matcha

[Ti]

I'm really dying to try this stuff but I have some questions.

Sometimes green tea bothers my stomach. So drinking powdered leaf has me wondering. Anyone have problems with this?

Where is a good place to buy it? I don't want to buy lousy product. Had enough of them already.

Where to get that shaving brush and bowl without breaking the bank. I've seen kits but most seem expensive for what they are.

[chamekke]

I'm really dying to try this stuff but I have some questions.

Sometimes green tea bothers my stomach. So drinking powdered leaf has me wondering. Anyone have problems with this?

Where is a good place to buy it? I don't want to buy lousy product. Had enough of them already.

Where to get that shaving brush and bowl without breaking the bank. I've seen kits but most seem expensive for what they are.

My tea sensei, oddly enough, has some difficulties drinking matcha - it sometimes disturbs her stomach. When I whisk a bowl of tea for her, I usually use a little less matcha than I otherwise would. So yes, if you have a sensitive stomach, it's possible that matcha may bother it.

Whereabouts do you live? If you live in British Columbia, I'd suggest that you just go to a Blenz and ask them to whisk you a "ceremonial" bowl of matcha. Blenz is a chain of coffee shops (a la Starbucks), but they also sell matcha powder that is surprisingly good. They will also prepare a bowl of matcha for you in the traditional style. If you could try a single bowl there, this would give you a chance to try it out without spending a ton of money on the matcha itself (good matcha can be pricey), much less the accompanying equipment.

If you're in the States or elsewhere, someone else will have to suggest a source (or you can try mail order). But I don't think you should invest in the whisk and bowl yet - better to try the matcha itself first. In a pinch you can use an ordinary bowl and a metal whisk to prepare the tea. My suggestion is that you worry about the equipment only if/when you discover that (a) you like drinking matcha, and (b) it isn't going to upset your stomach.

One other possibility - depending on where you live - is to try to attend a public tea presentation of the Way of Tea (Japanese Tea Ceremony) and receive a bowl of tea there. Many major cities, and some smaller ones, have tea ceremony groups and most of these do public presentations from time to time.

[scruffmcgruff]

My tea sensei, oddly enough, has some difficulties drinking matcha - it sometimes disturbs her stomach.

Wow, that's quite ironic. Kind of like the oft-referenced tea taster who drinks cocoa at home.

[chamekke]

My tea sensei, oddly enough, has some difficulties drinking matcha - it sometimes disturbs her stomach.

Wow, that's quite ironic. Kind of like the oft-referenced tea taster who drinks cocoa at home.

I think it's to do with the caffeine, perhaps. She never drinks coffee.

Anyway, I wanted to mention this because some people will have difficulties with tea - including matcha. I tend to suspect that if steeped tea is causing difficulties, consuming the whole leaf in suspension is likely to do the same. That's why, if I were in Ti's situation, I'd do my best to find a situation where I can try a single bowl of matcha without having to commit myself to buying a whole tin of matcha, a whisk, and a teabowl.

[Ti]

Thanks for the input.

I guess I'll just wait until I can taste it somewhere. Not likely around here though. I'll have to wait until I get near the big city again which would be Philadelphia.

[joelbct]

Thanks for the input.

I guess I'll just wait until I can taste it somewhere. Not likely around here though. I'll have to wait until I get near the big city again which would be Philadelphia.

I wouldn't wait, what I would do is order just a tin of matcha ($15-20), you don't need the bowl and whisk to taste the stuff... If you like it, then you can order a bowl and whisk later. I recommend one of these for a first matcha, they are fantastic:

Ito En Koto no Tsuki (just $19.50, located in NY so shipping is fast and cheap)

or

Ippodo Wakamatsu (just $15 plus shipping)

Also, drinking the whole leaf might actually be easier on the stomach, sort of like eating a whole orange is healthier than just drinking orange juice- getting the fiber and other compounds might actually alleviate the stomach problems. Plus, matcha is not astringent or acidic at all, and good matcha isn't bitter, it's rather sweet and full, so if you have trouble with sencha, matcha might be better for you.

In summary, life is short, matcha is an experience worth trying, and a picture is worth a thousand words:

[Proinsias]

I'd second Ippodo as a good place to start. The matcha starter kit is cheaper than many tins of matcha available, is of reasonable enough quality and gives you everything you need to get started.

Here

[devites]

I 3rd the Ippodo. Get that and a whisk together that sets you back about 30, not too shabby. You don't need a chawan to enjoy a frothy bowl of matcha. 1/4 tsp per 3-4 ounces at 155F and enjoy.

[Proinsias]

The Ippodo starter kit gives you a chawan, whisk, matcha, chashaku and even a tea cloth.

I think it's around $35 but that's not including shipping.

[Pentox]

Personally from what I have seen of the Ippodo starter kit, the shipping makes it not really worth it. I have no idea of the actual quality of their matcha or the actual product, but I just balk at something that is going to cost me almost as much to ship to me than to get it in the first place.

[Ti]

Those pics sure look good. I don't know. I'm confused now.

[Pentox]

Those pics sure look good. I don't know. I'm confused now.

Wouldn't that be a good reason to try some out? Depending on where you are you might be able to find a place to get the equipment without paying for the shipping from Ippodo.

[Ti]

Awww... screw it. I can't take it anymore. I'm going to cast caution to the wind and buy some matcha. I've spent a lot more on a lot less. I can improvise bowl and wisk but I want a high grade matcha. If it turns my stomach then I'll make merit by sending it to someone on the board who will enjoy it.

[Ti]

I finally went out on a limb and ordered some matcha. Not so long ago I didn't even know it existed. I can't wait to try this tea.

[chamekke]

I finally went out on a limb and ordered some matcha. Not so long ago I didn't even know it existed. I can't wait to try this tea.

Please let us know what you think. I hope it's agreeable to both your digestion and your taste!