let’s say you got a high-quality matcha powder and followed all the instructions to make a refreshing cup of matcha tea. But alas, your matcha is clumpy!
Or maybe you’re trying to make a matcha latte at home and no matter how much you whisk, those pesky clumps just won’t go away.
Not to worry – this is a common problem that can be easily fixed with the right tools and techniques.
Every time you make a cup of matcha, use these few simple instructions from a barista to eliminate matcha clumps and make a smooth, frothy cup of matcha every time.
Table of Contents
before we get to these matcha-clump-busting techniques, let’s first talk about what makes matcha lumpy.
Why Does Matcha Keep Clumping?
There are a few reasons matcha might keep clumping, even after whisking.
The matcha-making process itself
The matcha-making process is just one factor that can influence the quality of matcha and how likely it is to clump.
To understand why we first need to look at how matcha is produced. Matcha is made from green tea leaves that have been ground into a fine powder. Many factors can influence the quality of matcha, such as how and where it’s grown and processed.
Higher quality matcha is milled with stone mills, which are large and slow compared to more modern machines. The process involves grinding the tea leaves into powder form using granite blocks. This method can take up a lot of time, often producing only 30g of matcha per hour.
The advantage of stone-milled matcha is that it’s easier to mix with water and it also retains more of the leaves’ original flavour. However, the downside is that it is very fine and this can cause it to clump together. So clumps can actually be a sign of high-quality matcha.
While lower quality matcha is produced with roller mills or using machines, which are faster and more efficient than stone mills. This method can produce fewer clumps but it often lacks the flavour and aroma of stone-milled matcha because of the heat generated by the machine.
Storage
Another reason your matcha may be clumping is how it’s been stored. If matcha is exposed to moisture, this can cause the powder to form clumps. Make sure to store matcha in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
matcha that’s been sitting in your cupboard for months is more likely to clump than fresh matcha. So if you’ve had your matcha powder for a while, it may be time to buy a new batch.
Water temperature
The third reason is the temperature of the water you’re using. If your water is too hot, it will cause the matcha powder to clump together. This is why it’s important to use room-temperature or warm water when whisking matcha.
Whisk type
The fourth reason has to do with the type of whisk you’re using. If your matcha whisk is made from metal, it can cause the matcha powder to clump together. This is why it’s important to use a bamboo matcha whisk when making matcha tea.
Now that we know why matcha clumps, let’s talk about how to get rid of those pesky clumps and make a smooth cup of matcha every time.
How to get rid of Matcha clumps
There are a few different ways you can eliminate matcha clumps depending on what tools you have on hand.
Here’s our step-by-step approach to getting rid of matcha clumps:
- Add a teaspoon or your desired amount of matcha powder into a matcha sifter. If you don’t have one, an ordinary Sieve will work.
- Tap the sifter gently so that the matcha falls through the holes into the matcha bowl.
- Whisk the powder while it’s dry before adding any water with a bamboo whisk.
- once it looks clumpy-free, Add a little bit of warm water to the powder and mix it until it resembles a paste.
- Add half of the remaining water and whisk it thoroughly. Then add the rest of the water and whisk one more time
- If you want to add your matcha to any other teas, Gradually pour a small amount of the tea and stir until it’s fully combined with the whisked matcha.
If you follow these instructions, we guarantee your matcha will be lump-free and delightfully frothy.
As you can see, there are a few reasons matcha may clump and a few different ways to get rid of those matcha clumps. it may be tedious and time-consuming but a good refreshing cup of matcha is well worth the effort.
FAQs
Is matcha supposed to be chunky?
No, matcha is not supposed to be chunky. If your matcha powder is clumping, it’s likely due to one of the reasons mentioned above. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent or minimize clumping.
why matcha doesn’t fully dissolve in water?
Matcha is a powder made from ground-up green tea leaves. Because matcha is so finely ground, it doesn’t fully dissolve in water the way other ingredients do. This is why you’ll often see clumps of matcha powder at the bottom of your cup, even after whisking.
How To Make Frothy Matcha Tea Without The Clumps:
If you want to make frothy matcha tea without any lumps, there are a few things you can do. First, be sure to sift your matcha powder before whisking. This will help remove any large clumps from the powder. Second, use warm water when dissolving the powder. warm water will help break up any remaining clumps and create a smoother texture. Finally, whisk the mixture vigorously until it becomes frothy. By following these steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a smooth cup of tea without any pesky lumps!