Where should I start with matcha?

[Space Samurai]

I whole-heartedly agree with Inspectoring's advice. I started off with really good matcha(s) as my first, and it wasn't till I had a chance to try some low, well, to be fair, low-ish, quality matcha that I started to understand just how good the matcha I was drinking really was. On the flip side of that, I also had a hard time distinguishing the diffrences between a great 30 dollar matcha vs a 60 dollar matcha, so there is no reason to jump in the deep end with matcha.

[Salsero]

Yes, picture with matcha in it!!

[Ed]

I'll bet Victoria is using that little heart-shaped cup to make matcha lol. That's hott.

[Victoria]

I whole-heartedly agree with Inspectoring's advice. I started off with really good matcha(s) as my first, and it wasn't till I had a chance to try some low, well, to be fair, low-ish, quality matcha that I started to understand just how good the matcha I was drinking really was. On the flip side of that, I also had a hard time distinguishing the diffrences between a great 30 dollar matcha vs a 60 dollar matcha, so there is no reason to jump in the deep end with matcha.

Thanks Space. I do understand that, and not being as discerning as some, I'm sure I will find a something in a better price range later on. I just didn't have those recommendations at the point of jump.

Yes, picture with matcha in it!!

Yep.

[Space Samurai]

Where can I find some instructions on leaf/water ratio, brewing temperature and time?

Instructions vary a bit, but mostly its 2 g (2 scoops, scoop = chashoku)--if you have neither scale nor chashoku (bamboo scoop), then this may equal about a tsp, but I'm not sure, for 3-4 oz of water. Brewing temperature, 160 - 170, definitely below 180.

Time? This parts easy. You don't infuse matcha so much as you whisk it and drink it. Matcha doesn't disolve or steep, it gets suspended in the water by the whisking. This is why its considered so much healtheir, because you are actually consuming the whole leaf.

[Space Samurai]

Thanks Space. I do understand that, and not being as discerning as some, I'm sure I will find a something in a better price range later on. I just didn't have those recommendations at the point of jump.

Oh, sorry. When I said "jump," I was reffering to what I did. I hadn't read your post yet. It was an unfortunate choice of words on my part. I should read the whole thread before responding, instead of just jumping in the middle.

[tenuki]

thank goodness I stopped that stuff in the snorting phase and never made it to direct injection!

[Victoria]

thank goodness I stopped that stuff in the snorting phase and never made it to direct injection!

Uh huh, well we'll see if you slip in late to the party.

[RussianSoul]

Thanks, Space Samurai!

[Chip]

How did I miss this chat today...this is where the action was.

[Pentox]

Hahaha everyone is joining the land of matcha. Sadly matcha has a rather high startup cost of trying out.

In my opinion though nobody should follow any particular path when going down matcha. Matcha is one of those things that you should try out and figure out yourself. Find what you like, figure out your own way. Then talk to others about technique.

[Tsukiko]

Holy cripes, the whole world is turning to matcha! Who will fall next? Will it be ... me?

No, I think it will be me!! hehe
I placed my O-Cha order last night!
Can't wait!

Nope, it's me!

[Tsukiko]

Ippodo has a nicely priced starter set. When i have my first matcha, that's where I'm starting.

Thanks, Eastree, for the name of this company. I have never heard of it before. The starter kit is only $36. Wow ^_^

[Pentox]

Hahah, i wonder if there's someone over there sitting around thinking, what the hell, why are so many people ordering starter kits today.

[Salsero]

Hahah, i wonder if there's someone over there sitting around thinking, what the hell, why are so many people ordering starter kits today.

Just to keep them wondering, I placed my Ippodo order today and included a seive.