Matcha for beginners

[GreenwoodStudio]

I'm glad to see a thread about this. I have to admit that my first attempt at a Matcha purchase was an ill-informed one (I should have read up more on TeaChat ) Also I should have read the description of the product better, when they said "Matcha Style" I think what a bought is more like a powdered Sencha? I do like it however, and have been adding varied amounts to Genmaicha for a little extra kick. So, does anyone know anything about this product? Am I correct in thinking it's a powdered Sencha, or am I fooling myself and it's more like the green tea equivalent to instant coffee

[Drax]

I'm glad to see a thread about this. I have to admit that my first attempt at a Matcha purchase was an ill-informed one (I should have read up more on TeaChat ) Also I should have read the description of the product better, when they said "Matcha Style" I think what a bought is more like a powdered Sencha? I do like it however, and have been adding varied amounts to Genmaicha for a little extra kick. So, does anyone know anything about this product? Am I correct in thinking it's a powdered Sencha, or am I fooling myself and it's more like the green tea equivalent to instant coffee

The 4 characters in the green 'tear drop' say 'funmatsu ryokucha' -- or 'finely powdered green tea.' I'd have to see a closer picture to tell anything else, unless if somebody else is already familiar with it.

As far as I know, ryokucha is a generic term for green tea and does not necessarily imply sencha or matcha.

[Kevangogh]

That is not matcha...

[Garrett]

This has been a great thread for me, as I'm just waiting for my first matcha order to arrive.

My chawan arrived today and I'm already chomping at the bit to use it.

[odarwin]

is there a rule on what type of whisk (80 or 100 prong) to use for which type of matcha (koicha or usucha)?

and as a beginner, what type (80 or 100 prong) would you guys recommend me to use? considering that i would like to be able to try both koicha and usucha with the use of only 1 whisk at the moment, and why?

thanks!

[casadetrevino]

I too am new to matcha. The only kind I have tried is from Teavana, I really like it. However, at $20 for 1.5 oz. I only enjoy it periodically as a treat.
What I'd love to find is a good, not necessarily high-grade, matcha that is priced low enough to enjoy every day.
Has anyone tried this matcha on Amazon?

http://www.amazon.com/Matcha-Green-Tea- ... roduct_top

[olivierco]

is there a rule on what type of whisk (80 or 100 prong) to use for which type of matcha (koicha or usucha)?

and as a beginner, what type (80 or 100 prong) would you guys recommend me to use? considering that i would like to be able to try both koicha and usucha with the use of only 1 whisk at the moment, and why?

thanks!

If you have a good matcha, using a 80 prong or a 100 prong chasen will give you similar results. The 100 prong whisk will be somewhat more fragile, especially if the surface of your chawan is rough.
As you also want to drink koicha, which is more "kneaded" than "whisked", I would choose the 80 prong chasen.

I use a 48 prong chasen for koicha and a 80 prong one for usacha

[odarwin]

is there a rule on what type of whisk (80 or 100 prong) to use for which type of matcha (koicha or usucha)?

and as a beginner, what type (80 or 100 prong) would you guys recommend me to use? considering that i would like to be able to try both koicha and usucha with the use of only 1 whisk at the moment, and why?

thanks!

If you have a good matcha, using a 80 prong or a 100 prong chasen will give you similar results. The 100 prong whisk will be somewhat more fragile, especially if the surface of your chawan is rough.
As you also want to drink koicha, which is more "kneaded" than "whisked", I would choose the 80 prong chasen.

I use a 48 prong chasen for koicha and a 80 prong one for usacha

thanks for the info!

im considering this...
http://www.yuuki-cha.com/matcha-accesso ... ama-chasen

is this an 80-prong chasen? ...its not indicated in the description thou?

[olivierco]

im considering this...
http://www.yuuki-cha.com/matcha-accesso ... ama-chasen

is this an 80-prong chasen? ...its not indicated in the description thou?

Difficult to tell from the picture. I would say yes but you should ask the seller.

[Ti]

A local grocery store has started carrying ITO EN matcha. I got a can and made it in a cup whisking with a fork. I don't have a chasen. I only had matcha once before and the ITO EN matcha is way better tasting. Is there another way if you don't have a chasen? And, what is it that the chasen does for match other than make foam? Does the froth from the chasen add to the texture of the tea drink? Disperse the powder resulting in more flavor or what? I've seen the videos and I know I'm doing it wrong but for now that's the way it is.

[entropyembrace]

You´ll get a better texture with the chasen and more even mixing.

I used an egg whisk for some time, it worked, but the chasen is a huge improvement

[Chip]

Chasen changes everything!

I used an egg whisk as did many others, you can't get a chasen at the "super" ... it did an OK job actually. But once you get a chasen, the thought of going back to a kitchen whisk actually turns my stomach.

[Ti]

You´ll get a better texture with the chasen and more even mixing.

I used an egg whisk for some time, it worked, but the chasen is a huge improvement

Thank you. I have an egg whisk! For now I will try that until I get a chasen.

[iannon]

You´ll get a better texture with the chasen and more even mixing.

I used an egg whisk for some time, it worked, but the chasen is a huge improvement

Thank you. I have an egg whisk! For now I will try that until I get a chasen.

Much betetr than a fork at least i sued an egg whisk too for a while. Some people also use the mini cappucino frothers

[odarwin]

hi guys,

do you really need a whisk stand?
what does it really do? and do you really get to use it every time you make matcha?

http://www.yuuki-cha.com/matcha-accesso ... isk-keeper

thanks!