Currently in the spotlight of the tea world is Matcha, the powdered Japanese green tea loaded with antioxidants, nutrients, and flavor. This unique tea has earned a significant following in recent years and has even inspired various flavors in addition to its traditional form. But with this unique tea comes a set of accessories to make the perfect cup of tea. If you're new to matcha, it might seem daunting: not only is matcha different from leaf tea (since it's whisked into water rather than steeped), but it has its own accessories? Where does one even begin?! Not to worry: as Captain of the USS Matcha, I will be your guide to the wonderful world of matcha accessories!

Matcha Bowl

While one way to prepare matcha is in a big bowl and transfer it over to a mug or cup, the traditional method of preparing matcha is whisking it directly in the bowl you'll be enjoying it from (plus, it saves on dishes to clean). Called chawan in Japanese (literally, tea bowl), matcha bowls are made out of earthenware and differ from the traditional tea cups you typically see. Unlike a traditional cup, matcha bowls are wider than they are tall, making them the ideal tool to prepare your matcha. Once your matcha is properly whisked, simply sip directly from the bowl, using both hands to lift that heavenly aroma and flavor to your face.

Adagio sells a variety of matcha bowls in different colors and shapes, perfect for daily use or to add to your growing tea collection. Additionally, you can get a matcha bowl along with a matcha whisk and tin of matcha in Adagio's Matcha Set, perfect for beginners!

Matcha Scoop

The traditional tool to measure and scoop matcha into the bowl is a Matcha Scoop. Called chashaku in Japanese, the scoop on this scoop is that it is made out of bamboo and is flat except for a hook-shaped curve at one end. This tool is especially handy when getting matcha out of a traditional tea caddy, which tend to be narrow cylinder containers: a teaspoon might not be up to the task due to its thickness, but a matcha scoop is narrow enough to reach inside. With a matcha scoop, simply reach into the matcha powder, scoop some matcha up, and carefully drop it into the bowl. One scoop of matcha is the equivalent of half a teaspoon, so one bowl of matcha will require two scoops of matcha. You may also want a tea cloth nearby to wipe the scoop once you've scooped your tea. A simple wipe is enough to keep the scoop clean and ready for use next time!

It's up to your personal preference whether to use a matcha scoop or a teaspoon. The scoop is traditional and more suited for traditional matcha caddies, but the teaspoon is more accessible and versatile for other teas. However, as long as you get about 1 teaspoon of matcha in the bowl, you'll be on your way to making some great tea.

Matcha Strainer

The last thing you want in your matcha is clumps of undissolved goodness sitting at the bottom of the bowl, never to know the joys of blending with water to create the perfect bowl of tea. Unlike traditional leaf tea, matcha is a powder with a consistency similar to flour. Like how flour has to be sifted before use in baking to make it easier to mix, so too should matcha be strained for easier mixing.

There are two ways to strain matcha: some will strain matcha as it's being stored into a caddy (if you're buying in a bag and transferring to another container, this is the preferred method) while others strain it as it's being used (the preferred method if your matcha already comes in a tin). Whichever way you decide, simply scoop the matcha into the strainer and use a matcha scoop or teaspoon to push it through. The result is a clump-free matcha that will easily mix into water.

Adagio's Matcha Strainer is the perfect size to fit over your matcha bowl for easy straining. It's been designed to rest on top of your matcha bowl or matcha caddy so you can pour matcha into it with ease. Its mesh is also fine enough to eliminate any clumps in your matcha for a smooth drink.

Matcha Whisk

I'm not talking about your regular kitchen whisk. I'm talking about the best way to create a nice, frothy matcha. Though some tea places will prepare matcha with electric milk frothers or even blenders, the best way to prepare matcha is the traditional way: with a small, bamboo whisk (also called a chasen in Japanese). The traditional matcha whisk is specifically designed to break up matcha clumps and create the ideal foam you want in a matcha. When you first get a matcha whisk, it's recommended to clean it and let it soak for two minutes to allow it to unfurl.

When preparing matcha, whisk in a M or V pattern without touching the bottom of the bowl. This will blend the water and matcha powder and create a foam with small bubbles. After use, rinse the whisk with plain water and set it to the side to dry.
Looking for a Matcha Whisk for the smooth matcha? Try Adagio's Matcha Whisk!

Matcha Whisk Holder

Want to keep your bamboo whisk for as long as possible? Proper care and storage are key! A Matcha Whisk Holder will help keep your whisk in good condition. Because matcha whisks are made from bamboo and are constantly in water, it's important to dry it properly in-between use to prevent mold from growing. While you can stand the whisk on its handle to dry, there's always the risk that water can slip down into the whisk and create a moist environment for mold to grow. However, drying your whisk on a holder will prevent that from happening as well as keeping the whisk in shape for many more future matcha sessions.
Need a place to dry and keep your whisk? Try Adagio's Matcha Whisk Holder!