Comment préparer un matcha cérémonial ? Le guide complet

How to prepare ceremonial matcha? The complete guide

Tables of contents

    How to prepare ceremonial matcha and a matcha latte?

    Matcha is increasingly appealing to specialty beverage lovers, both in traditional preparation and as a matcha latte. But to achieve a balanced cup, a few simple steps make all the difference.

    At Coutume, we have selected ceremonial matcha from Kyoto, Japan, from Tsuji Riichi Honten, a company renowned for its expertise in Japanese tea for over 160 years. It is available in 30g format for individuals and 500g format for professionals.

    Freshness plays an essential role in the sensory quality of matcha. This is why our matcha is freshly ground to order by our partner, a few days before each export.

    What is ceremonial matcha?

    Matcha is a very fine powdered Japanese green tea. Unlike a classic brewed tea, the entire leaf is consumed after being whisked in water.

    Its production relies on several key steps: shaded cultivation, processing the leaves into tencha, then very fine grinding to obtain an extremely fine green tea powder.

    Ceremonial matcha generally corresponds to a superior quality, intended to be enjoyed alone or with very little sugar. We look for a vibrant green color, a fine texture, low bitterness, and a beautiful balance between vegetal freshness, sweetness, and umami.

    How to recognize good matcha?

    An intense green color

    Quality matcha generally has a vibrant and bright green color. A dull or yellowish color may indicate oxidation or inferior quality.

    A very fine texture

    The powder must be fine and silky to mix easily with water and achieve a homogeneous foam.

    A balanced taste

    Good matcha should not be aggressively bitter. Instead, it develops fresh vegetal notes, a natural sweetness, and a slight umami touch.

    Great freshness

    After grinding, matcha is particularly sensitive to oxidation: its large contact surface with air gradually changes its quality. Freshly ground matcha better preserves its color, aromas, and finesse on the palate.

    How to prepare ceremonial matcha?

    Recommended accessories

    • A matcha bowl
    • A bamboo whisk, also called chasen
    • A matcha scoop
    • Low-mineral water
    • A fine sieve to avoid lumps

    Traditional matcha recipe

    Ingredients

    • 2 g of ceremonial matcha
    • 10 ml of hot water at about 80°C to dissolve the powder
    • 50 ml of additional hot water

    Preparation

    1. Sift the matcha into a bowl to avoid lumps.
    2. Add 10 ml of hot water at about 80°C.
    3. Whisk until the powder is well dissolved.
    4. Then pour in an additional 50 ml of hot water.
    5. Whisk gently at first, then more vigorously in a "W" motion until a fine and homogeneous foam is obtained.
    6. Enjoy immediately.

    Water that is too hot often accentuates the bitterness of matcha and masks its most delicate notes.

    How to make a matcha latte?

    The matcha latte offers a more gourmet and accessible version of matcha, particularly appreciated in coffee shops.

    Matcha latte recipe

    Ingredients

    • 2 g of ceremonial matcha
    • 50 ml of hot water between 70°C and 80°C
    • 150 to 200 ml of hot or cold milk

    Preparation

    1. Sift the matcha into a bowl or a small container.
    2. Add the hot water.
    3. Whisk until a smooth and homogeneous mixture is obtained.
    4. Add hot or cold milk depending on the desired recipe.
    5. Mix gently before serving.

    Oat or almond milks pair particularly well with the vegetal and umami notes of matcha.

    Why is my matcha bitter?

    Several elements can explain excessive bitterness:

    • water that is too hot,
    • too high a dosage,
    • poorly dissolved powder,
    • improper storage,
    • matcha of insufficient quality.

    A quality ceremonial matcha should retain a certain sweetness and a pleasant texture in the mouth, even in a latte.

    How to store matcha?

    Matcha is sensitive to air, light, humidity, and heat. To preserve its aromas, store it in an airtight container, away from light, high temperatures, and humidity.

    Before opening, you can store your matcha in the refrigerator or freezer. Remember to let it return to room temperature about 24 hours before opening to avoid condensation.

    After opening, store it in a cool, dry place away from light, then consume it quickly to best enjoy its freshness.

    Our ceremonial matcha selected by Coutume

    Our ceremonial matcha is selected from Tsuji Riichi Honten, a tea house founded over 160 years ago in Uji, in the Kyoto region, one of the great historical terroirs of Japanese tea.

    Its aromatic profile reveals balanced vegetal notes, a natural sweetness, and a slight umami touch. It is suitable for both traditional preparation and a matcha latte, hot or iced.

    • Origin: Japan
    • Region: Kyoto, Uji
    • Tea type: ceremonial matcha
    • Partner company: Tsuji Riichi Honten