Hello! This is Goencha. This time, I'll be introducing how to start your matcha life at home! The tools you use are very important when making delicious matcha at home. I'll be introducing everything from the basic tools you need to make matcha to handy tools in an easy-to-understand way, even for beginners. I'll also explain how to choose and use each tool, so you can easily enjoy delicious matcha at home. I'll also share information on the price range of tools and where to buy them, so please use this as a reference for starting your matcha life at home!
目次
The fun of making matcha! Choosing the right tools is the first step to making delicious tea.
Making matcha at home is not just about enjoying tea, it's also a relaxing and enriching experience. Choosing the right tools is crucial to making the most of that experience. To fully bring out the flavor and aroma of matcha, it's important to know the characteristics and usage of each tool, such as the tea whisk and tea bowl. The tools you use to make matcha can be said to be important partners that enhance your movements and bring out the flavor of the matcha!
Beginners may be wondering, "What should I get?" and "Will I make the wrong choice?", but with the basic tools, you can get started with confidence. We will introduce the charm and depth of matcha, as well as how choosing the right tools affects the taste and experience. By understanding the role of tools and choosing the right ones for you, your matcha life at home will become more enjoyable and fulfilling.
Matcha and Gyokuro! The tea novelty is “Kyoto Gyokuro’s Goen Tea”
What is Kyoto Gyokuro’s Goen Tea?
" Kyoto Gyokuro's Goen Tea " is a tea shop that delivers fun tea from Kyoto with the concept of "making tea more fun"! We create plans tailored to your needs, making high-quality tea more accessible and exciting to enjoy.
We value the idea that "tea connects people," and we have a wide selection of products that are perfect for everyday tea time, as well as gifts for special people and corporate novelties. Particularly popular as corporate novelties are products that can be personalized with original designs or names !
"Thank you," "Congratulations," "I look forward to working with you in the future!"
Why not convey these feelings through tea?
Here are some recommended novelties that can convey a message!
A special tea packed with feelings. Create a one-of-a-kind tea with an original greeting tea design. Custom order
The basic tools you need to make matcha
To make delicious matcha, you need a few basic tools. These tools are important items that bring out the flavor and aroma of the matcha and make the time spent making it more enjoyable! Here, we will introduce how to choose and what to look out for when making matcha.
- Tea Bowls - How to choose the perfect bowl for your matcha
A tea bowl is a vessel for making and drinking matcha, and is an important tool that is at the center of the time spent enjoying matcha. Not only does it show off the color and foam of the matcha beautifully, but it is also important that it feels comfortable in the hand and easy to drink from.
Differences in shape and material
Tea bowls come in a variety of shapes and materials to suit the season and occasion.
| Classification | Features | Representative potteries and types |
|---|---|---|
| shape | Tubular tea bowl (tsutsujawan) : A long, narrow-mouthed bowl that is excellent at retaining heat, making it recommended for winter. Flat tea bowl (hirajawan) : A wide, shallow bowl that cools down quickly, making it recommended for summer. Half-tubular tea bowl (hanzutsujawan) : A bowl somewhere between a tubular and flat tea bowl, making it easy to use all year round. | - |
| material | Pottery (earthenware) : Made from clay, it is soft to the touch and has excellent heat retention. It also has a rich glaze texture. Porcelain (stoneware) : Made from stone, it is hard and durable. It is glossy and often has delicate paintings. It has a high thermal conductivity and tends to cool down easily. | Pottery : Raku ware, Hagi ware, Karatsu ware, Shigaraki ware, etc. Porcelain : Arita ware, Kyo ware, Kutani ware, etc. |
The shape of the foot at the bottom of the bowl and the depth of the tea basin where the matcha collects in the bowl also affect how easily the chasen can be moved and how easily the tea foam forms.
Recommended tea bowls for beginners
If you are making matcha for the first time, we recommend choosing a tea bowl by referring to the following points.
- Wide-mouthed teapot: It is easy to shake the chasen and make matcha.
- Size and weight that feel comfortable in your hand : Try it out and choose one that feels comfortable to hold.
- Simple design : Plain white or pale-colored bowls beautifully complement the vibrant green color of matcha, making them long-lasting and unforgettable.
- Shapes that can be used all year round : We recommend half-cylindrical bowls and other shapes that can be used in any season.
- Affordable price range : It may be a good idea to start with something that is not too expensive and that you can easily use.
- Chasen - A vital tool for making matcha
A chasen (tea whisk) is an essential tool for thoroughly mixing matcha with hot water to create a smooth foam. The ease of use and quality of the chasen greatly affect the taste and texture of the matcha.
Differences depending on the number of bristles and material
Chasen are mainly made from bamboo, and the number of bristles determines how much foam they produce and how they can be used.
| Number of ears | Features | Main uses |
|---|---|---|
| 80 stems | The number of spikes is relatively small, making it easy to produce firm foam. | It is used to make thick tea (koicha), but because it is easy to whip, it can also be used to make thin tea. |
| 100 stems (Hyappondate) | With a standard number of spikes, it is easy to produce fine, rich foam. | It is most widely used for making thin tea and is recommended for beginners. |
| 120 stems | It has the most number of spikes, is very fine-grained, and easily produces a thick foam. | Especially suitable for those seeking fine foam or for thin tea. |
There are various types of bamboo used for chasen, such as Shiratake (white bamboo), Susutake (soot-colored bamboo), and Kurotake (black bamboo), but there is not much difference in how they feel to use, so you can choose based on your preference for appearance. Chasen with more bristles tend to be easier to use even for beginners, as they tend to create foam more easily.
Tips for choosing and caring for it
- How to choose : Choose bamboo with flexible, evenly shaped tips. Make sure there are no cracks or chips in the bamboo. For beginners, we recommend bamboo with 100 or more stems.
- Care : After use, rinse thoroughly with water or lukewarm water to remove any matcha powder. Do not use detergent and handle gently to avoid damaging the tip. After washing, it is important to dry completely in a well-ventilated place.
- Storage : To maintain the shape of your chasen, store it upright in a special stand called a "kusetoshi." This will prevent the tips from spreading out and help it last longer.
- Chashaku - A tool for scooping matcha
A chashaku is a thin, spoon-like tool used to pour matcha. It is used to neatly scoop the right amount of matcha from the container into a tea bowl. It is an important tool that allows you to measure the perfect amount while also carefully arranging the tea to look neat.
Types of materials and shapes
The most common material for tea scoops is bamboo. Different types of bamboo have different colors and textures.
- Bamboo : Just like tea whisks, there are varieties such as white bamboo (shiratake), soot bamboo (susutake), and black bamboo (kurotake). They are characterized by their designs that make use of the bamboo's nodes and its natural flexibility.
- Other materials : Bamboo is the most common, although some are made from ivory or wood.
The tip of a chashaku (tea scoop) is shaped like a spoon, making it easy to scoop matcha. There are various handle shapes, and the recommended shape may differ depending on the school of tea ceremony, but the basic usage is the same for all of them. Also, chashaku are sometimes given names (mei) by tea masters, and are treasured not only as tools but also as something to enjoy the elegance of.
Choose by ease of use
When choosing a tea scoop, it may be a good idea to prioritize ease of use by paying attention to the following points.
- Length and lightness that fit comfortably in your hand: We recommend trying it out and finding one that feels natural in your hand.
- Shape that makes it easy to scoop matcha : Check that the spoon part is deep and wide enough to easily scoop the right amount of matcha and pour it into a teacup.
- Easy-to-use material : Beginners should start with a bamboo tea scoop, which is the most common and easiest to use.
-Natsume- A container for storing matcha
Natsume is a container for storing matcha tea until just before brewing. It is an important tool that protects the taste and aroma of matcha from changes due to humidity and light.
Types and how to choose
Natsume, as the name suggests, is named after the shape that resembles the fruit of the jujube plant. They are mainly made of lacquered wood and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
| kinds | Features | use |
|---|---|---|
| Large Jujube | It is relatively large and can hold a lot of matcha. | Recommended for lessons or when making a lot of matcha. |
| Medium-sized dates | The most common size. | It is used for everyday use and in many tea ceremonies. |
| Small dates | It's small and portable, perfect for single servings. | It is used for outdoor tea ceremonies and when enjoying matcha easily. |
| Hiranatsume (flat jujube) | Low height and flat shape. | It gives a cool impression especially in the summer. |
| Snowstorm | The boundary between the lid and the body is smooth. | When the lid is closed, it has a sense of unity and a sophisticated image. |
Many nitsuke are decorated with beautiful lacquerware and other decorative elements, making them a visually appealing item. When choosing a nitsuke, it's important to choose one that's the right size for the amount of matcha you'll be using and how often you'll be using it, with a lid that closes tightly to protect the matcha inside.
Storage precautions
To maintain the freshness of matcha, care must be taken when storing it in a tea caddy.
- Airtight : Choose a container with a tight-fitting lid that keeps out moisture.
- Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, high temperatures and humidity .
- Keep it clean : After use, wipe off any remaining matcha powder and allow it to dry completely before storing. Lacquerware can be sensitive to water, so it is best to wipe it gently with a dry cloth.
- Chakin - A cloth for wiping tea bowls
A tea cloth is a small cloth used to clean the tea bowl before making matcha, and to wipe off the rim and water droplets after making the tea. It is an essential item for keeping tea utensils clean.
Materials and how to use them
We recommend using a tea towel material that is highly absorbent and quick-drying.
- Material : Mainly linen and cotton are used. Linen tea towels are highly absorbent and do not easily pill.
- How to use : When purifying the tea bowl, carefully wipe the inside and rim of the bowl with a tea cloth that has been dampened with water and wrung out tightly. After brewing, wipe off any water droplets or matcha bubbles on the rim of the bowl.
After use, it is important to wash them thoroughly, wring them out thoroughly, and dry them to keep them clean. It is convenient to have several on hand so that you can always use a clean one.
Make your matcha more delicious and convenient! Useful tools to have
Once you have all the basic tools, it's time to look at tools that will make preparing matcha even more delicious and fun. These tools will improve the flow of preparing matcha and help bring out the flavor and aroma of the matcha.
-Tea strainer- To prepare matcha without lumps
Matcha powder tends to harden when exposed to moisture, and clumping can lead to a poor mouthfeel and poor foaming. A tea strainer is a convenient tool for preventing matcha clumps and making smooth, foamy tea. When choosing one, we recommend a stainless steel strainer with a fine mesh of about 60 mesh, which is easy to clean. It's easy to use; simply sift the matcha through the strainer and then pour it into a teacup. Sifting through a tea strainer makes the powder uniform, making it easier to make smooth, delicious matcha.
- Electric kettle - Temperature control makes a difference in taste
It is said that the umami component of matcha, theanine, is easily released at low temperatures, while the bitter component, catechin, is released at high temperatures. By adjusting the water temperature just right, you can enjoy delicious matcha with a good balance of umami and bitterness. To make delicious matcha, we recommend a temperature of 70-80°C. Using an electric kettle with adjustable temperature is convenient as it allows you to easily prepare water at the perfect temperature every time.
- Ladle - Accurately measure the amount of hot water
When making matcha, the amount of hot water used affects the strength of the flavor and the amount of foam. A ladle is a tool used to measure the correct amount of hot water and pour it into the tea bowl, helping to adjust the flavor and strength of the matcha. It comes in a variety of materials, including bamboo and stainless steel, and it's important to choose one that's easy to hold. It typically holds about 60-80cc of hot water, and you can adjust the amount to your liking. In the tea ceremony, the series of movements from scooping hot water with the ladle to pouring it into the tea bowl is an important part of the etiquette.
-Kenzui- A vessel for holding water to purify the tea whisk
A kensui is a vessel for discarding the hot and cold water used to prepare matcha. It is used to rinse the chasen (tea whisk) and to discard the water used to warm the tea bowl. Kensui come in a variety of shapes and materials, including ceramic, metal (copper or brass), wood, and bamboo. The atmosphere of the tea ceremony changes depending on the material and appearance, so choosing one that matches the other utensils will make your tea ceremony look more beautiful.
A must-see for beginners! How to prepare the right matcha tools without making mistakes
There are many tools for making matcha, but beginners can be unsure of what to choose. Here, we will introduce some tips on how to choose the right tools for beginners so that you can feel at ease and find the right tools for you.
Start with this! Start with the basic matcha utensil set
The easiest and least likely to fail way to start making matcha is to start with a matcha tool set that contains the bare minimum of necessary tools. The set includes everything you need to make matcha, such as a tea bowl, tea whisk, tea scoop, and natsume (a container for holding matcha), so you can start enjoying your matcha life right away.
The good thing about a set is that it saves you the trouble of having to choose each tool yourself, and it's cheaper than buying them separately. Also, the tools in a set look the same, so you'll feel good every time you use them.
However, you can't really choose the materials or shapes of the tools in a set. We recommend starting with a set to casually enjoy your matcha life, and then gradually collecting tools that suit your preferences as you get used to it.
Where to buy tools and budget
Matcha tools can be purchased in a variety of places. Consider where to buy them based on your purpose and budget.
Where to buy
The table below summarizes the main places to purchase them, their features, and approximate price ranges.
| Where to buy | Features | Price range guide |
|---|---|---|
| Department store (Japanese tableware section/tea ceremony utensil section) | Many items are of guaranteed quality, and you can consult with the store's knowledgeable staff. It's also recommended as a gift. | Mid to high price range |
| Tea ceremony utensil specialty store | The store has a wide selection of products, from professional gear to beginner gear, and offers expert advice. | Mid to high price range |
| Online store (EC site) | You can easily purchase from home, and there are many options in terms of price range and design. You can also refer to reviews. | Low to high price range (wide range) |
| General merchandise stores and mass retailers | They offer beginner sets and basic tools at affordable prices, and are recommended for those who want to start their matcha life casually. | Low price range |
| Pottery Market and Antique Market | You may find a unique one-of-a-kind tea bowl or a bargain. | Prices vary |
Budget guideline
The budget for matcha tools will vary greatly depending on the quality and materials of the tools you choose. If you are new to matcha, let's take a look at what the general budget is!
| Type of tools | Budget guide for beginners | Budget guide for discerning customers |
|---|---|---|
| Basic set (tea bowl, tea whisk, tea scoop, tea caddy, etc.) | 5,000 yen to 15,000 yen | 15,000 yen to 30,000 yen or more |
| Tea bowl (single item) | 2,000 yen to 8,000 yen | 8,000 yen to several tens of thousands of yen or more |
| Chasen (single item) | 1,500 yen to 4,000 yen | 4,000 yen to 10,000 yen |
| Tea scoop (single item) | 1,000 yen to 3,000 yen | 3,000 yen to 10,000 yen |
| Dates (single product) | 3,000 yen to 10,000 yen | 10,000 yen to several tens of thousands of yen or more |
Start with a beginner's tool set and experience the fun of making matcha. Once you get used to it, gradually add more tools that you like, and you'll be able to expand your world of matcha effortlessly and naturally.
summary
Choosing the right tools is important to making delicious matcha. We've introduced how to choose the basic tea bowl, tea whisk, tea scoop, tea caddy, tea cloth, as well as other useful items like tea strainers, electric kettles, ladles, and teapots. We've also shared tips on how even beginners can easily get the tools they need, as well as how to care for and store your tools so they last a long time. Use this as a reference and enjoy the time you spend making matcha with the tools that are right for you. Good tools bring out the full flavor of the tea and make the time spent making it that much more enjoyable. We hope you enjoy your matcha life at home!
