【Match Basic Equipment, Introduction】
Matcha is a traditional Japanese tea with a long history and culture. Special bowls (Chawan), whisks (Chasen) and other tools can be helpful for brewing it. We will describe the characteristic appearance and purpose of individual items for Matcha, which can make brewing this unique tea easier.
【Bowl/Chawan】
There are many different shapes and materials from which Matcha bowls are made. Bowls can be made of porcelain, ceramics and lacquered products. Some are richly decorated, hand-painted, but you can also come across subdued and simple Chawan, the choice is huge. The basic advantage of Chawan should be its shape. Because the high walls of the bowl should facilitate quick mixing, shaking the tea without spilling it around.
Moreover, in the tea ceremony, the appearance of the bowl itself is an important aspect. So that the Chawan best suits the needs of the place and the consumer.
【Whisk/Chasen】
This tool is made of bamboo. It consists of a shaft and a side of cut bamboo. The bamboo at the end of the whisk has a characteristic rounded shape. And in the middle there is a string that beautifully divides the individual cut parts of bamboo.
Chasen is a tool used to get rid of lumps in Matcha. What's more, it helps to mix the Matcha powder thoroughly and in the final phase it froths the tea beautifully.
Chasen can be used for a long time, but it loses its original shape during use. Therefore, it is worth taking care of proper cleaning and storage of the tool. A Chasen stand can be helpful in this, which will take care of restoring the original rounded shape of the tool and drying it properly.
【Spoon/Chashiaku】
This specially curved bamboo spoon helps to measure grams of Matcha better and faster. It is recommended to use 2g of Matcha for about 70ml of water, which is two teaspoons of Chashiaku.
【Sieve】
An optional tool that makes preparing Matcha powder easier is a strainer. By sifting, we can mix the Matcha powder faster.
【Thermometer/Kettle】
The brewing temperature should not exceed 80C, so a thermometer or a special kettle with a temperature indicator will be useful.
【Summary】
All the tools mentioned above facilitate the process of brewing delicious Matcha.
Bamboo tools should be rinsed thoroughly with water and then dried thoroughly. Moisture can damage bamboo. Following the correct rules for storing and maintaining hygiene of equipment should pay off in the possibility of long-term use.
