*The Kathy's Matcha Chat series is sponsored by Encha Organic Matcha
I am really happy with this month's Kathy's Matcha Chat video (episide 4) because I really get back to basics when it comes to matcha.
Today I share the three main tools you can use for making matcha.
And when I say 'matcha,' I mean both traditional matcha tea (water + matcha) or a matcha latte. I will also share my go-to matcha latte recipe (the one I use every day) and also our monthly giveaway is ahead.
(I also share a pretty matcha iphone wallpaper image)..
Watch the video with visuals and my commentary, then get more details + enter the giveaway below. (GIVEAWAY HAS CLOSED)
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The Three Main Tool Options for Making Matcha:
1. Bamboo Whisk. This is the most traditional way to whisk your matcha. The whisk is made from bamboo and is super light and doesn't require any batteries or plugs to use! You could literally use this out in the woods on a camping trip. To use the whisk, you do not 'stir' in a circle direction like a spoon. You briskly whisk in an up and down "I" shape so that tiny bubbles form and whisk the powdery matcha and liquid into a smooth tea. The bamboo whisk effectively breaks up any clumps of the matcha, when used properly. The whisk creates a very subtle 'foam' when making a latte. Check out Encha's starter pack, which includes the whisk. Or snag this cute green whisk set on Amazon.
2. Frothing/Foaming Wand aka AeroLatte. This is sort've like the battery-powered version of a bamboo whisk. This tool effectively breaks up any matcha clumps and dissolves well. It also creates a pretty nice, bubbly foam. The only two drawbacks to this device: it only has one speed so it can be way too powerful for a small amount of liquid or if blending in a small cup or matcha bowl. It splashes very easily if you tilt the wand in the wrong direction. And you also have to worry about the batteries running out. Or the machine breaking. Aerolatte on Amazon.
Frother note from the video: The black wand cover in the video is supposed to be removed before blending, just to be clear.
3. Blender. The blender is easy for making a matcha latte because you just toss all the ingredients into the blender and blend from low to high for a few seconds. Pour and serve. I personally use the blender method most often. I love the foam it creates. The only drawbacks: 1) you have to be in your own kitchen since you need a big blender. 2) Blenders are not cheap! Especially if you want a Vitamix, which is what I use. 3) You have to clean the container after blending. you also want to clean it well with white vinegar and baking soda because over time, I have noticed, the matcha can stain the blender container if you are not careful. Snag a Vitamix or learn more about mine, here.
My favorite tools: I love the blender, just for its ease and the foam it creates and also because it is the least messy for me. I find that when I use the handheld tools, I always end up splashing in the matcha bowl a bit.
I prefer the bamboo whisk over the AeroLatte, simply because I love the idea of using all traditional tools when making a matcha. It feels very meditative to me and I like that the matcha isn't touching any metal during the preparation. Just bamboo and my matcha bowl!
If I make traditional matcha tea (just water and matcha) I always use the bamboo whisk.
Other Tools:
* Bamboo scoop: nice to have, but not necessary. I usually just use a small spoon to measure out my matcha, but both work. The scoop is prettier and more traditional. So if presentation is important to you, grab a bamboo scoop.
* Matcha bowls or Mugs: I am in love with my Encha Galaxy Matcha Bowl. I also love my two smaller bowls with cherry blossoms on them, also from Encha. I either use a matcha bowl or one of my extra large round mugs. All my matcha mugs are made from reputable companies - a few years ago I went through my coffee mugs and stored or donated any mugs made in China or that just seemed to be coated in too much colored paint. Since I do use my microwave, I am always paranoid about anything leaching from the mug into my drinks. I'm not obsessive about it, I just like to be conscious about where my plates and mugs come from.
* Encha Flow: This is a beautiful tool for pouring warmed milk into a matcha bowl or mug. I don't use it everyday, but if I have guests or want a beautiful serving presentation, I use this. Encha Flow Set.
Do I Need to Add Water? In my video for the tools you will probably notice that I blend the matcha with just-under-boiling water, then add the warmed milk. This is one method. However, if you just want a super creamy latte, you can use all milk. (And by "milk," I always mean non-dairy milk! Always the preference for a matcha latte - even if you are not vegan.) I love a blend of soy and almond for my lattes, and on most days I do not add any water.
And of course, traditional matcha is just blended with that under-boiling water, no milk.
My process: I warm the mixture of almond and soy milk in a mug in the microwave (or if I am feeling fancy, I will use my stovetop). Then I pour the warmed milk (I like my milk to be VERY hot) into my Vitamix. Turn it on low, add 1-2 teaspoon Encha Organic Matcha (Latte or Ceremonial Grade), add a few drops of peppermint extract and 1-2 teaspoon of sweetener (to taste). Then I blend for 30 seconds, pour and serve.
My daily recipe..
Kathy Patalsky's Go-To Matcha
By Published 06/27/2017
This is the matcha recipe I use every day! I love a hint of peppermint in my matcha latte. I love soy or almond milk, but usually use a blend of the two. And for sweeteners, I love apple honey, coconut sugar or even agave syrup.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups non-dairy milk (I use half soy and half almond)
- 1-2 teaspoon Encha Organic Matcha (latte or ceremonial grades)
- ½ capful of peppermint extract (or at least a few drops)
- sweeten to taste - depending on the day (usually 1-2 teaspoon sweetener)*
- * sweeteners: coconut sugar, agave syrup, maple syrup, apple "honey" or even real honey if you consume that.
Instructions
- Warm the milk in the microwave or on a stovetop. I usually do microwave. I like my milk steamy hot, so I do 3 minutes.
- Pour the hot milk into blender container, turn on low. While it is blending, add the matcha, peppermint and sweetener. Blend at a slightly higher speed, maybe a 3, then turn off blender.
- Pour into your serving mug and enjoy!
Yield: 1 big mugPrep Time: 00 hrs. 05 mins. Total time: 5 mins. Tags: matcha,beverage,latte,green tea,breakfast,drinnk,howto,encha,matcha latte,peppermint
Encha Matcha is now on Amazon! So great for ordering ease.
Enter the monthly giveaway below! Come back next month for a new giveaway!..
Catch up on the Kathy's Matcha Chat Series:
- episode 1
- episode 2
- episode 3
Also check out Encha on Instagram for some beautiful matcha-spiration.
Download my current iphone wallpeper below - click on the image to get the full size version and download!...
iphone:
pps. You watched the video to the very end right? I mean you don't want to miss the kitty cameos! 😉
disclosure: This series is sponsored by Encha Organic Matcha, but all opinions are my own. This post also contains affiliate links.
Katrina Angele says
I've never even heard of Matcha before this article. I think I'd like the health aspects of the drink the most.
Cathy says
I have tried matcha in the past and have not acquired the taste for it yet. I think I just need to drink it more....or perhaps get a better quality matcha?
Brittany McKnight says
I love traditionally prepared Matcha tea!
Jennifer says
Favorite matcha tool is definitely the frother!
Maggie B says
I love using traditional methods!! Also, your matcha bowls/mugs are just gorgeous! I would really love to get the chance to try some of this matcha!
Kelly M. says
I love the frother!!
saniel says
Yes, I've tried it...no tools just some matcha tea. Thanks
Stefanie says
I haven't tried Matcha, but this makes me really want to try it!
Kristy says
I absolutely Love Matcha! My favorite tool to use is the Nespresso milk frother to make the most delicious Matcha latte.
kristina daniels says
I haven't tried it, but I have heard rave reviews and i really want to try!
ammauceri says
I tried it a long time ago in my smoothies, but should definitely revisit it!
Kimmy Ripley says
I love green tea bubble tea!
Taylor says
I've never tried it, but the little frother is fun for regular lattes!
Dana says
I love matcha lattes! I make mine with matcha from either Trader Joe's or Whole Foods and use my immersion blender to whip it up with soy milk.
Catherine Jackson says
I love these chats! I've recently fallen in love with Matcha lattes, but I haven't tried this brand yet. I'm like you though - I usually don't use a matcha whisk. I'll have to try my blender though!
Natasha says
I haven't tried matcha but my roommate loves it! That bamboo whisk seems really cool.
Amy L says
I haven't tried matcha, but my son and daughter have, and they've told me I should, so if I win this...;)
Bailey says
I looove matcha. I can never turn down a matcha latte. I use a frother to make it at home.
shannon fowler says
I haven't tried it yet, but Ive been wanting to.
Rana Durham says
i have never tried matcha but heard so many good things you can make with matcha. i love the mechanical frother.
Joanna says
I really enjoy drinking matcha, I just need to get in the habit of making my own!
Naila says
I have been purchasing Encha since seeing it on your blog about 1 year ago. I absolutely love it! I either use my wisk and the encha cup or my vitamix blender.
Melissa says
I've tried it, but I've never made my own, so I need all the tools!
Mason Linkous says
I am absolutely obsessed with matcha!! I drink it (pretty much) daily!
Laura Olson says
I love making it in the vitamix. I don't even use "milk" just cashews, dates, vanilla extract, water, matcha and sometimes a little coconut oil. Super creamy and delicious and way less messy than if I tried to whisk.
Aimee Douglass says
I love matcha, and definitely need the proper tools, especially the frother.
Maruša Anžin says
I have tried matcha but haven't had the chance yet to try a really good one 🙁 best tool is a Foaming Wand your hand doesn't get tierd 🙂
Karen says
I have only ordered it at coffee shops....I get the matcha with raspberry at Peet's...I wonder how easy it S to make at home? This kit would encourage me to try it!
Natalia M. says
I've tried matcha drinks, but have never made my own. Seems like a bamboo whisk is a must, so I need to get one. Also, I'm always hesitant to buy matcha, because I'm not sure if it's a good grade/quality.
Ivy Castillo says
I use the milk frother that came with my Nespresso. I pour the soymilk and powder in the little pitcher, hit "go" and in a minute or so it's perfectly foamy and warm. Coincidentally, I was looking through your blog last week for your matcha review post (I wanted to try another brand) and chose Encha. It arrived yesterday and I'm excited to try it!
Andrea says
I have never tried matcha but would love to!
Jenifer Reese says
I have never tried Matcha! I have always wanted to just was not sure how to fix it.
Cindi says
I've never tried Matcha but have always wanted to. With this set & instructions, it would be ideal to try it!
Lena Backe says
I always get matcha drinks at cafes, but want to start making them at home!
Shirah Neumann says
Sounds amazing!!
Spencer Parks says
I'm drinking a Lavender Matcha Latte right now!
Vera K says
I have not tried matcha yet.
Maryclare says
Dying to give this a try!
Christina Day-Free says
I would love to try it!
Isabel Bleckmann says
I love Matcha! But haven't only had good experiences... this one looks lovely!
Heather S says
I haven't tried it yet but it looks amazing!
Annette says
I've not tried it yet.
Bianca says
i've never tried matcha!!
Ivette M. says
I've tried matcha, I prefer it in lattes (almond milk), so yummy! Blender for simplicity!
adaprincess2 says
I've never tried matcha before and you make it look so good! Love the kitties too so cute!
jacquie astemborski says
I have never had matcha.
disqus_5oNphVYB3P says
I just have a little whisk & a mini frother. I sometimes just blend it with almond milk & stevia in the blender.
Stacey Bradford says
This is amazing!
Anne Josee says
I usually use a frothing wand (I got one at David's tea for 12$) but I would like to try the bamboo whisk to see the difference!
Cara Costik says
MATCHa is so good! Especially in desserts
Kathy Patalsky says
Karlie, ah glad there are other blender users too! I just love the speed of it. I always spill when I hand-whisk 🙋🏻😹
reillys says
I love matcha esp. in ice cream
Anne says
I've been drinking matcha every day. I use a regular metal whisk (not bamboo). I might get the frothing wand.
Kathy Patalsky says
Thanks for the input Anne! The frothing wand is pretty handy to have. Just remember to take the black cover off it, something I forgot to do before filming with my brand new wand haha. Love that you are a matcha drinker too!
ska4me says
I love matcha and have even got my daughters drinking it—though I survive with just a small wire whisk to make it.
Jenny says
I've never tried matcha but now I'm wanting a matcha latte!!!
Angela M says
I have never tried it but would love to.
Harriet says
I want to like matcha. The only one i've tried was super bitter and lumpy so I think the whisk could come in handy to be converted to a matcha lover.
Kathy Patalsky says
Harriet, I hope you can try Encha because it is amazing! Also check out my matcha guide to see how different the brands can be. You definitely get what you pay for with taste + color values! http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2014/03/matcha-green-tea-brand-reviews-buying.html
Melissa says
I love matcha! I normally just whisk it into warmed milk by hand, but the blender technique sounds much easier!
Kathy Patalsky says
Melissa it is addictive to use your blender once you get used to it! I just love the gently frothy foam my Vitamix creates in seconds. I also love the natural bamboo whisk, it has so much charm!