Green Tea Forum

streetspirit · Posted: Feb 08, 2007 6:54 am Post subject: Matcha

Hi,

Newbie here. I have just tried making some matcha this afternoon for the first time with the proper equipment and noticed that while I followed the instructions on this site there was hardly any froth at all. I wonder if the type of matcha matters in regards to how foamy the tea is? Does anyone have any tips on how to make it foamier?

I found that 1/2 cup of water is way too much and would be so dilute as to create no foam at all. I took it down to 1/4 cup and there were some bubbles but not much. I am using 1 and 1/2 heaps of matcha.

I must say the kind of matcha i'm using is rather cheap (I bought it off amazon for $30 for 1lb) but I've been using it for lattes and such and it seems to taste fine. Any comments would be appreciated.

Shirley · White Belt Joined: 05 Feb 2007 Posts: 29 Location: NC

I am not an expert. I think I read that it should be green.

Do you feel healthier?

Kevangogh · Forum God Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 926 Location: Japan

Hi,

For $30 a pound, you are most likely dealing with food grade matcha and not ceremonial grade. Most likely, you will not really get good results with that. Did you pre-warm the bowl?

Chip · Posted: Feb 08, 2007 12:12 pm Post subject:

I am sure this matcha works ok in lattes, but fails to stand on its own... Crying or Very sad

jasonian · Posted: Feb 08, 2007 12:28 pm Post subject:

I've had good results lately by prewarming the matcha bowl completely, drying it, then sifting the matcha in the bowl. Next, I only add about an 1/8 to a 1/4 cup of water and then whip with a premoistened whisk. When the froth appears I add the rest of the water. I know that's not the traditional way but it has been working great for me.

streetspirit · Posted: Feb 08, 2007 1:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the replies. I've managed to make one work a little better. I think it takes some time to get used to the whisk (gotta put a little bit of wrist action on it... I'm getting quite a workout).

Also it is true the matcha is not ceremonial grade (it is dark green in color). But sadly, at 1lb I think it might take me a year to finish it to buy a better one Sad

(Anybody need a matcha flavored wedding cake?)

Chip · Posted: Feb 08, 2007 1:33 pm Post subject:

...lol...

Matcha infused rice is awesome...1 teaspoon per cup of dried rice. Adjust to taste. But, yeah, a pound goes a long way...

Hmmm, St Patty's day is coming...you could make everything greener...and the world a happier place idea

Canundrum69 · Posted: Feb 08, 2007 4:03 pm Post subject: Re: Matcha

Well I didn't know Amazon sold teas, but such is free enterprise.

I buy all my Matcha here, and love it
I like it a bit thin so I buy the Kiri no Mori, it isn't expensive and is a wonderful tasting tea.

I am pretty new to this as well and have had trials and errors.
The water temperature has a lot ot do with it frothing as well as the amount of water.

I bought the starter kit from O-cha.co to begin with and experimented.
After pre-warming and drying the bowl I use 2 scoops of the Matcha and add 2 ounces of hot water.

this has given me the best results so far. I get a nice froth and a great bowl of tea.

I used to be the type to make a large cup of tea and carry it with me. but now it is a matter of enjoyment for me and i will sit and enjoy a small amount knowing if i want another its all right there on the tray.

Give it a shot, it might work for you the way it did for me.

Canundrum69 · Posted: Feb 08, 2007 4:06 pm Post subject:

Kevangogh · Forum God Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 926 Location: Japan

Yeah, you want to pre-wet the whisk and when you are heating the bowl is the perfect time to do it.

Speaking of Amazon, you can buy our stuff there too. Price is the same though.

sleepyredmoo · Posted: Mar 27, 2008 8:16 am Post subject:

im kind of a newbie too and i bought some matcha from my local green tea shop and i find it's hard to foam as well but that's probably because im using an electric mixer because i didn't have enough money for the whisk and the store wasn't open today when i went, anyway i think i'll buy a whisk tomorrow and see how that works. lol I didn't even know there was food grade matcha mine was $35 for 30g but it's really good mmm...