Easy Traditional Usucha (Easy Thin Matcha)

This method may seem unorthodox to those who practice formal tea ceremony, but it focuses purely on making delicious matcha. Learn to prepare thin matcha using a bamboo whisk with tips for bringing out the best aroma and flavor.

Ingredients

• 1.5g-2gMatcha(2 chashaku scoops or 1 light teaspoon)
• 1-2 tbspCold water(for initial paste)
• 70mlHot water(75-85°C in winter, 70-80°C in summer)

Instructions

1. 1

   Before use, soak the chasen (bamboo whisk) in hot water to straighten out the curved tines.

2. 2

   Place 1.5g of matcha (about 1 light teaspoon) in the center of a matcha bowl or small bowl.

3. 3

   Add 1-2 tablespoons of cold water instead of hot water directly. Create a thick paste similar to koicha (thick matcha). Move the chasen along the rim of the bowl to stir; do not whisk to create foam yet.

4. 4

   Stir with the chasen about 30-40 times, checking for any matcha clumps. When the tea develops a sheen and releases a wonderful aroma, it's ready for the next step.

5. 5

   Add the hot water (70ml at 70-85°C). Move the chasen along the inner rim of the bowl without whisking up and down. Gather the concentrated portion in the center. Do this 30-40 times.

6. 6

   Now whisk vigorously up and down to create foam. Be careful not to press too hard against the bottom of the bowl.

7. 7

   After foam develops, stir in circles to gather the foam neatly in the center. Once it forms a nice shape, it's complete!

Tips

• ✓Use soft water for the best results. Hard water can make the matcha taste flat and dull, while soft water brings out the natural sweetness and umami.
• ✓Always boil the water first, then let it cool to 75-85°C. Boiling removes chlorine and dissolved gases that can affect the taste, while the lower temperature prevents bitterness and preserves the delicate flavor.
• ✓Adding cold water first and stirring allows the matcha to blend thoroughly, bringing out its aroma and flavor.
• ✓Stirring in circles after adding hot water (rather than whisking immediately) creates layers of concentrated and lighter portions, adding variation to the taste.
• ✓The final circular stirring ensures each sip gradually intensifies in flavor, with the last sip delivering the deepest aroma and taste.
• ✓The lingering fragrance in the empty bowl after drinking is part of the experience.

Ready to Try?

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