Does matcha powder need to be sifted?

Should Matcha Powder Be Sifted?

Yes, matcha powder typically needs to be sifted. Here are the detailed reasons and methods:

Reasons

• Remove Clumps: Matcha powder tends to absorb moisture and form clumps during storage. Sifting breaks up these clumps, ensuring a fine, uniform powder.
• Promote Dissolution: A fine powder dissolves more easily in hot water, preventing a gritty texture in the tea and enhancing smoothness.
• Improve Foam Quality: In traditional Japanese tea ceremonies, sifted matcha produces richer, longer-lasting foam (called "chasen foam"), which is key to matcha quality.
• Adhere to Tea Ceremony Tradition: Sifting is a standard step in Japanese tea ceremonies (like matcha temae), ensuring purity and ritualistic formality.

Method

• Tool: Use a fine-mesh sieve (like a dedicated tea sieve or fine-mesh strainer), with a mesh size of around 80-100 mesh recommended.
• Steps:
  1. Place the desired amount of matcha powder (about 1-2 teaspoons) into the sieve.
  2. Gently shake or tap the sieve to allow the powder to fall through evenly.
  3. Add the sifted powder directly to the tea bowl for whisking.
• Frequency: Sift immediately before each use to maintain optimal quality.

Skipping sifting can result in a bitter taste or inadequate foam. Therefore, it's recommended to make sifting a habit when preparing matcha.