Journal

A craftsman splitting cured white bamboo into the fine tines of a tea whisk

Takayama chasen: why a real bamboo whisk is dif...

Nearly every real Japanese tea whisk comes from one town in Nara. Here's what that means, and why it's worth it.

Takayama chasen: why a real bamboo whisk is dif...

Nearly every real Japanese tea whisk comes from one town in Nara. Here's what that means, and why it's worth it.

Three matcha bowls of different shape and glaze side by side

How to choose a matcha bowl (chawan)

You need less than you think. Width, depth and a weight that settles the hand — that's most of it.

How to choose a matcha bowl (chawan)

You need less than you think. Width, depth and a weight that settles the hand — that's most of it.

An airtight matcha tin and a caddy stored on a dark shelf

How to store matcha so it doesn't go stale

Matcha is fragile. Air, light, heat and moisture kill it fast. Here's how to keep it fresh — and why the caddy is not the pantry.

How to store matcha so it doesn't go stale

Matcha is fragile. Air, light, heat and moisture kill it fast. Here's how to keep it fresh — and why the caddy is not the pantry.

A worn bamboo chasen beside a brand new one

How often should you replace a matcha whisk (ch...

A chasen is a consumable, like a good brush. With care it lasts one to two years — here's when to replace it.

How often should you replace a matcha whisk (ch...

A chasen is a consumable, like a good brush. With care it lasts one to two years — here's when to replace it.

Two mounds of matcha compared: vivid green and dull olive

How to tell real Japanese matcha from fake

Counterfeit and blended matcha is real. Four checks — colour, particle, taste and the label — tell you most of what you need.

How to tell real Japanese matcha from fake

Counterfeit and blended matcha is real. Four checks — colour, particle, taste and the label — tell you most of what you need.

A plain unlabelled matcha tin beside the tea itself

Is 'ceremonial grade' matcha real? An honest an...

There is no official 'ceremonial grade' in Japan. Here is what the word really means and how to judge quality without it.

Is 'ceremonial grade' matcha real? An honest an...

There is no official 'ceremonial grade' in Japan. Here is what the word really means and how to judge quality without it.