Nestled along riverbeds and amidst luscious forests, lies a region called Yame, where we source our Ceremonial Matcha. This city in Fukuoka is known as one of the leading tea producers in Japan. In this scenic oasis, premium green tea called Gyokuro is shade-grown for 20 days. Harvested during the spring, these fresh and young leaves are picked and steamed. The veins and stems are meticulously removed from the leaves to produce tencha. The leaves alone or tencha is stone ground by granite into a fine, vibrantly jade green powder. Since Zen Buddhist Eisai introduced matcha to Japan in 1191, matcha has become a significant part of the Buddhist tradition. Today, ceremonial matcha is used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies called chadō or “the way of tea”. We can partake in our own chadō tea ceremony or drink this tasty matcha daily.
How to Prepare a Sublime Cup of Ceremonial Matcha:
You Will Need:
–Art of Tea’s Ceremonial Matchasticks
-Freshly drawn water
-Bamboo spoon or teaspoon
-Teapot or water heater
-Cleaning cloth or chakin
-Sifter or strainer (recommended)
Art of Tea’s Complete Matcha Set includes everything you need to prepare ceremonial matcha!
Instructions:
First, pour hot water into the bowl to preheat and awaken the cells, aromas, and flavors currently in the bowl. Pour out the water and dry the bowl with a clean cloth or chakin. Then, heat your freshly drawn water to about 140 to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. Since this is a delicate tea, water temperature is important and will affect the tea’s flavor. Use your bamboo spoon to measure about one-quarter of a teaspoon and pour it into the bowl. It is recommended that you sift the powdered tea with a strainer to remove any clumps. Carefully, pour the water into the bowl. Use your whisk in a brisk W motion starting at the bottom of the bowl and slowly make your way upward in the same W motion. Whisk until the matcha provides a frothy consistency. Enjoy this creamy and sweet cup of Yame Ceremonial Matcha! It’s delicious!