GUIDES
CREATING A DEEPLY PERSONAL & UNIQUE MODERN RITUAL AT HOME
Wabi Tea offers a gateway to discovering your unique practice and slowing down in whichever way suits you best – matcha [preferably] in hand. Read our matcha tea guide as a starting point, then sit back, sip and relax.
PREPARATIONS
Generally, making tea is an intuitive process guided by taste preference and speed. Japanese green tea invites a more considered approach, requiring a state of presence and momentary alignment. It is so much more than the sipped end result; it’s the Wabi Way.
Green tea is particularly vulnerable to heat, so keep a mindful eye on time and temperature to brew and enjoy accordingly. Careful preparations coupled with an intentional practice enable an introspective, immersive tea experience that transcends simplistic tea drinking. This is the beginning of the personal ritual.
TRADITIONAL MATCHA [USUCHA]
Translating to ‘thin tea’, usucha is the traditional method of powdered green tea preparation. It is also the most authentic and abundantly healthful way to experience ceremonial grade matcha.
BEST SERVED
In the morning or early afternoon.
PAIR WITH
A 10-minute meditation, a sweet or savoury bite.
PREPARATION
[1] Sift 1-2 scoops [½ - 1 tsp] of matcha powder into a tea bowl.
[2] Add a splash of hot water [80°C] and swirl it into a liquid paste with the chasen [matcha whisk].
[3] Pour in 100ml of hot water and whisk rapidly in a zigzag ‘Z’ motion until frothy.
[4] Top with more hot water to balance taste accordingly.
ICED MATCHA
Ideal for sundrenched days, escape the heat with iced matchas sipped on repeat. This is the Wabi Tea go-to come summer, offering refreshing moments of calm amid the buzz of the season.
BEST SERVED
Mid-morning or as an afternoon rejuvenation.
PAIR WITH
A creative practice, perched in the garden [aligning with the natural frequency and absorbing it's bounty], a refreshing meditation.
PREPARATION
[1] Sift 2 scoops [1 tsp] of matcha into a tea bowl with a spout.
[2] Add a splash of hot water at 80°C* and swirl into a liquid paste with whisk. Add a little extra hot water and whisk rapidly in a zigzag motion until frothy, then set aside.
[3] Add a handful of ice to a tall yunomi [tea cup] or glass.
[4] Pour nut milk [or your milk of choice] over ice and add a dash of maple syrup to sweeten.
[5] Pour over matcha shot into milk/ice in glass.
[6] Stir, shake up or blend for a smoothie consistency.
MATCHA GENMAICHA
Organic matcha genmaicha is a loose leaf green tea with a matcha twist. Slightly nutty and toasty with a smooth, umami taste, this mellow satiating tea is traditionally served in a kyusu [Japanese teapot] or strainer. Equally beautiful and healing.
BEST SERVED
As the first cup of tea in the morning or sipped throughout the day.
PAIR WITH
A sweet or savoury snack.
PREPARATION
HOT
[1] Infuse 1 tsp of leaves in 120-200ml of hot water [Japanese teapot or strainer] at 70°C* for 30-60 seconds.
[2] Keep an eye on the temperature and steep time to avoid bitterness.
[3] Repeat infusion and adjust brewing according to taste.
COLD
[1] Infuse 2.5 tsp of leaves in 750ml-1 litre of soft water at room temp.
[2] Brew for 1 hour in the fridge.
[3] Gently shake jug to enhance infusion before refrigeration.
MATCHA PREPARATION & STORAGE NOTES
The delicate nature of matcha requires considered preparation. It is best brewed with water no hotter than 80°C, so we recommend a temperature-controlled kettle or adding cool water after boiling.
Matcha is highly sensitive to air, heat and light. To retain the energy, potency and taste of matcha green tea powder, it must be stored in an airtight receptacle in a cool, dry environment. We recommend the Wabi Tea biophotonic jars for permanence and protection, which naturally filter the sunlight and only allow beneficial violet light to seep through. Restock your matcha with ground-to-order foil refill bags.