Tea Series Two — Daily Brew Matcha

 A Little History in a Bowl

Matcha has a rich history rooted in Japanese tea ceremonies, dating back to the 12th century when Zen monks began using it to support meditation. Made from finely ground, shade-grown green tea leaves (called tencha), matcha offers not only a unique flavour but also a calm energy, thanks to its combination of caffeine and L-theanine.

Traditional whisked in a handcrafted bowl using a bamboo whisk (chasen), preparing matcha is more than just making tea, it is a mindful ritual. Over time, this ceremonial drink has found its way into modern kitchens around the world, including mine.

A cup of Matcha (photo by JenniferW)

In this post, I am sharing how I prepare a simple daily cup of matcha at home, using quality ingredients and simple tools that make the process both calming and enjoyable. Whether you are new to matcha or already a fan, I hope this guide encourages you to slow down, whisk, and sip.
I am using 1g of matcha powder with 150 ml of hot water at 80°C — it is a lighter, smoother brew that is gentle on the stomach and easy for daily drinking.
If you prefer a stronger flavour, try using 2g of matcha powder with 75ml of hot water  for a richer, more traditional style.
Tips: Using slightly cooler water (around 70-80°C) helps reduce bitterness and brings out the natural sweetness and umami of good matcha. Feel free to adjust the amount of powder and water to find the balance that suits your own taste.

Visual of Items (photo by JenniferW)

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 Matcha bowl
• 1 Matcha spoon
• Whisk
• Sifter
• Matcha cup
• Heatproof measuring jug (glass is ideal)
• An electric kettle with temperature control

Tip: Investing in one is worthwhile for precise brewing! Different teas need different temperatures for their best flavours.

Ingredients:

• 1g Matcha Powder (generally recommended 2mg)
• In the video, I show two matcha types:
• Cultivar Asahi from Wazuka, Kyoto by d:Matcha
• Ceremonial Reserve Matcha from Nishio, Aichi by Crafti
• 150 ml water at 70-80 °C

Step-by-Step:

1. Prepare your tools: Matcha bowl, spoon, whisk, sifter, measuring jug, and your chosen matcha.
2. Heat the to 70-80 °C using an electric kettle with temperature control.
3. Sift the matcha:
• Place the sifter over your matcha bowl.
• Scoop 1g (1 matcha spoon) of powder into the sifter. Traditional tea ceremonies often use 2g, but I find 1g perfect for daily drinking.
• I gently tap the sifter with a spoon, which is less messy than shaking and it helps break up clumps more evenly.
4. Measure 150 ml hot water using a measuring jug or matcha cup. (One matcha cup is equivalent to 150 ml).
5. Whisk in three stages (Z-motion):
• First, pour a small splash of water and whisk gently to dissolve.
• Add about 50ml hot water and whisk briskly until frothy.
• Pour in the rest of the hot water and whisk briskly until the surface is foamy.
6. Optional final sift: Pour the matcha through a sifter into your matcha cup to catch any broken whisk bristles. (Yes, it happened to me once, not ideal! 😄). 
7. Serve and enjoy: A comforting, nutritious drink at a fraction of cafe prices.

Tips & Notes

• Matcha spoon = 1g
• Traditionally, a bamboo chashaku scoop is used.
• I now use a stainless steel matcha spoon, easier to clean, doesn’t stain, and lasts longer.  I got mine from Crafti’s beginner set (see link below)

• Use a proper matcha bowl, not just any bowl 

• ❌ At first, I used an ordinary bowl that I liked. It had a rough interior (for grip, I thought), but it broke my whisk bristles frequently. I also tried other bowls, but many were too narrow or too shallow for whisking.
• ✅ A proper matcha bowl is wide, smooth, enough depth, and designed for whisking, the one gifted to me by my daughter and son in-law has made all the difference.

• Optional Modern Sifter Tip:

• Some sifters come with metal beads inside, modern solution that makes sifting faster and avoids the need to wash the sifter every time.
• Always sift your matcha, whether you use a traditional sieve or a modern version. This step breaks up clumps and helps the powder mix evenly with water.

Summary of Commonly Accepted Differences Between Matcha & Regular Green Tea:

Matcha — Green Tea

• Shade-grown (tencha) — Typically grown in full sun
• Ground into fine powder — Rolled, dried, and often whole
• Whisked powder into water — Steeped and discarded
• Consumed the whole leaf with nutrients — Only extract partial nutrients
• Higher in caffeine & antioxidants — Milder in both                        

Matcha provides more antioxidants, amino acids, and chlorophyll per cup!

This comparison is based on general tea cultivation and preparation differences, supported by sources such as Matcha.com, USDA, and tea research studies.

How to Know if Matcha is Working for You

Is your matcha doing anything for you? Here is how to tell:

1. Your gut feels good. Reduced bloating and smoother digestion.
2. Calm but focused. L-theanine keeps you alert but relaxed.
3. Sustained energy. Matcha gives a slow, steady energy boost.
4. No jitters or anxiety. Clean energy without the crash or buzz of coffee.
5. You just feel better. Balanced mood and lasting energy.

Note: 1g matcha (used in this recipe) contains approx. 30 mg caffeine.

The Approximate Caffeine (per 240 ml)

• Drink — Caffeine
• Filter Coffee — 95 mg
• Espresso Shot — 63 mg
• Matcha — 60 mg
• Oolong Tea — 38 mg 
• Yerba Mate — 30-50 mg
• Black Tea — 25-48 mg
• Green Tea — 25-29 mg
• White Tea — 15-20 mg

Caffeine values are approximates and compiled from public sources including the USDA, Mayo Clinic, and general tea/coffee research averages.

Matcha is gentler than coffee but still gives a satisfying lift.

Different Types of Matcha (photo by JenniferW)

My Recommended Matcha Types

Here are some matcha cultivars I have enjoyed:

• Gokou
• Asahi
• Kanayamidori
• Okumidori
• Crafti Ceremonial Reserve Matcha Powder

You can find these from reputable online shops like:

1. d:Matcha (matcha from Wazuka, Kyoto)
2. Crafti (matcha from Nishio, Aichi)

Conclusion: A Cup of Calm, at Home

Making matcha doesn’t have to be complicated, with just a few tools and a little effort, it becomes a soothing part of the day. It is not only more affordable than ordering at cafes, but also more meaningful. There is something beautiful about creating your own quiet pause with a bowl of warm, frothy matcha.
Everyone’s taste is different, so don’t be afraid to try different matcha types until you find the one that speaks to you. Once you do, you will understand why so many people fall in love with this little green bowl  of calm.

Let me know if you try it, or if you have already made matcha a part of your daily rhythm. I would love to hear how you enjoy yours. 💚

A video on how to make a simple cup of matcha. Click this link: Substack or YouTube.

💌 Enjoyed this recipe?

You can find more comforting recipes and reflections on A Journey with Joy at Substack. Subscribing is free, and you are always welcome.