I realise that this will date AND reveal me as a hopeless romantic. However, let it also been known that in my 20+ years of marriage, my expectations of romanticism have been leveled… and far below my teenage fantasies. Still, let’s talk about T2 Tea, their matcha recipe and the language of love.
Remember the original Karate Kid II? The one where Daniel (played by Ralph Macchio) and Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) travel to Japan and meet Mr Miyagi’s daughter, Kumiko (Tamlin Tomita)? Near the end there is a beautiful ritual of the Japanese tea ceremony. At that time, I remember thinking that it was just the most romantic ritual in the world… little did I know then! And, I might add, The Vegetarian has still not experienced the Japanese tea ceremony. But he has a chance… now that I know how to do it.
Beautifully frothed T2 Matcha ready for savouring.
Matcha
Matcha is actually powdered green tea leaves. When hot water is added, you can froth it up into a beautiful tea drink, the likes of which were depicted in Karate Kid II. Frankie, T2’s ambassador and tea pro took us through the process. While it was far less romantic than they way Kumiko performed it for Daniel, it was still a beautiful process, simplified and absolutely doable at home. I cannot promise the chopstick pull, tumbling hair or lingering kisses (watch the Karate Kid II Japanese Tea Ceremony).
Frankie’s Pro Tips for matcha include:
- Preheating the matcha bowl before adding the tea and water
- Whisking in a “M” motion, and
- Making sure the temperature is right (80 degrees (F)/27 degrees (C)).
If the temperature is too hot, it will release the tanins and result in a bitter flavour.
Here’s a very simple recipe for Traditional Japanese Matcha from Frankie.
TRADITIONAL MATCHA
From left to right: T2 Matcha, T2 Matcha Whisk, T2 Matcha Bowl, hot water and at the front, T2 Matcha scoop.
What you’ll need:
- T2 Matcha
- T2 Matcha Bowl
- T2 Matcha Whisk
- T2 Matcha Scoop
- 150ml 80 degree (F)/27 degree (C) water
- 100ml boiling water
T2 ensures the very best tea leaves in its Matcha.
Method:
- Add a little boiling water to the T2 Matcha Bowl, swirl around and then discard.
- Add one heaped T2 Matcha Scoop of T2 Matcha to the bowl.
- Add the 80 degree (F)/27 degree (C) water.
- Whisk in an “M” shape, breaking up any lumps until your matcha is nice and frothy.
- Cup the bowl, sip and savour.
Matcha can be shared with a friend or savoured on its own.
Check out Frankie’s Pro Tips and Fruitalicious Iced Tea Spritzer recipe. You can also find out more about Nicky Sparshott, T2’s CEO.
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