Your first matcha: utensils and how to whisk one bowl.
The essential utensils, useful quantities and cleanup for enjoying matcha at home.
Begin with a few small utensils
To enjoy matcha at home, begin with matcha, a bowl and a chasen. Choose a bowl wide and deep enough to move the whisk. Without a chashaku, a small measuring spoon is fine while you learn the quantity.
Heat the water, then pause
Warm the bowl with hot water, discard it and wipe the bowl dry. Sifting matcha helps prevent lumps. Start with the amounts and temperature recommended for your product, then enjoy finding the strength you prefer.
Notice aroma and texture
Blend the matcha with a little water, add the rest and move the whisk back and forth. Look beyond foam and notice aroma and mouthfeel. Drink soon while it is warm.
Care for the utensils to complete the bowl
Rinse the chasen gently with water and let it dry fully. Care varies by material and finish, so check the maker’s guidance. Keep matcha away from moisture and odors and use it promptly after opening.
These are starting points based on Ippodo Tea’s usucha recipe. Follow the product guidance where provided.
