Mossy/Mould on end of chasen?

[Mr Wigster]

Hey all,
I haven't been having matcha for a while (4 months) today went to make some and on the base/handle of my chasen there was some yellowish mould, though almost looked like moss, it was a very small amount, a dusting you may say.

Is this in anyway poisonous/toxic, and should I throw the chasen out?
It wiped off very easily, and i've left it in boiling water.

[Seeker]

Woh .
Gooooood question. I don't know. I'd have the same question if it happened to me - and I'd probably be a' boilin' too. (tho, I also have a purifying system and would likely also use that - it's based on oxygenating water - 'ozone-ating', or adding oxygen if you will, the way some municipal waters are purified).
If it was on the handle, I'd hazard a guess that the business end has spores. So a thorough cleaning at the very least, and tossing a possibility.
Another thought/memory - some molds are definitely toxic, so regardless - taking care and erring on the side of safety seems good.
It'd be cool if Intuit chimed in; haven't noticed Intuit's presence for awhile tho.

Any other TC'rs have experience/knowledge/opinions about this?

(too bad you wiped it already - a photo would be hella-cool).

But then..., perhaps you could post a photo of your matcha in the 'Today's MatchaWan' thread

[Seeker]

Another thought (a teas-y one) - perhaps moving your teaware from the yard/shed into the kitchen?

[Chip]

... or at least do not store it on the north side of a tree!!!

I see no reason to throw it out. Clean it as you have, place it in a well lit area that might have some air movement. A Chasen stand will allow moisture to flow away from the handle/base.

If nothing else, use it for display, but don't throw it away ...

[olivierco]

If nothing else, use it for display, but don't throw it away ...

Or in a more traditional way:

Chasen Kuyo is the ceremony for retiring the chasen, or bamboo wisk, that becomes worn out after many uses during the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Prevailing custom is to burn the chasen in a sacred fire and if there is a clear stream nearby, to cast the ashes upon the waters.

[Chip]

Heh ... I don't consider it worn out. But even if it was, I would likely still say display it.

Burn it if you must.

[beachape]

Are you sure it isn't old matcha stuck on. Give it a taste. If it tastes like matcha you are ok. Seriously thouh boil it dry it use. Most important thing is to dry it after use. Some molds are dangerous but if you boil and wash it you will remove most or all of the danger. The dangerous part is consuming the toxins of a specific mold. You are likely consuming more aphlatoxin in your peanut butter than your matcha tools.
If you have liver disease then buy a new chasen to be extra careful. Mostly speculation but I wouldn't worry.

[Mr Wigster]

Thanks for the replies.
I was/still am very curious of the mold, up until the discovery of the mold. I kept the Chasen in my kitchen, inside the plastic see through container it came with, which has a lid, and also a silica gel packet inside.
I'll keep an eye on it, i'm still using it, but giving it a very thourough dry after each use.

I really wish I had taken a photo, it was certainly an odd kind of mold. Maybe even looked like the bamboo had sprouts coming out.. they were sort of like very tiny thing pieces of hair with the odd part of yellowish/pale blobs of very small cotton attached.

[olivierco]

Thanks for the replies.
I was/still am very curious of the mold, up until the discovery of the mold. I kept the Chasen in my kitchen, inside the plastic see through container it came with, which has a lid, and also a silica gel packet inside.

Not a good idea, the plastic container should not be used for storage precisely to avoid mold.

Note
- The case that is included is not intended for storing the chasen. Putting it in the case before it is completely dry can cause it to become moldy.

[Mr Wigster]

Note
- The case that is included is not intended for storing the chasen. Putting it in the case before it is completely dry can cause it to become moldy.

D'oh! Fail, guess that's where I went wrong then. Stagnant air I guess? Threw the case out anyway when I discovered the mold. The chasen now sits proudly next to my chawan.

[JBaymore]

The silica gel has a finite absorbency..... so the little plastic "greenhouse" that the damp bamboo chasen was sitting in was likely a perfect environment for mold once that silica gel was "done".

Like tatami mats and futon.... the chasen can benefit from a frequent "airing".

best,

.............john

[Geekgirl]

I highly recommend the little chasen "egg" stand. It's convenient, will extend the life of the tool, and they are usually pretty cheap. Add one to your next order.

[Seeker]

+1
(I recently got a 3 pack from amazon inexpensively; also recently saw these at Whole Foods).