Matcha!

I go with the traditional stuff: I use a Chashaku to measure the Matcha, a chasen to whisk it, and I whisk it up and drink it in a chawan.

But really, you don’t need these tools. You can use a regular teaspoon to measure the Matcha, just consider an almond-sized amount to be a “scoop” of Matcha. You can mix the Matcha in a regular bowl (when I first got back in to Matcha a few years ago, I realized that my individual serving rice bowl that I found at the thrift store for maybe 99 cents is essentially the same size and shape as one of my chawans, and there really isn’t anything special about a chawan unless you happen to find one that you really like). You can use a regular, small whisk to whisk the matcha, or even a fork. These won’t give the same frothy top as a chasen will though. I have used my frother on occasion too, usually when I’m making a matcha latte rather than traditional matcha, though, because it mixes it more thoroughly.

The only steadfast thing that I recommend is that you sift your matcha… and even the sifter doesn’t have to be the traditional tool used in Japanese ceremony, I just use a small, inexpensive sieve that I found in my local grocery store in the utensil aisle, I think it cost all of 2 dollars (or less!). It fits nicely on the rim of my chawan, and it does the job nicely.

I use my hand blender. It hadn’t been getting much use and it works just fine without me having to go out and buy anything else. And I just make it in whatever’s readily available that fits the blender. It’s just me and I don’t have to impress myself (as much as I would like to though). I do have some nice little bowls someone gave me so if I’m not making a latte I’ll put it in there.

I use a mug and a spoon. That’s it. I dont know about how much better it might or might not be if I made matcha in any other way because I have limited space for gadgets. It works well enough for me. I don’t add anything to matcha unless I’m making a latte or doing something creative. Ive added matcha to smoothies and cereal and baked goods. Everything has been very tasty. I plan to try different juices soon. :)

Thanks for the info, guys. Sorry it took me so long to message back but life took a turn that was unexpected and kept me offline! I’m looking forward to my matcha delivery even more now!

ok, I have a general question: what is the shelf life of matcha? I just found some from a few years back and if this were a green leafy tea, it would probably be past it. Thoughts from the experts? I only drink it from time to time.