this article was previously published on april 3rd, 2015
Want to learn how to make a great cup of matcha at home? With our simple, no-fuss guide you can enjoy the frothy sweetness and health benefits of matcha every day
If you’ve ever had less-than-stellar results making matcha at home, you may think the preparation is best left to the pros. But fear not: the common complaints- lumps, bitterness and lackluster froth are easy to overcome once you know the basics. The fact is, matcha is easy to prepare at home, and you don’t need to invest in complicated equipment. Our recipes are modern and easy, so grab a simple strainer, an inexpensive milk frother, a mug, a spoon and you’re almost there!
THE BASICS OF MATCHA SUCCESS
Water Temperature- Water temperature should be less than boiling to maintain natural, mild sweetness and health benefits (approximately 180F/80C)
Add Water in Two Steps- Whisk in just a small amount of heated water with the matcha at first. Once all of the powder is dissolved, the rest of the water can be added to taste.
Sifting- Sift the matcha powder with a tea strainer or other sifter to remove clumps
Whisking- Matcha has traditionally been whisked vigorously with a bamboo whisk, but you can obtain excellent froth with a hand-held milk frother, available for under $8
SUPER SIMPLE MODERN MATCHA RECIPE
- Sift 1 teaspoon of matcha into a deep cup or bowl
- Add 2-3 ounces of hot water, around 180 degrees Fahrenheit
- Whisk until frothy
- Pour into a cup or bowl, add additional water to taste
- Enjoy immediately
HOT OR COLD MATCHA LATTE RECIPE
- 1 ½ tsp matcha powder
- 2 ounces hot water
- 1 cup milk (cows, soy, almond)
- 1tsp sugar (or other sweetener)
- Sift matcha powder into a deep mug
- Whisk hot water into powder vigorously until the powder is smooth and foamy
- Heat the milk and sugar (do not boil)- use a frother if desired
- Add hot milk to mug
- Dust with a sprinkle of matcha
HOW TO STORE MATCHA
Opened packages should be consumed as soon as possible for freshness, but use these guidelines for storing unopened containers of matcha:
- Keep in the refrigerator or freezer to keep it fresh; restore it to room temperature before making tea
- Store matcha away from heat, light and moisture
- Keep away from items with strong odor
