Matcha-1st Experience
1st Experience with Green Tea Matcha-Not sure what brand from my local tea merchant-They just have bulk teas—I do not have a whisk, I just used a fork. I assume the whisk does not change the flavor, just the texture. First taste was light, pleasantly and unexpectedly light. Let sit for 2 minutes is getting bitter. It is pretty strong and I am sensitive to the caffeine in tea. Going to have to do some research and see if this is high in caffeine. I am kinda scared that in 20 minutes I will be all jittery-Wow, yeah I did hear that you are supposed to drink this immediately. I guess this bitterness-as-it-sits factor is why. I will try again, although I think this green tea powder may just end up being used in certain Korean cake recipes that I want to try—Just so glad that I didn’t have to buy like a $30/40 tin of it. Local merchant sells by the oz. I think if I would drink this again, I would dilute it in like 40 oz of water as a cold drink.
I am interested to know how much matcha, and how much water that you use? As well as the water temperature? Hotter water will make the matcha bitter. Also traditionally, I prepare it by using 1/4 tsp in 1/2 cup water at about 80C. But I mostly prefer my matcha cold. 1/2 tsp in 8 oz cold water, shaken in a bottle to mix.
I bought one of those exact cup of tea , teaspoons- I put a full one of those with 8 oz right from boiling water- I think I’m going to have to invest in a thermometer- I did read and not follow advice to less than boiling temp water but I was in a rush to try it-
For water temp, try boiling the kettle, then add one ice cube. When that ice cube is fully melted, the temp should be close to the right temp. Its not an exact method but but works good enough if you don’t have a thermometer on hand. A variable temperature kettle also works good, although a thermometer will be cheaper.
My preference is a matcha latte. 1/2 tsp in 2 oz of 175F water, frothed with whatever (I use a fork too) and then add 6-8 oz hot milk. Had some problems with my first couple of tries, but the last 4 have all been successful with little to no bitterness.
For traditional matcha, I whisk 1/4 tsp. in eight ounces water. Otherwise it is bitter. For a 16 to 20 ounce latte, I use a tablespoon of honey and one teaspoon of matcha, or just a little less.
So it seems I used waaaaay to much, a whole teaspoon with 8oz water— plain-that was pretty harsh for an intro-
Yes, I think some sites recommend that, but KaiMatcha, my favorite, says 1/4 tsp. and I find that I enjoy it that way much better if I am making it the traditional way. It also depends on the grade of the matcha and whether you are making thin or thick. Harney even sells two different grades for thin or thick, but a lot of places just have one ceremonial grade. Culinary grade is okay for lattes or if you don’t mind the bitterness. I read that the Japanese eat super sweet tidbits while drinking traditional style matcha, so that cuts the bitterness.
Wasn’t meaning to correct you sorry for that implication. As with all things tea, prepare how it tastes best for you
Oh, that is fine! You are quite right. Everyone’s tastes are different. I am a real wimp when it comes to astringency. I have only started drinking matcha in the past six months, and am just coming around to the point that I PREFER unflavored. :D But I still make it into a latte with honey almost every time!
1 tsp 6-8 oz of water for unflavored. Flavored I use 1/2 tsp for 6-8 oz of water. I don’t like cold matcha or matcha lattes so much.
Matcha is reportedly very caffeinated as you are consuming the whole leaf. It seems to bother some people and others not at all. Using less or diluting it more would help with that.
i think i fall under this category coz my heart beats crazy after matcha. and no i am not in love haha. was still able to sleep tho.
i do find that i liked the taste better with less…or maybe it’s because it was not an expensive matcha :)
If you go to www.redleaftea.com, it has a tab that talks about how much caffeine is in matcha.
I agree, some are more sensitive to caffeine than others. I think my morning coffee habit has built up a level of tolerance to caffeine. A matcha latte doesn’t get me wired like espresso does but it does lend a nice sense of relaxed alertness.
The interesting things about assigning caffeine levels to tea is that many teas vary wildly in caffeine content. Some whites and greens are far more caffeinated than the average black. I think that matcha always has to be certain leaves though so it might be easier to accurately assess the caffeine level. Not all caffeine is created equal either. :)
I am HIGHLY addicted to caffeine and matcha gives me more of a caffeine rush than even energy drinks
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