Growing up in Nara, Japan, I was surrounded by tea fields. Matcha Has always been a part of my life. The rich aroma and rich bittersweet umami flavor of this vibrant green tea evokes a sense of nostalgia in me.
When I was in high school, I started taking formal tea ceremony classes. This was a highlight of my week. Our tea master always serves delicious seasonal Japanese food to me and my classmates Japanese confectionery (candy) and flowers, she invited us to watch and help during a tea ceremony at a famous temple in Kyoto.
I still perform regularly Chadothe traditional Japanese tea ceremony of preparing green tea. I had a brief stay when I moved to the United States, but resuming my practice in New York provided me with a valuable sense of community.
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Most importantly, I think of Matcha With the wisdom of my elders. My 99 year old aunt and my 98 year old mentor whom I call Papa-sanhave been doing it myself Matcha most of their lives. I even inherited some of their Matcha Bowls and utensils.
Matcha is my number one longevity drink and I drink it every day.
Here I provide tea ceremonies and lectures to the community in Beacon, New York.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
Matcha health benefits
A batch of delicious vegan matcha cupcakes.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
Research also shows Matcha Can reduce risk cardiovascular disease and can improve your gut health as well as.
There are many ways to consume Matchaincluding cakes, cookies, chia seed pudding and other desserts Mochi.
How to receive a bowl of matcha the traditional way
If you have the opportunity to attend Crab (tea party) or serving at a formal occasion, there are a few rules to follow – here are some of the key ones.
When you receive service, say “Okemae Chodai Itashimasu,” this means “Thank you for serving me tea.
I drink matcha every day from my 99-year-old aunt’s tea bowl.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
When you’re done, look at the bowl again and carefully hold it with both hands. Then return it to where it was served to you.
The most important thing is to express your gratitude, relax and embrace the moment.
How I prepare a bowl of matcha every day
My day starts with prayer and a bowl of food Matcha To my ancestors. Then, before my son went to work as a physical therapist, I made a bowl for myself and a bowl for him. this daily ritual Chado Fills me with a sense of peace.
Here are the steps I took:
- I boil about two ounces of water.
- I put half a cup of hot water in a bowl and used my Chesen (Bamboo Tea Whisk), I swirl the water around a few times to purify my tool. Takayama is a village in my hometown Nara, famous for making Chasen.
- I drain the water and wipe everything down with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- with my tea ruler (traditional bamboo tea spoon), I measured out two grams of green tea Matcha Powder and place it in the bottom of the bowl.
- I slowly poured about 60 ml of hot water over the powder and enjoyed the aroma gradually emerging.
- I carefully hold the bowl with my left hand and stir, making sure to hold the bowl Chesen Vertical for about 20 seconds. I call it “the gift of a Zen moment.”
In Japan, I brewed my own teaspoons at Master Tanimura Tango’s shop in the mountains of Nara. The Tanimura family has been producing tea whisks for nearly 500 years.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
In the summer, I sometimes put the brewed tea into a portable thermos and add about half a cup of crushed ice, which is refreshing and refreshing.
one of my favorite maker of Matcha It is Yi Bao Duo Tea Company. It is headquartered in Kyoto and has been operating since the 1700s. I also recommend using a bamboo tea blender, which you can usually find at Asian grocery stores or online.
If you’re just starting out, you can always use a small kitchen hand blender or even a mason jar with a lid – but don’t use a blender, Matcha The powder is very fine.
I always feel lighter when I complete this meditation routine. Simply put, it is healing.
Michiko TomiokaMBA, RDN, is a certified nutritionist and longevity expert. Born and raised in Nara, Japan, she focuses on a plant-based diet. She has held nutrition positions at material recycling centers, charter schools, and food banks. Follow her on Instagram @michain_rd.
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