OK so I still haven't tried any matcha other than the disgusting crap I bought at the local Asian market which tasted like poison. But, as my appreciation for green tea has grown, so has my curiosity about Matcha.
So today, I decided I would manufacture my own powdered tea... not true matcha because I used sencha/shincha, but maybe at least a similar experience.
I have one of those industrial-strength Vita-Mix blenders with a 2 HP motor that will make flour from whole wheat and peanut butter from roasted peanuts... it's amazing. I had less than a good full session of O-cha YM, so I pulverized that and some Fukamushi Sencha Supreme shincha together until it was a fine talc-like powder. I only made a small amount, about 3 teaspoons, as it was an experiment and I didn't want to waste my fuka if it turned out badly.
I mixed up a bit matcha-style in about 155F water and went for a medium consistency... really creamy, rich, sweet, and delicious... no bitterness, not chalky, and the powder seemed to be fine enough to properly suspend without all settling to the bottom. I don't have any proper tools and didn't get much of a froth on top, but it did have a gorgous emerald color. I enjoyed a bit of this warm delight, and then tried some in my water bottle, iced. It was nice as well, but seemed to settle out a bit more than the warm version. I went easy on the quantity as I wondered of the concentration of pulverized leaf would upset my stomach, but it didn't bother me at all.
Anyone besides me ever manufactured your own powdered green tea? I'm interested to hear anyone else's experience. I have some inexpensive sencha I was considering powdering too... but I know it won't be as good.
Sarah
Sep 6th, '08, 20:20
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Wow cool, Sarah! You used some good leaf, but that is exciting that it turned out so good with the first try.
I am sure you know, there is powdered sencha available as well. I know Wes used to fill his water bottle to go with it all the time. I have not made the leap yet, but will one day soon.
I am sure you know, there is powdered sencha available as well. I know Wes used to fill his water bottle to go with it all the time. I have not made the leap yet, but will one day soon.
blah blah blah SENCHA blah blah blah!!!
I tired this a while ago. I used some cheap sencha and a pestle and mortar. I really wasn't happy with the results, it felt too gritty to me. I've tried the powdered sencha packets before and I like those. I switched to instant matcha from Lupicia for my current portable tea needs though. The powdered sencha in a bottle of water thing though is very convenient and pretty good. I also like the cold brew green tea bags from den's for that as well. Those are good.
There is nothing gritty about this stuff, but you just can't imagine what this blender is like... I think I could grind up cement into baby powder.
If anyone wants me to pulverize some sencha for them... PM me! You send me the leaf, I'll blast the hell out of it and send it back.
Sarah
If anyone wants me to pulverize some sencha for them... PM me! You send me the leaf, I'll blast the hell out of it and send it back.
Sarah
***This organic blend is earthy & spicy, with a fragrant aroma & smooth flavor to captivate the senses. Naturally sweetened in the Kentucky sunshine & infused with natural energy. Equally delicious when served piping hot or crisply chilled.***
I almost bought that Ito one this past week at a store demo. Very easy to use and the tea was iced and tasted great.Jonie wrote:Saw these a long time ago when in Japan and nearly picked one up......seems they are starting to make there way on to the international market now:
http://itohealth.com/pro_gt_greenteagrinder.html
http://cho-tabetai.com/iced-tea-ceremony/
Mind you doesn't seem like these are anything as powerful as what sarah is offering!
- Victoria -
http://victoriasown.blogspot.com/
http://victoriasown.blogspot.com/