Why is matcha whisked?
I find that in authentic videos of making matcha (ones made by japanese people themself) that the preparation begins with mixing a bit of matcha powder with water and then whisking it (see 1:46 of this video for an example). My question is what exactly is the reason for doing this?
Best Answer
Because matcha is ground so fine, whisking helps break up clumps; usually with a matcha whisk (chasen). If you were to try with a spoon or a normal metal balloon whisk you would find that clumps form.
Think about cocoa powder and how that sticks together perhaps? Usually a good whisking is needed to mix it into e.g. milk.
Pictures about "Why is matcha whisked?"
Quick Answer about "Why is matcha whisked?"
The whisk allows to mix matcha powder, water, and air into a nice frothy beverage, releasing aromas and essences in the foam on the surface. It is not only about dissolving the powder in water! Oxygenation is key.Does matcha need to be whisked?
Instead, the best matcha is whisked into a frothy suspension. Over time, the matcha will settle, but this is normal - just give your cup a quick swirl and you are good to go. We also recommend sifting our matcha before use, especially our ceremonial grade matcha to ensure the smoothest cup.Why is frothing matcha important?
You should know that the froth actually makes matcha milder. So having lots of froth on top is good. However, many schools of Japanese tea ceremony believe that froth is not really essential, which could be because too much whisking can make the tea react with the oxygen in the air and make it taste bitter.How do you dissolve matcha without whisk?
If you don't have a bamboo whisk, the matcha powder needs to be sieved through a fine-mesh sieve. *5 You can add sweetness at this point, into the matcha brewed or add to the milk. *6 If you don't have this type of milk frother, see the post above for more options.Why You Have to Whisk Matcha
More answers regarding why is matcha whisked?
Answer 2
There's a second reason: tradition.
Matcha drunk in formal tea ceremony is made with a lot of matcha, more than you'd generally use, and drunk with little or no steeping time. As such, the whisking is required to suspend the matcha powder. It also makes for dramatic ceremony, and a nice foam on the surface (info based on taking a training in tea ceremony at my zendo).
Even though matcha made at home uses less powder, the tradition of whisking it remains. And, like Thomas says, it helps prevent lumps.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Pixabay, Cup of Couple, Monstera, Cup of Couple