Matcha is a highly-concentrated powdered green tea sourced from the youngest buds of the tea plant. It was brought to Japan in the 1100s by a Zen Buddhist monk upon his return from studying in China. From then on, it has formed part of tea ceremonies; a practice called “the way of tea.” Originally, it was performed by the Samurai warrior class, but has since spread. Matcha is not only enjoyed in Japan, but revered.
During the ceremony, thick, soup-like tea is prepared and shared from the same bowl among the group. This is called Koicha (thick tea). Usucha (thin tea) is served at the end of the ceremony, as attendees converse. Often, Japanese sweets are shared to line the stomach and appreciate various notes of the tea.
How to prepare at home:
- Take a teaspoon of powder
- Add a dash of warm water
- Take your whisk and move in a “W” shape until frothy.
- Top up with hot water or a milk of your choice
It may seem strange to add milk to green tea, but the matcha latte is a common serving method for a reason. Depending on the strength you desire, the milk can remove some bitterness and create a subtler taste. From here, the world is your oyster. You can take it hot or cold, and experiment with sweeteners like honey or flavoured syrups such as vanilla, strawberry and blueberry.
Try out our matcha kit and Mountain Matcha powder to get you started on your matcha journey.
Find out more on the Mountain Matcha Website.
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