really well without having to use hot water. I’ve read that matcha does not dissolve as I used to think. I’ve gotten so hooked on flavored matcha that I haven’t explored the ceremonial unflavored matcha where the whisk might be nice to use. For flavors, I love caramel, pumpkin pie, black cherry and boysenberry the most.

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Uniquity said

I scoop and sift 1/2 teaspoon of matcha, add enough water to cover the bottom of the bowl and whisk until I have some froth. Then I add more water and whisk some more…typically some sweetener is required as I’m not a big fan of matcha. A lot of work for little enjoyment, but that’s just me! : )

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My tip: dont over whisk with a mechanical frother as it WILL make it bitter/astringent, unless you really like to drink green bile.
just my little two cents.
I have been drinking Kiri no mori from ocha. it’s really nice and actually a decent price. highly recommend!

interesting I never had that problem with my mechanical frother… but then I use milk as well so maybe that’s why :D yes making it wrong can taste evil :D

Àh, I used to drink my Tea’s tea Matcha as a latte and never had the bile problem until i tried to drink it straight! I cut it clear down to 1/4 tsp per 1/2 cup water and it was still rather strong. I blame it on the Areolatte whisk. once i started using a real bamboo whisk the “its too strong!” “green bile!! bleh!” incidents stopped.
Areolatte whisks are for Matcha Latte’s not traditional matcha “brewing”.

Donna A said

Right. I have a bamboo whisk I would use if I was making unflavored matcha, but I usually only make flavored matcha lattes. With those, I have never had a problem with bitterness using my Aerolatte. That is good to know that over whisking can harm plain matcha.

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