How To Make Perfect Matcha Green Tea? (Matcha Powder Recipe)

Whether it is finally time to relax or to start the day, nothing can replace a good cup of tea! But what if we found something for you that doesn’t give you a buzz like coffee, rather leaves you feeling energized and focused, but still calm.

Yes, we are talking about Japanese green tea powder - Matcha green tea. Once the cornerstone of traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries, and now one of the most popular drinks in the US and around the world because of its health benefits. The antioxidants it contains may lower blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart disease, and even boost your metabolism.

And, now you know why we still cannot stop talking about Matcha - the wonderful Japanese powdered green tea that packs a good amount of caffeine, but still has a calming effect on your mind, body, and soul. It's packed with nutritional value and popular for its deep vegetal flavor and a lovely umami taste. We simply love it! But we have talked very little about how to make a perfect cup of matcha green tea, since it is different from making your regular green tea. You don’t steep this tea. Matcha tea is ground to a fine powder and whisked with hot water to create a full-bodied, verdant elixir.

So, there is our go-to matcha green tea recipe that you can follow to make yourself a perfect cup and not end up making it bitter and flat instead of frothy and slightly sweet like it should be. We will tell you exactly how much matcha should you add per cup, so that you achieve that brilliant green color, subtle umami flavor, and almost-creamy texture. If you wish to read a comprehensive guide on what matcha teas are, how are they grown and the benefits of matcha, click here.

Did you know tea connoisseurs take tea ceremony classes for a month in Japan, learning how to perfect the art of making matcha green tea. However, to make a good matcha consistently, it needs good quality matcha powder and some practice for sure.

Golden Tips on How to Make Matcha Green Tea 

If you follow these tips, you can hardly go wrong in perfecting a matcha green tea recipe.

 

1. Picking up the Right Matcha

Procuring high quality, authentic matcha is a must. Vahdam Teas work directly with farmers in Japan’s best tea-producing regions to procure freshly-harvested and ground pure matcha tea. As soon as you open our matcha green tea powder, you get a whiff of the sweet grassy aroma, which is a sign that you have opened a good pack of matcha. We have a best-by date stamped, packaged in a vacuum-sealed bag to protect the tea from light and come in small batches because matcha loses its potency in about 2 months once opened. Last, but not the least, if you are looking to get a good quality matcha green tea within a good price, we suggest getting a culinary grade matcha for if you are looking to make matcha smoothie or a sweetened latte.  

 

2. Have the Right Equipment

One of the best things about making a matcha is that you don't need any fancy tools. All you need is a chasen, which is a matcha whisk and a bowl. Do not use a mug or a teacup. You would need a bowl that has plenty of room for whisking for producing a smooth cup of tea with fine foam on top. 

 

3. Use Hot Water

This is a fail-safe rule even if you want to make an iced matcha or a matcha latte. The tea dissolves best in hot water. One hack is to warm the bowl with a little hot water and then pat it dry.

 

4. Spoons or Forks Won’t Work, Use a 'Chasen'

If you make matcha too often and have almost perfected a matcha tea recipe, you might want a traditional bamboo whisk called a ‘Chasen’. Its special design breaks up clumps and creates a frothy layer of foam on top of the tea. 

 

 

5. Sweeten to taste

There's a slight sweetness to good-quality matcha, but the dominant notes are grassy and the signature umami flavor can be an acquired taste. Don’t hesitate to add a few drops of maple syrup or honey.

 

6. Always Sift Your Tea 

You obviously don’t want green lumps sticking to your teeth. So, you can actually sift the tea into your bowl each time with a tea strainer and a spoon to help push it through. 

 

7. How Much Matcha Per Cup

Get the ratio right. Usually 2 grams of matcha tea powder works best for about 70-80 grams of water. Or, if you cannot be bothered with a scale every time you need to make matcha green tea, use about a teaspoon for 1/3rd cup of water. 

 

8. Whisk vigorously

If you want to know how to make the perfect cup of matcha green tea, then you need to get the whisking right. Once the water and tea are in the bowl, whisk back and forth in a zig-zag lightly touching the bottom of the bowl. Once the mixture starts getting frothy, move the whisk almost to the surface of the tea to make lots of fine foam on the top. 

 

How to Serve Matcha?

As a tradition, matcha is always served with a small sweet in Japan. A chocolate or a tiny pastry will do just fine to balance the tea as well as settle your stomach. 

Now  let's learn a step-by-step process on how to make the perfect cup of matcha green tea. 

What do You Need? 

Get your matcha accessories ready - a chasen, a tea bowl, a measuring ladle, a tea strainer, and your matcha powder.

How much Matcha Per Cup?

To brew a cup, take 1.5 teaspoons or 2 grams of matcha powder. 

 

Matcha Green Tea Recipe

• Scoop matcha powder, sift your matcha powder into your tea bowling make sure there are no clumps. 
• Pour boiling water into a teacup and let it sit for about a minute. 
• Carefully put the hot water into the bowl with the matcha powder.
• Whisk for about 10-15 seconds until the tea is bright green using the technique mentioned above. 
• Now pour matcha into your favorite porcelain tea cup and relax with your foamy perfect matcha tea. 
  
  

Expert Tip :

If you like to make your matcha extra thick, put 3 teaspoons of matcha powder and drink up! You may also add a splash of almond milk and honey if you wish and enjoy! You could also choose from the variety of traditional and unique blends of matcha that Vahdam India has to offer, from a Turmeric Matcha Green Tea to a Vanilla Matcha Green Tea.

Traditionally, the process of making a matcha is choreographed, deliberate, and delicate. But you don’t need to be that precise Just channel a little but of focus and grace to enjoy it more!

 

Until next time,

Cheers!

Heena Mahajan
Contributing Wellness Author for Vahdam India