Just MJ said

Why Matcha?

Please forgive me, matcha lovers, as I am still fairly new to tea that does not come in ancient bags from the back of my mother’s pantry. I just recently began the adventure that is loose tea, and am very much enjoying myself, but I seem to keep running into this foreign looking green stuff. Would anyone care to share with me… why the scary looking powder that sounds like a lot of effort (from my brief readings on the subject)? What is good about it? Why (if you do) do you prefer it? How did you come to first enjoy this frightening powder? Maybe your stories can help me be a little less apprehensive about the whole thing. Thank you!

30 Replies
Chuckieroy said

I am recently new to matcha. I got some from red leaf and from tealux. I got fruity ones. I am like you and the hot method seemed like too much effort for me, so I used the cold method. Much easier. Just put it in a bottle of cold water, shake it up, and enjoy. :-)

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BoxerMama said

It tastes awesome and it’s power packed with anti-oxidants. Because you consume the whole leaf you get all of it. It’s sweet and creamy and it’s actually relatively easy to make actually. I like it because you don’t have to wait for it to steep. The storage part is a bit of a pain and slightly confusing. lol
It appears a lot more confusing than it actually is.

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Do you have to buy all the frothing stuff? I’m a bit intimidated by all the paraphenalia.

Sil select said

Nope. Keep it simple so that you can figure out if you like it before investing in “tools.” There are a few threads out there about matcha as well and how people are preparing their matcha. I’ll go see if i can find them to link.

Edit:

http://steepster.com/discuss/3919-matcha-and-how-to-make-it
http://steepster.com/discuss/3644-matcha-matcha-matcha

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Sil select said

I’m a big fan of matcha smoothies and/or lattes, though typically it’s my morning smoothie. I don’t want to drink it straight so instead it’s become part of my morning routine – stick the matcha and milk into a blender and i’ve got instant smoothie for breakfast to kick off the day! I’ll add in fruit as well sometimes or other things depending on what mood i’m in.

I started drinking matcha as part of my “try every tea out there and figure out what i like” bender. I’ve come to really enjoyed flavoured matcha as mentioned above, part of my morning routine. I’ll sometimes have a hot matcha latte as well, though again, i keep it simple and just use the blender instead of trying to master whisking :)

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Uniquity said

I felt much the same way, bought all the tools and gave it a shot – but don’t like it. Of course, I don’t like green tea so it was basically to be expected but for some reason I thought it would be different. : )

If you like green tea, odds are pretty high that matcha might be the thing for you. I happen to find the ceremony of preparation very enjoyable, I just don’t like to drink it afterward. I wouldn’t bother with the tools until you’ve figured out if you like the flavour – perhaps you could start with some prepared stuff at coffee shops and see if the general flavour appeals at all. Best of luck!

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Just MJ said

Thanks all! I agree that the prep looks a little intimidating. I’m wondering if I should bother given that I’m not much for green tea. Can’t hurt to give it a shot though, I suppose. I like the blender idea!

You should take a look in the “Places” section here on Steepster. See if there is a cafe or something near you that makes matcha and order a cup. This way you can try it but not invest in it unless you like it.

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My story with matcha started with aged tins from my mother’s cupboard. it is sweet, velvety, versatile for cooking, and very warming. I don’t prefer it over other tea, but it is a staple that I notice when I am out.
I drink it as a tea usually, or use as a spice

note I only heard of flavored matcha this year

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I’m trying to get more into matcha myself. I’m shopping the sales, because, well frankly I buy too much tea anyway, and I’m not sure if I’m “sold” on the matcha. I know it’s versatile, and I’d love to add it to smoothies. I’m starting the adventure and will be posting on my blog once I get moving on it. :)
Keen Tea Thyme is the blog too – http://keenteathyme.blogspot.com

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Tamm said

For me, matcha is all about the process. I love how it tastes, but the preparation itself is relaxing. It takes time and I sometimes don’t give myself time to relax during schoolwork, so it is a really great break. I get to loose myself for a time while I warm the bowl, shift, heat water, and stir. The energy burst doesn’t hurt either!

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It’s easy to make when you have the tools, and I think it tastes great. Plus, it’s one of the most nutritious teas out there, especially high in L-theanine.
I wrote a post about frothing matcha with a whisk vs an electric frother, in case you’re interested: http://www.myjapanesegreentea.com/matcha-whisk-vs-milk-frother

oh thanks! I’ll check this out

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