· By Hakuna Matchacha
Matcha 101: How to Select, Store, and Prepare Your Matcha
Welcome to the vibrant world of matcha, where tradition meets modern wellness and culinary innovation.💚 Whether you're a seasoned tea enthusiast or new to the green elixir that has taken the health and culinary worlds by storm, understanding the basics of matcha can elevate your experience from just drinking tea to indulging in a cultural and sensory journey. Here's your ultimate beginner's guide to selecting, storing, and preparing matcha. 🍵
Selecting the Best Matcha Powder
1. Understand the Grades
Matcha comes in various grades, from ceremonial to culinary. Ceremonial grade is the highest quality, intended for drinking, while culinary grade is used for cooking and baking. For a pure matcha experience, always opt for ceremonial grade. 🫶🏼Hakuna Matchacha only offers Ceremonial grade for the best matcha experience at home, our matcha is also organic.
2. Look for Color and Texture
High-quality matcha is bright, vibrant green. 🌱 The greener the powder, the higher its quality. It should also be finely milled into a silky smooth powder without any clumps or coarse particles.
3. Consider the Origin
Authentic matcha originates from Japan, with the most renowned regions being Uji, Nishio, and Sayama. 🇯🇵 Japanese matcha is preferred for its superior cultivation and processing techniques, ensuring a richer flavor and aroma. Matcha from Hakuna Matchacha is sourced from Uji, the premier region in Japan renowned for its matcha production. 🗾 The tea farmers, handpicked by the co-founder during a visit to Japan, have been recognized for their exceptional tea, earning multiple awards, including the prestigious Best Matcha Award in Japan in 2018. 🏆
Storing Your Matcha
1. Keep It Cool and Dark
Matcha is sensitive to light, air, and heat, which can degrade its quality. 👎🏼 Store your matcha in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like a pantry or refrigerator. Avoid storing it near strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor contamination. ✋ You can store your matcha in the original can or refill pouch it comes in, as these containers are perfectly suited for maintaining its freshness. 👍🏼 However, it's crucial to always seal the can or pouch tightly to prevent air from entering.
2. Consume Promptly
For the best taste and health benefits, consume your matcha within two months of opening. Freshness is key to enjoying the full matcha experience.
Preparing the Perfect Cup
1. What You'll Need
- Ceremonial grade matcha powder
- A matcha whisk (chasen)
- A matcha bowl (chawan) or a small, deep bowl
- Hot (not boiling) water, approximately 70°C (158°F)
2. Add Water and Whisk
Pour about 70-80ml of hot water into the bowl with your matcha powder. 💧Using your whisk, whisk vigorously in a "W" shape motion until a frothy layer forms on top, about 15 seconds. The goal is to aerate the matcha, creating a creamy froth.
3. Transform It into a Latte
For a matcha latte, warm your favorite milk (such as coconut, almond, or oat) and add it to the prepared matcha. 🥛 Adjust the ratio of matcha to milk to your liking, and whisk lightly to blend for a creamy, delightful latte.
4. Enjoy Immediately
Matcha is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, when its flavors are at their peak. Sip it directly from the bowl to experience its full, nuanced profile, or savor your matcha latte for a comforting, creamy twist. 🍵
Embracing matcha is more than just enjoying a healthy drink; it's an invitation to slow down and savor the moment, appreciating the rich history and careful craft behind every cup. 🥰 Whether you're starting your day, seeking a mindful break, or exploring culinary creations, matcha offers a versatile and enriching experience. 🍵Welcome to the matcha journey — we're glad you're here, do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions. 💌 You can have a look at our Discovery Matcha Pack if you're starting your journey with matcha. 🫶🏼
Thank you for reading 💚
Welcome to the Hakuna Matchacha family—here's to your health, happiness, and the perfect matcha experience. 🌴