There is no single “correct” way to brew tea.Adjusting the method depending on the type of tea leaves, your mood, or the occasion is part of the enjoyment of tea.
Here we introduce some basic guidelines and ideas.
Please feel free to adjust them according to your own preferences.
The following guidelines assume 5g of tea leaves.
First infusion: 40℃ / 50 ml / 2 minutes
Second infusion: 70℃ / 60 ml / 10 seconds
Third infusion: 90℃ / 60 ml / 10 seconds
First infusion: 60℃ / 60 ml / 90 seconds
Second infusion: 70℃ / 60 ml / 10 seconds
Third infusion: 90℃ / 60 ml / 10 seconds
First infusion: 70℃ / 50 ml / 70 seconds
Second infusion: 80℃ / 60 ml / 10 seconds
Third infusion: 90℃ / 60 ml / 10 seconds
※ Please note that brewing conditions may vary depending on the characteristics of the tea leaves. Use these values as general guidelines.
The taste of tea is mainly determined by two factors:
1. How much umami, bitterness, and aroma you extract
2. The strength and volume of the infusion
The most important factor affecting this balance is water temperature.
• When the water temperature exceeds 60℃, bitterness tends to increase as the temperature rises.
• Umami can be extracted even at high temperatures, but it is also released relatively easily at lower temperatures.
• Aroma tends to develop more strongly at higher temperatures.
The key is to use water that is as hot as possible without producing excessive bitterness. Using well-cooled water helps prevent bitterness and makes brewing easier, but if the water is cooled too much or steeped too long, the balance may be affected.When properly balanced, the result is an exceptional cup of tea with harmonious umami, bitterness, and aroma.
We encourage you to experiment and find the brewing conditions that best suit your taste.
The basic guideline is:1.5 g of matcha with about 70 ml of water at around 70℃. In fact, matcha also becomes more bitter at higher temperatures. This is particularly noticeable with lower-grade matcha, so if you prefer less bitterness, we recommend using water cooled to around 60℃.
On the other hand:
• When pairing with sweet desserts
• When you want a refreshing taste
Water at around 80℃ can also work well.
(However, please note that if the water is too hot, it may dull your ability to taste the flavors.)
It is also recommended to sift matcha through a tea strainer beforehand to prevent clumping.
Should Matcha Be Whisked to Create Foam?
This is a common question.Traditionally, whether matcha is whisked to create foam depends on the school of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Generally speaking:
• With foam: smoother and softer mouthfeel
• Without foam: a more direct and concentrated matcha flavor
Please choose the style that you prefer.
Hojicha has a warm roasted aroma and pairs well with everyday meals.
Brewing One Cup
• Tea leaves: 3g
• Water: 150 ml
• Water temperature: 90℃
• Steeping time: 1 minute
Letting the tea cool slightly after pouring into the cup allows the flavor to be enjoyed more fully. Houjicha is often made from more mature leaves with less umami, so brewing quickly with hot water helps reduce harshness while bringing out its pleasant roasted aroma.
Brewing a Day’s Batch
• 15g of tea leaves for 1 L of boiling water
• Steeping time: 1 minute
If brewed too long, compounds that cause harshness can oxidize easily and the flavor will deteriorate over time.
For best results:
• Avoid over-extraction
• Strain the tea immediately after brewing and allow it to cool quickly
※ If you would like to enjoy hojicha’s fresh aroma throughout the day, cold brewing is also recommended. Simply add 15–20g of tea leaves to 1 L of room-temperature water and place it in the refrigerator overnight.
If unopened tea leaves will be stored for more than two weeks, refrigeration or freezing is recommended. Before opening a refrigerated or frozen package, place it at room temperature for about two hours so that the tea leaves return to room temperature.This helps prevent condensation.
After opening:
• Store at room temperature
• Use the tea as soon as possible
Returning opened tea leaves to the refrigerator may cause condensation or allow the tea to absorb surrounding odors.
If you cannot use the tea quickly, we recommend the following method: Use half at room temperature.Remove the air from the remaining portion and seal it tightly. → Store it in the refrigerator. → Return it to room temperature before opening again.