The fall holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy nature with its autumn leaves and clean air.
We would like to introduce our lineup of products for enjoying matcha, which will make your outing or relaxing time in the garden even more special.
In this article, we will introduce in detail the key points for enjoying matcha, recommended matcha bowl sets, and furthermore, how to care for these items.
Recommendations for enjoying matcha outdoors
Taste the deliciousness of matcha in nature
During the fall, why not enjoy matcha in the midst of nature? Making matcha is a truly luxurious experience, prepared in peace and quiet and enjoyed away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The bitterness of matcha tea and natural scenery are in perfect harmony and bring about deep relaxation. Enjoying a cup of matcha tea during an excursion can transform an ordinary stroll into a special moment. The flavor of matcha also varies depending on the season and location at any given time. Matcha tasted with a cool autumn breeze will give you a particularly clear taste.
What is the best matcha bowl for fall excursions?
Here are some tips for choosing the best matcha bowls for a fall excursion. Ceramic bowls are beautiful and ideal for enjoying the atmosphere of making matcha. However, in terms of resilience, lacquer or wooden bowls are also good choices. It is also important that the size is comfortable in your hand. When used outdoors, there will be many occasions when you will be moving around or sitting down to serve matcha, so a small size that fits easily in your hand is recommended. It is also chic to select a design with an autumnal seasonal feel. Designs and colors with motifs of autumn leaves and autumn fruits will enrich the atmosphere of an outing.
Matcha sets that can be easily enjoyed by beginners
For beginners to casually enjoy matcha, we recommend preparing a compact matcha set.
If you choose a set that comes complete with a matcha bowl, chasen (tea whisk), and chashaku (tea scoop), preparation is easy.
Add to the matcha set a thermos filled with hot water, wrapped in a stylish furoshiki (wrapping cloth), and you can enjoy matcha anytime, anywhere.
Recommended matcha bowls and utensils
Lightweight Minoyaki matcha bowls
Introduced from Shu. is a matcha bowl from Sinkougama.
Using the unique “kiln change” technique, the glaze mixes with the temperature, humidity, and timing of the moment to create a truly once-in-a-lifetime coloring. Each bowl is like a living creature with its own personality, and, as you continue to use it, it will become your own. As you continue to use it, you will naturally grow attached to it. It is not as heavy as conventional matcha bowls, but is a standard size that fits comfortably in your hand with a diameter of approximately 13cm.
Two types of compact and convenient tea whisks
Here, we will introduce two types of tea whisks: a colored thread tea whisk by Kochosai Kosuga and a resin tea whisk by Fugetsu Kobo.
The Kochosai Kosugan colored thread tea whisk is a Takayama Chasen, made by a traditional craftsman in Nara. It is an authentic, sophisticated tea whisk of natural bamboo and purple knotted threads. The most important aspect of Fugetsu Kobo's resin tea whisks is that they can be washed in a dishwasher. The highly heat-resistant and durable material can be used for a long time. And it can be disassembled and washed — a hygienic and revolutionary tea whisk.
How to brew matcha — book for beginners
This book introduces tea production areas in Japan such as Uji, Shizuoka, Kagoshima, etc., and explains the differences in varieties and the production process of each tea. Beautifully photographed and visually appealing, this book conveys the full appeal of matcha.
The book also explains the teapot and teacup, which are indispensable tea utensils, as well as how to brew each type of tea, such as sencha and gyokuro.
As a Western book, it would make a great gift for a foreign friend.
How to take care of your matcha bowls for autumn excursions
Precautions and maintenance methods for using matcha bowls outside
When using matcha bowls outdoors, it is important to wipe them lightly as soon as possible after use, especially in places where there is no water available, as dirt tends to remain intact. Also, use a special cloth bag or case to prevent the bowl from breaking during transportation.
Simple cleaning method after outdoor use
If you cannot wash it immediately after use outdoors, wipe off any dirt with a cloth moistened with water and rinse it thoroughly with water after returning home. The key is to take action as soon as possible, as dirt tends to set in if left for a long time.
How to store matcha bowls for long-term use
In order to use matcha bowls for a long time, it is important to store them away from moisture and direct sunlight. In particular, ceramic ones should be dried thoroughly after use before storage and kept in a place with minimal temperature fluctuations.
Enjoy the Autumn outing and matcha bowl combination at home
How to enjoy the feeling of an autumn outing in your garden or on your balcony
Enjoying matcha on a walk or outing is fine, but you may feel more comfortable having matcha at home.
In this case, you can enjoy matcha in a different way from your daily life, with a little ingenuity. You can easily enjoy matcha without having to go far from home by trying your garden or your balcony!
Why not hold an easy picnic-style tea party with family and friends, where you can make matcha tea together? Bring your own snacks and refreshments to share.
How to stage an autumn-themed tea party
A tea party using matcha bowls can be enhanced by incorporating autumnal accessories and seasonal Japanese sweets. Decorate the table with fallen leaves and small autumn flowers to create an autumnal atmosphere.
With seasonal fruits
In fall, there is an abundance of Japanese sweets that take advantage of seasonal flavors, such as chestnuts, persimmons, and sweet potatoes. The combination of these wagashi and matcha is pleasing to the eye. You can enjoy a heartwarming moment while appreciating the season.
Ideas for using matcha bowls during autumn excursions
How to use matcha bowls to take SNS-worthy photos of your autumn excursion
Pictures with matcha bowls against the backdrop of autumn leaves and autumn scenery look great on social networking sites. The key is to compose your photos in harmony with the design of the matcha bowls and the natural surroundings.
Matcha experience with family and friends
The holiday season is the perfect time to enjoy matcha with family and friends. Many people, however, may be experiencing matcha for the first time, so it is a good idea to have someone with experience teach you how to make matcha, or maybe join a group of people who are experiencing it for the first time. Spend a relaxing time in nature during autumn while sharing the pleasure of making matcha, without any formalities.
Lunch box ideas for fall picnics that incorporate matcha bowls
Matcha tea and Japanese sweets can be prepared for an autumn picnic with a distinctly Japanese flair, in addition to sandwiches, onigiri rice balls, and other bento lunchboxes. Just the presence of a bowl of matcha tea creates a special feeling.
Summary
By incorporating a set of matcha bowls into the autumn picnic season, you can enjoy the depth of Japanese culture in the midst of nature. Choose matcha bowls that are lightweight and easy to carry, and maintain them carefully to find one that you can enjoy for a long time. The time spent tasting matcha while enjoying the autumn leaves will be a special experience that will remain in your heart.