Green tea matcha is widely recognized for its health benefits, yet many people struggle to enjoy it regularly because of its taste. When matcha or other Japanese green teas taste bitter or overly astringent, the issue is rarely the tea itself but it’s almost always the brewing method. Using water that’s too hot, adding too much tea, or relying on old or poorly stored matcha can quickly overpower its natural sweetness and umami.
High-quality green tea matcha is designed to be smooth, vibrant, and balanced when prepared correctly. While we carefully source and store our teas to preserve freshness, the final result depends on how it’s brewed at home. That’s why this guide focuses on how to brew matcha green tea properly using the right water temperature, correct proportions, and simple techniques to help you achieve a clean, flavorful cup every time without bitterness.
The Four Essentials for Brewing Smooth, Flavorful Green Tea Matcha
Quality
The foundation of great green tea matcha starts with how the tea is produced and preserved. Even the finest matcha can lose its flavor if it’s exposed to heat, light, or air before brewing. Proper storage is critical for Japanese green teas, which are more sensitive than other varieties.
Once opened, keep your green tea matcha sealed in an airtight, light-proof container and stored away from heat. For the best taste and aroma, enjoy it within one to three months.
Quantity
Using the right amount of tea is essential to balance flavor. Too little results in a thin, flat cup, while too much can make green tea matcha overly intense and unpleasant. Ideally, tea should be measured by weight for accuracy.
Since most people don’t use a scale daily, tested spoon measurements offer a reliable alternative. Start with recommended ratios of tea to water, then adjust slightly to match your taste preferences.
Temperature
Water temperature plays a major role in brewing matcha green tea without bitterness. Green teas are delicate and require cooler water than black or oolong teas. Water that’s too hot is the most common reason green tea matcha tastes bitter or astringent.
As a general rule, begin around 175°F. If the flavor is harsh, lower the temperature slightly. If it tastes weak, increase the temperature gradually or adjust the steeping time.
Time
Steeping time is often shorter than expected, especially for Japanese green teas. The first infusion is typically the longest, while subsequent brews require only brief contact with water. Timing matters from the moment hot water touches the leaves until the final pour.
Using a timer at first helps develop consistency and prevents oversteeping, ensuring your green tea matcha stays smooth, balanced, and enjoyable.
How to Brew Matcha Green Tea at Home: A Clear, Step-by-Step Guide
Brewing green tea matcha at home may seem intimidating at first, but the process is simple once you understand the basics. With the right tools, proper water temperature, and a few mindful steps, you can prepare a smooth, frothy cup of matcha that highlights its natural sweetness and umami.
This guide explains how to brew matcha green tea correctly, even if you’re just getting started.
What You’ll Need
- Water – Fresh, filtered water for the cleanest flavor
- Chawan (Matcha Bowl) – Wide enough to whisk comfortably
- Chasen (Bamboo Whisk) – Essential for creating a smooth, frothy texture
- Green Tea Matcha – For drinking straight, choose a ceremonial-grade matcha. These are smoother, less bitter, and more refined than culinary-grade options.
Optional Tools
- Chashaku (Matcha Scoop) – For consistent portioning
- Chasen Kusenaoshi (Whisk Holder) – Helps maintain the shape of your whisk
- Sifter – Prevents clumps and improves texture
If you’re learning how to brew matcha green tea without investing in individual tools, an all-in-one matcha set can be a practical starting point. These typically include a bowl, whisk, scoop, and a sample of ceremonial-grade matcha.
Step 1: Soak the Chasen
Before whisking, soak the bamboo whisk in hot water. For a new chasen, soak for about 15 minutes to soften and clean the tines. For regular use, 5 minutes is enough. This step improves flexibility and reduces the risk of breakage during whisking.
Care tip: Clean your chasen by whisking plain hot water only. Avoid soap or detergents, and allow it to air dry fully in a well-ventilated area to prevent mold.
Step 2: Add the Matcha
Measure two scoops of green tea matcha using a chashaku. If you don’t have one, use approximately ½ teaspoon (about 1 gram). For a smoother cup, sift the matcha directly into the bowl to remove clumps before adding water.
Step 3: Pour the Water
Gently add about 3 ounces of hot water at approximately 185°F. Pour along the sides of the bowl rather than directly onto the powder to help the matcha dissolve evenly and reduce splashing.
From here, you’re ready to whisk—bringing you one step closer to a balanced, vibrant cup that shows exactly how to brew matcha green tea the right way.
Step 4: Whisk the Matcha
Begin by blending any matcha clinging to the sides of the bowl into the water. Using a gentle zigzag or “M” motion, whisk slowly at first, then increase speed to create a fine, even foam. Continue until the new foam stops forming. Finish with one light circular pass, then lift the whisk straight up from the center.
As you finish, slow your motion to smooth the surface and eliminate large bubbles. This final step refines the texture and helps achieve the signature creamy finish that defines well-prepared green tea matcha.
Step 5: Serve
Serve your freshly whisked matcha immediately. Traditional Japanese sweets, known as wagashi, pair well with matcha and balance its natural bitterness with subtle sweetness.
For a traditional experience, enjoy your matcha in two to three and a half sips, finishing with a gentle slurp. This method enhances aroma and reflects appreciation for the tea.
Step 6: Clean Properly
- Bowl and Whisk: Rinse the bowl with hot water and clean it using the whisk. Discard the water and wipe the bowl dry. Allow the whisk to air-dry, ideally on a whisk holder to maintain its shape.
- Chashaku (Scoop): Wipe clean with a dry cloth only. Avoid water to prevent staining or warping.
Proper care extends the life of your tools and ensures every cup reflects the best of how to brew matcha green tea with consistency and respect for the process.
