May 2, 2012

Do Matcha: How to make matcha

 
 A while back I was asked if I would like to do a review for DoMatcha. I quickly accepted and did not expect to receive not only a full can of matcha but a whisk and holder.
     I tried the tea a few times casually to take notes on the tea itself. Then finally  I sat down to do a final tasting(what you see here).
    I was impressed but the amount of froth that appeared on the surface of the liquor, it seemed almost thick. For a few moments I wondered if I had made Koicha( Thick tea) and not Usucha (Thin tea) by mistake, but I was proved wrong when I tasted it.



For this tea I used my special chawan from the AGO, purchased last year when they had Jackson Polluck and other Modern artist's work on show. I used the new chasen from DoMatcha and the holder for this set up.
        The tea itself has a very nice bright green hue and finely ground, there was no need to sift it. The tea itself was smooth. It had a cooked bean scent and tasted vaguely like brusel sprouts and finished with a dark chocolate taste on the tongue. It had a medium body for the amount of matcha used. Very pleasant. This has become my morning tea since its arrival.


    After looking at Do Matcha's page I found the following information:
 Certified organic by JONA (Japan Organic and Natural Foods Association), this premium, organic ceremonial Matcha is the purest and most sustainable way to enjoy the ancient Matcha tradition. Our DoMatcha Ceremonial Organic Matcha is produced in the Uji Region, in Kyoto, Japan where matcha originated over 800 years ago. (Makes about 25 servings.) $33.99 USD

How to Make Matcha

 ** Refer to images as reference
1. Warm up bowl and matcha whisk (chasen) with warm water. This cleans them and preps the whisk for use.

2. Place 2-3 scoops (chashaku) into the bowl (chawan)

3.Add in about 3-4 oz of 80 degree celcius water

4. Whisk quickly at the writs in a "W" or  "M" figure with whisk till frothy

5. Enjoy!

I am glad that I got to try this organic matcha. I try to keep a few different grades on hand (small quantities of course for freshness) so that I can change depending on my mood. This matcha is perfect for everyday Chanoyu practice. It has the right balance I look for in a matcha for this purpose.
     I look forward to possibly trying other matcha's from DOMatcha. I want to thank DOMatcha and Tiffany Picard for this opportunity to do this review.

For more posts on Matcha check out our Matcha Tea page Here! Enjoy~!





















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6 comments

  1. Greetings,I am new to your blog. What is your favored brand of matcha. Have you had Koyamaen,Ippodo or Kanbayashi? How many different matchas have you tried?

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  2. Hey Koh En,
    I have had two matchas from Japan, but my kanji reading is not that good yet so I can not tell you if they were any of those.
    I have tried matcha from Teaopia and Davids tea. I am unsure where exactly in Uji, Kyoto these teas come from.
    You sound like you know alot about matcha, are you up to helping me learn more about this wonderful historic tea?

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  3. I am using KingKoh instead of Koh En now. the companies I mentioned all have websites that you can do a google translate on. my friend Eric owns TeaDogu.com and has a nice selection of Kanbayashi. you can call and talk with him. He is a Uresenke tea master. I would recommend buying different 20g. cans and see which ones you like best from different companies. Buying from companies direct can also insure freshest product and best price. are you into Japanese incense? I have a large collection of very fine high end Japanese incense.Tea and incense are hand in hand Japanese arts. You seem ready for higher end matchas than what you may have been using. Enjoy!!!

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  4. Thankyou KingKoh. I have a high end Japanese brand that I have been meaning to show on my blog. I apreciate the list of other companies, and will look into them as I go through the matcha's I have currently.
    I have bought form TeaDogu for my Chanoyu supplies for class. I must have missed the matcha page, thank you again for bringing this to my attention.
    I have a small amount of incense from a local Japanese shop, But I would like to know more about the different kinds there are if you have suggestions.

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  5. King Koh- I just looked up the brands you suggested and the first one (Koyamaen) was one of my first matcha's! I have had Yugen,Kinrin and I am unsure which the one I have now is.
    Thank you for reminding me of this wonderful company!

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  6. I've tried many matcha tea, but the best one was Koyu matcha tea for me !

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