I am in the market for a Matcha set and have been looking at various sets on the internet. Does anyone have any recommendations? I would like to get an entire set, but some of the accessories seem to be optional and I am unsure if I really need them (example: are the Natsume or whisk stand needed/beneficial). Another concern is that most prepackaged sets seem to be a bit weak on the description so I am not quite sure the quality of the items (example: how many strands does the whisk have).
-John
Apr 16th, '07, 16:31
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All you need in a basic matcha set is a bowl and a whisk, but I highly recommend getting a matcha scoop and whisk holder. The scoop is fun to use (and cheap), and the whisk holder will help keep the whisk's shape and prolong its lifetime.
You only need a natsume if you are going to do the tea ceremony, but otherwise they do nothing except look pretty. They are generally not very airtight, so long-term storage of matcha in a natsume is actually harmful.
As for the number of tines on the whisk, I wouldn't worry if you're just starting out with matcha-- you really won't notice much of a difference. The number of tines seems to be very important once you get to the advanced level, but I don't know exactly why. I would assume that it has something to do with the amount of air worked into the tea, but it's just a guess.
Hope this helps!
You only need a natsume if you are going to do the tea ceremony, but otherwise they do nothing except look pretty. They are generally not very airtight, so long-term storage of matcha in a natsume is actually harmful.
As for the number of tines on the whisk, I wouldn't worry if you're just starting out with matcha-- you really won't notice much of a difference. The number of tines seems to be very important once you get to the advanced level, but I don't know exactly why. I would assume that it has something to do with the amount of air worked into the tea, but it's just a guess.
Hope this helps!
Apr 16th, '07, 16:45
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Well, it really depends on what your goal is. If you just want to drink matcha, all you need is matcha and any kitchen whisk. I have done this more than once. But it just seems wrong... 
But if you want to fully apprecaite the tea ceremony, aesthetics and presicion rule. Most matcha sets are adequate for beginning as long as it is a reputable vendor specializing in Japanese tea. In fact the cheaper whisks with fewer strands can last much longer than finer stranded ones with more strands.
Most people fall somewhere between a full ceremony and a kitchen whisk, they want to appreciate some of the beauty of the ceremony without going all the way.
I would spring for a beginner set, but make sure if it includes matcha that it is decent matcha!!!
That is my 2 yen worth.
But if you want to fully apprecaite the tea ceremony, aesthetics and presicion rule. Most matcha sets are adequate for beginning as long as it is a reputable vendor specializing in Japanese tea. In fact the cheaper whisks with fewer strands can last much longer than finer stranded ones with more strands.
Most people fall somewhere between a full ceremony and a kitchen whisk, they want to appreciate some of the beauty of the ceremony without going all the way.
I would spring for a beginner set, but make sure if it includes matcha that it is decent matcha!!!
That is my 2 yen worth.
Apr 16th, '07, 18:08
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Space Samurai