Hello everyone, I'm Keko, one of the online staff members.
Today, I'd like to introduce you to a delightful way to enjoy Japanese tea during the warmer months: Reiusu-cha (冷薄茶), or Cold Thin Tea.
By chilling the tea, we can create a cool, invigorating experience perfect for hot days.
What is Reiusu-cha?
Reiusu-cha is essentially a cold version of Usucha. Usucha is made with finely ground matcha powder, whisked with hot water to create a frothy, light tea.
Reiusu-cha follows the same principle but uses cold water instead.
This subtle change brings out different flavors and aromas from the matcha, offering a unique tasting experience.
How to Prepare Reiusu-cha
Here’s a simple method to prepare your own Reiusu-cha at home:
Ingredients:
2 grams of high-quality matcha powder
60-80 ml of cold water (preferably filtered)
Ice cubes (optional)
A matcha bowl (chawan) or a small mixing bowl
A bamboo whisk (chasen)
Instructions:
1.Sift the Matcha: Start by sifting 2 grams of matcha powder into your matcha bowl. This step helps to remove any clumps and ensures a smooth, even mixture.
2.Add Cold Water: Pour 60-80 ml of cold water into the bowl. The amount of water can be adjusted according to your taste preference. Less water will result in a stronger flavor, while more water will dilute the tea slightly.
3.Whisk the Matcha: Using the bamboo whisk, whisk the matcha and water together in a brisk, W-shaped motion. Continue whisking until the tea is well-mixed and frothy on the surface. This may take a bit longer than whisking with hot water, but the result is worth the effort.
4.Serve: If desired, you can add a few ice cubes to the tea for an extra cooling effect. Pour the Reiusu-cha into a glass or enjoy it directly from the matcha bowl.
I hope you enjoy making and sipping Reiusu-cha as much as I do. It's a wonderful way to experience the beauty of Japanese tea in a refreshing and modern form.
Happy tea drinking!