Your Matcha Set, Explained

A beginner's guide to mastering the art of matcha at home 🍃

Matcha is not just a drink, it's a ritual. It is grounding and intentional, reminding one to take a deep breath and appreciate the moment. Whether you're new to matcha or looking to perfect your pour, your tools are what makes the experience truly special. Here's everything you need to know about using and caring for your matcha set from The Daily Blend.

Understanding the Traditional Tools of Matcha

1. The Chawan (Matcha Bowl)

Your Chawan is the heart of the ritual. It's shape gives you space to whisk properly, creating that smooth and foamy texture every matcha lover looks for.

How to use it:

Add matcha powder to the bowl first, then a small splash of warm water. This order helps to dissolve clumps before the mixture is fully whisked.

2. The Chashaku (Bamboo Scoop)

The small bamboo scoop in our kit measures just the right amount of matcha, about 1 gram per scoop. 2 scoops is perfect for one serving.

How to use it:

Scoop your matcha gently and tap it into your Chawan. Using a bamboo scoop rather than a metal utensil is important because it help's preserve the matcha's delicate flavor and keeps the tradition alive.

3. The Chasen (Bamboo Whisk)

The Chasen brings the ritual to life. It's fine bamboo tines blend air and water into the matcha, creating a creamy and frothy texture.

How to use it:

Hold your Chawan steady and whisk the matcha mixture in a quick "M" or "W" motion rather than a circular one. Start whisking slowly, then increase speed until there is a soft foam on top.

After each use, rinse your whisk gently under warm water (do not use soap). Let it air dry upright or on a whisk holder to maintain its shape.

Once your matcha drink is made, take a moment before your first sip. Matcha is as much about presence as it is about flavor. It is a reminder to slow down and savor.

The Meaning Behind the Matcha Moment

Tea has been a significant part of Japanese culture for centuries, with traditional tea ceremonies being an important part of their heritage. The practice of drinking powdered tea was introduced to Japan from China in the late 12th century by Buddhist monk Eisai. Over time, Japanese tea culture evolved into an art form, influenced by traditions of Zen Buddhism. The traditional tea ceremony, also known as Chanoyu or Sado, is a celebration of harmony, hospitality, and respect. The tea ceremony as we know it today was largely shaped by Sen no Rikyu (1522-1591), a tea master who refined the principles of the ritual into a practice of spiritual depth.

The Japanese tea ceremony is guided by four main principles:

• Wa (Harmony) - Embodies the feeling of oneness with both nature and people. This harmony extends outside of the tea room through a way of living that is free from desire to impress, compete, dominate.

  
  

• Kei (Respect) - The ability to accept and understand others, even in situations when there is disagreement. We give respect and honor by being kind and humble towards those around us.

  
  

• Sei (Purity) - Refers to ceremonial purity and the ability to treat oneself and others with a pure and open heart.

• Jaku (Tranquility) - A natural result of following the first three principles of harmony, respect, and purity. Tranquility is recognizing how special each moment is and embracing the practice of tea by giving it significance.

While formal tea ceremonies are less common now, the spirit and the meaning behind the ritual remains. For matcha lovers all over the world, embracing even small aspects of the ceremony - such as using a Chasen or slowing down to prepare tea - can bring the same grounding effect. Embracing the present moment is a way to honor the tradition.

Make it Yours

There's no wrong way to enjoy matcha. Whether its your calm start to the day or a mindful mid-afternoon pause, you matcha set makes each sip an experience.

Find your perfect set and start your ritual with The Daily Blend! 🍵

Product Links

• Vanilla Zen Matcha

• Morning Glow Matcha

• Mindful Matcha Kit