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In our fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility and mindfulness can often prove challenging. However, Japanese tea culture offers a peaceful sanctuary steeped in tradition,...
Read More >From the quality of your matcha powder to the teaware you use, making matcha with a bamboo whisk ensures a smooth, clump-free, and delicious matcha experience. Historically, Japanese teaware is used during tea ceremonies but is now widely used in the modern-day preparation of matcha tea too. To experience the authentic art of Japanese tea making and give your matcha the best flavor, we recommend using a bamboo whisk, also known as chasen. In this article, we’ll discuss what a chasen matcha whisk is and ways to properly care for this essential matcha tool for your daily matcha ritual.
A chasen is a carefully handmade Japanese bamboo whisk designed for preparing matcha green tea. The bamboo handle is attached to numerous fine prongs. The bottom of the whisk is left open with the prongs curled at the end to ensure smooth, frothy matcha when whisking. On the whisk, the number of prongs is each indicated as a “tip”. For example, a 100-tip whisk has 100 prongs which are made to produce a rich and creamy froth for your bowl of matcha green tea. This essential tool is both functional and a beautiful piece of art that is very delicate. The bamboo whisk needs special care to prevent breaking and molding over time.
Since the matcha whisk is made out of delicate bamboo, the tips are prone to breaking so it’s crucial to make sure to prepare the whisk prior to use. Here are our tips for caring for your matcha whisk:
Although the name, bamboo whisk, suggests that you’re whisking, you’re not whisking the same way you would with a regular baking whisk. The different methods to use the matcha whisk depend on which kind of matcha you want to drink. For thinner matcha called Usucha, whisk in a quick W motion until a layer of delicate foam forms at the top surface. The trick to this fast motion is only using your wrist, not your arm. If you’re making a matcha latte, start by preparing the usucha matcha and then pour over your choice of milk.
For thicker matcha, Koicha, use the matcha whisk in a kneading motion. Refer to our matcha videoes for a visual step-by-step on how to make usucha matcha, koicha matcha, and also matcha lattes.
The bamboo whisk is an essential matcha tool to make delicious matcha, but what other tools can be useful for your matcha ritual?
Finding the right tools can be overwhelming but we want to make that process as easy for you as possible. Our Ceremonial Matcha Kit was made to inspire more peaceful and mindful moments with matcha in your daily life. Not only is it perfect for those who are starting their matcha journey, but also for avid matcha lovers too. The 6 piece matcha tea set is a perfect gift for anyone who wants to be immersed in the authentic matcha experience. The matcha tea kit includes our best-selling Ceremonial Matcha Otome with a glazed white clay Matcha Bowl (Chawan), Matcha Spoon (Chashaku), a Bamboo Whisk (Chasen), stainless steel mesh sifter, and Whisk Holder (Kusenaoshi).
Although using a bamboo whisk will ensure the best cup of matcha, you can still make matcha without one! Simple methods to make matcha without a whisk include shaking the matcha in a jar or bottle, or blending with an electric blender or milk frother. Read more on the three ways to make matcha without a whisk. The goal is to reduce any clumps of matcha powder to blend smoothly for a delicious cup of matcha.
Drinking our Matcha? Snap a pic and tag us on Instagram at @senbirdtea or #senbirdtea. We’d love to see your moment with tea!
If you want to read more articles on brewing guides, check them out here:
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In our fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquility and mindfulness can often prove challenging. However, Japanese tea culture offers a peaceful sanctuary steeped in tradition,...
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