Introduction
Have you ever wondered whether a matcha set is really useful? Is it essential to your matcha routine or a pointless accessory? We answer your questions in this article.
What's in a matcha set
A matcha preparation set traditionally consists of 4 items: the chawan, the chashaku, the chasen and the kuse naoshi.
The chawan, which means "tea bowl" in Japanese, is the bowl used for the ceremonial preparation of matcha tea. Matcha bowls can have a round or flat bottom; a flat bottom is better suited to using the chasen, as it makes mixing easier.
The chashaku, which means "tea spoon" in Japanese, is a bamboo scoop curved at the tip, designed to measure the right amount of matcha for a ceremonial preparation. This utensil is handmade by craftsmen who carve it and heat the tip to bend it. It is useful because you can be sure of never getting the amount of matcha wrong.
The chasen is a bamboo whisk also used in the ceremonial preparation of matcha tea. It is handmade by craftsmen who carve each bamboo tine. A good chasen has 80 outer tines and 80 inner tines, which allow it to mix the tea powder perfectly into the hot water and form a smooth foam. It is the essential tool for a successful matcha!
The kuse naoshi is the chasen holder, usually made of ceramic, designed with the ideal curve to keep the chasen in shape. The holder allows air to circulate well, so the bamboo whisk dries properly and mould cannot form. Using a kuse naoshi is highly recommended to extend the life of your chasen.
Why get a matcha set?
Today, many preparation sets are available on the market. They are convenient, as you get all the utensils you need to prepare matcha in a single purchase, without having to look for each piece separately.
A little bonus: some sets offer the chashaku and chasen in a dark bamboo variety, which makes them all the more refined.
Essential for lattes?
A set is clearly needed to prepare ceremonial matcha tea. But what about other drinks, or recipes made with matcha?
Electric alternatives such as blenders or milk frothers are often suggested for making matcha lattes or smoothies. However, matcha powder does not dissolve easily, and the chasen remains the best way to dissolve it perfectly. For well-made drinks, the matcha is first dissolved in a small amount of hot water with the chasen, then poured into the drink and mixed. Likewise, when adding matcha to recipes, it is best to dissolve it first in water or milk before mixing it in.
Conclusion
To get the most out of your matcha experience, the utensils in matcha preparation sets are essential!
We believe a matcha set is the ideal tool for enjoying matcha at its best.
Go to the shop