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Making Matcha the Traditional Japanese Way:
In the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, matcha is prepared using two simple ingredients: matcha and water.
Typically, there are two methods of preparing matcha: Usucha and Koicha. Usucha (薄茶) translates to "thin tea" in Vietnamese. "Bạc" means thin, light, or weak. In contrast, Koicha (濃茶) translates to "thick tea." "Nồng" means dense or concentrated. When making Koicha, the amount of matcha is higher, and the amount of water is lower compared to Usucha.
Both methods require the following utensils: a Japanese tea bowl (chawan), a bamboo whisk (chasen), and a wooden scoop (chashaku). -
Preparing Usucha:
- Boil a small amount of mineral water and wait for a minute to reach a temperature of 80°C.
- Soak the chasen in hot water to clean and soften the bamboo bristles.
- Put 1.5 scoops of matcha with the chashaku into the chawan.
- Add 60ml of pre-boiled water gradually and whisk vigorously with the chasen, forming an "M" shape for about 20 seconds or until a smooth froth forms.
- Finish by gently whisking before removing it to preserve the foam.
- Enjoy.
Preparing Koicha:- Boil a small amount of mineral water and wait for a minute to reach a temperature of 80°C.
- Soak the chasen in hot water to clean and soften the bamboo bristles.
- Put 3 scoops of matcha with the chashaku into the chawan.
- Add 30ml of pre-boiled water gradually.
- Gently knead the tea with the chasen in a circular motion, similar to stirring a pot, to evenly distribute the tea and water. Continue until the surface of the tea becomes smooth and glossy, like it's coated with a layer of paint.
- Enjoy.
If you have some extra time, enjoy a small and delightful wagashi (Japanese confection) before savoring Usucha and Koicha. The sweet taste of the wagashi, combined with the rich aroma of the tea, is a wonderful experience. -
Making Matcha Without a Chasen:
A chasen allows you to create a smooth and frothy beverage while retaining the flavor and characteristics of the tea. However, if you don't have a chasen, it's not a big issue. Just take a bottle, put matcha and water inside, and shake vigorously for 20 seconds.
