How to Make Matcha, According to an Expert

Matcha, a ceremonial tea that has existed in Japan for centuries, is as popular as ever. It’s understandable: This form of green tea has an undeniable amount of health benefits, especially if you drink it daily. It can help you feel more relaxed, improve your energy levels, enhance brain function, reduce your risk of cancer, aid with heart health goals, support gut health and help maintain a healthy weight. 

Because it is such an incredible source of health and happiness for so many, it’s key to make the most out of this coveted ingredient. There are specific storage practices and preparation techniques that can extract the best flavor and maintain all of matcha’s benefits, like a proper, airtight storage container and an 80-prong bamboo whisk. To help understand why this tea is different and how to best care for it, Minami Mangan, co-owner of Kettl Tea, a Brooklyn, New York-based tea curator that sources teas from growers and producers in Japan, breaks down exactly what you need to know. 

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What is matcha? 

Matcha is made from Camellia sinensis leaves. It is characteristically different from other teas due to its texture and color. “Matcha is crafted from tea leaves that undergo a unique shading process for the final three weeks before harvest. This shading enhances the development of amino acids and L-Theanine, resulting in a rich, savory umami profile while also boosting chlorophyll levels, which gives matcha its signature vibrant green hue,” Mangan says. 

“After harvest, the leaves are carefully processed and traditionally stone-milled into an ultra-fine powder. Unlike loose-leaf teas, which are steeped and discarded, matcha is whisked into a delicate froth and consumed in its entirety, offering a fuller expression of flavor, nutrients and antioxidants in every sip.”

How to Make Matcha

“Higher grades of matcha generally boast elevated nutrient levels, benefiting from richer, more nutrient-dense soil that enhances flavor and aroma,” Mangan says. Because of that, you’ll want to opt for higher grades of matcha first and foremost. Mangan highlights that getting your water to 175°F is one of the most important steps. “It’s the ideal temperature to unlock the delicate balance of umami, sweetness and aromatic depth without introducing bitterness,” she said. Then, you can proceed with the tools necessary to prepare the tea correctly, including matcha whisks and bowls. 

Expert-Recommended Matcha Tools 

The below tools are recommended by Mangan and her husband Zach Mangan from their Kettl Tea matcha tool guide. Based on their insights, we curated the best options for beginners, all at low price points.

Chasen (Tea Whisk):

Shonmisen 80-Prong Bamboo Matcha Whisk

According to the Mangans, a bamboo tea whisk is an absolute essential. They recommend an 80-prong whisk for most people, especially if you only make tea three to five times a week. It’s designed to aerate the tea in a way no other tool can do (including a conventional kitchen whisk). With this tool, you get a creamy, frothy matcha. We found a version for just $10 on Amazon right now. 

Chawan (Tea Bowl) and Chasen Naoshi (Whisk Holder): 

Tenago Japanese Natural Rock Textured Matcha Chawan with Whisk Rest

The next must-have is a tea bowl, or chawan, which we found available in this nifty set with another top-recommended tool: a whisk holder (or a naoshi). Mangan’s main criterion for getting the right chawan is a 5-inch diameter. This is the ideal size because it’s not too big, but it allows you to vigorously whisk your matcha without the sides of the bowls getting in the way. This ceramic option is 5.5 inches wide and includes a spout for handy pouring. You also get a chasen naoshi in the same material to match, which they suggest, as it keeps your whisk stored safely.  

Furui (Tea Sifter): 

Jade Leaf Matcha Sifter 

Because matcha is so finely ground, it can sometimes bind together into small clumps due to static electricity. They don’t always break down during the whisking process, so a tea sifter helps ensure a smooth cup. It’s best to do this closer to preparation because the matcha will continue to clump in small amounts over time. 

Chashaku (Tea Spoon): 

Hello Bio 2-Piece Bamboo Matcha Scoop Set

While you don’t need a chashaku, having one helps streamline your matcha-making process; plus, it’s a way to honor the ceremonial ritual of Japanese matcha. Zach Mangan knows precisely how much his matcha spoon picks up each time he dips it into the tea, so he knows how many scoops to do for the perfect ratio every time. These scoops are designed to easily reach into the matcha tin and drop right into the bowl. This set comes with two for just over $4 apiece.  

How to Store Matcha 

Aside from getting high-quality tea from a trusted vendor, there are a couple of things you can do to store matcha to preserve its freshness. 

“To maintain its delicate flavor and vibrant color, always store matcha in an opaque, airtight container that shields it from light, heat and moisture. We recommend keeping it in the refrigerator for optimal freshness, ensuring every bowl you whisk is as bright, aromatic and flavorful as possible,” Minami Mangan says. 

Airscape Ceramic Storage Canister 

This nifty, opaque canister was designed for coffee but its features lend themselves well to storing large amounts of matcha. The container includes two lids: an airtight inner lid and a bamboo top. The inner lid prevents any air from getting into the canister while the bamboo lid adds a stylish finish. It’s made from ceramic and holds up to 32 ounces for plenty of storage space.