Rose Matcha 101: Preparation, Rituals, and History

So you got your Rose Green Tea Matcha… now what? If you're more of a… well, a drinker of anything other than Matcha, you may be lost when it comes to preparation. No worries! We’ve got you covered with a Matcha Making 101 to share some traditional and not so traditional ways we can all make Matcha a part of our lives!

Matcha Tea powder stems from around the 12th century in China, where tea leaves were steamed into bricks for easier transportation. Because of the dense shape, people then ground and pulverized the tea leaves in order to create a drinkable powder. From this, there were many ceremonies, rituals, and traditions that developed around preparing Matcha green tea to drink.

 

Matcha Ritual

Like you may know if you read our blog on the benefits and history of Matcha, Japanese Buddhist monks are a hugely important part of the traditions surrounding Matcha Green Tea. A Japanese tea ceremony is called ‘chado’/‘sado’/‘chanoyu’, and means “The Way of Tea”. It is a serene ritual to prepare and serve tea using traditional Japanese utensils. The intention for the ceremony may change depending on the people participating, seasons, and other factors, but it is generally an experience of bonding between the people enjoying the tea, as well as harmony, mindfulness, appreciation, hospitality, honor, respect, and a focus on the present moment. (1)

The specific ‘chado’ of preparing Matcha was developed by monk Murata Shuko, who encouraged radical simplicity as a response to the aristocracy that ruled Japan in the 16th century. He believed that the eternal law of the Buddha reveals itself in the simplicity of filling the matcha bowl with hot water. This ritual was then popularized by Zen Master, Sen-no-Rikyu, who formed the 4 basic principles of the Japanese Tea Ceremony: 

• Harmony (wa)
• Respect (kei) 
• Purity (sei) 
• Tranquility (jaku)

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Matcha Utensils

Making Matcha has been a ceremonial act for centuries, utilizing traditional Japanese utensils. Since matcha is in powder form, it is best if whisked together with boiling water. Below are just a few tools of the many that are traditionally used that will turn you into a matcha making expert! 

Chawan/Tea Bowl 茶碗

• A chawan is a shallow bowl that is used to mix tea. They are available in many different styles and sizes. 

Chasen/Tea Whisk 茶筌

• A chasen is a traditional whisk for making matcha.Using a chasen will fully combine the tea and water and create the foam on top. 

Chashaku/Tea Scoop 茶杓

• A chashaku is a traditional Japanese tea spoon used for measuring out powdered matcha. 

Storing Matcha

When you first purchase a high grade Matcha powder, it is best to store it in an airtight container, away from sunlight and humidity to keep it as fresh as possible. 

If unopened, Matcha will usually stay fresh for about 6 months. After opening, Matcha should be used within 2-3 weeks for the freshest taste. 

Luckily, with our Limited Edition Rose Matcha, we already packaged it in an airtight container, so all you need to do is store it somewhere dark and dry, and make sure you close it properly after every use!

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How you can make it

While the tools above will help you make Matcha in the most traditional way, you can still make it with things you may already have in the house! 

Pretty Traditional

This way still requires some tools, but you probably already have them around somewhere. We recommend investing in a Matcha whisk and a shallow bowl if you plan to be a regular Matcha drinker, but you can also use a regular whisk and whatever bowl you have lying around!

1. Put 1 tsp of Matcha powder into a shallow bowl. 
2. Add 4 tbsp of water to the bowl. 
3. Whisk the Matcha and water until it is completely combined. You will begin to see bubbles forming, creating a frothy texture. (Whisk in a “W” or “M” motion for best results)
4. Pour Matcha from the bowl into the cup you intend to drink from and fill with water. 

Shake It Up

If you don’t have a whisk or shallow bowl, you can use a jar or a cup that has a sealing lid and shake it up! Even better if you have a protein powder cup that comes with the mixing ball to mix it up!

1. Add 1 tsp of Matcha powder to the vessel
2. Add in 4 tbsp of water to the vessel
3. Seal the vessel securely, and shake, shake, shake! 
4. Continue shaking the vessel until the matcha is frothy and there are no lumps. 
5. Pour the frothed matcha into your cup.
6. Fill the rest of your cup with water and enjoy!

Blending 

Another way to make Matcha tea is by using a blender or a frother! The best tool is definitely a milk frother because it is more delicate and made for making yummy drinks. But a blender/electric hand mixer should work fine too!

1. Put 1 tsp of Matcha powder into a vessel. (the cup you plan to drink out of should be fine if you’re using a frother. If you’re using a mixer, use a big bowl with high walls to prevent splashing) 
2. Add in 4 tbsp of water
3. Blend until frothy (Using frother/blender will work much quicker than when you make it yourself, so watch out!) 
4. Pour into you cup 
5. Fill the rest of your cup with water and Enjoy!

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Rose Matcha

Our Rose Matcha is very special since there are rosebuds in the powder. With special things comes special practices, so here are a couple ways that we found work best to make a delicious Rose Matcha! 

Traditional-ish

1. Add 1 tsp of the Matcha powder to a bowl/cup, leaving the rosebuds aside.
2. Add 4 tbsp of water to your chosen vessel. 
3. Follow any of the above methods to make Matcha.
4. Add in your rosebuds.
5. Pour hot water on top
6. Use bamboo tongs to mix rosebuds around for a full infusion
7. Enjoy!

Make it Simple

1. Put 1 tsp of your Rose Matcha powder (this time with the rosebuds) into a cup
2. Fill the cup with boiling water
3. Using bamboo tongs, (or a spoon/fork if that’s all you’ve got) stir until completely combined
4. Allow the rosebuds about 3 minutes to infuse
5. Stir lightly again and Enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Matcha calls for water that is between 160-175°F. For a lighter flavor, use a lower water temperature (about 155°F). For a more intense flavor, use more Matcha powder. 
• If you want to make a Matcha latte, just swap out the final step and fill your cup with your choice of milk instead of water
• If you want it iced, fill the rest of your cup with ice and then water/milk on top
• Make it an extra Rosy Rose Matcha by using Rose Simple Syrup as your sweetener!
• Use your Rose Matcha powder to make Rose Matcha Shortbread Cookies, and top them off with edible flower petals!

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Matcha can be made many different ways. The most important aspect is that it is fully combined without any lumps of Matcha left over, and of course that you are loving it! As long as those things are true, the options of how you can drink your Matcha tea are endless! Our Rose Matcha is a limited edition collaboration with Sundae School, so get yours before it runs out! And share your recipes with us on instagram @drinktheqi or email us at hello@the-qi.com !