Hello Everyone who is taking my class at Mercy Health!   My class was on 01/28/16.  Please be so kind as to subscribe to my blog by adding your email at the bottom of one of these pages.  That way you can keep up with any new posts that I add and feel free to leave any comments too.  I hope you all enjoy the presentation.

 

MATCHA

The practice of Tea as a way of life.

-Instructions on the mindful use of green tea to achieve vibrant health-

   Japanese Tea master Rikyu identified four basic principles that harness the spirit of Tea; harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.  These four lessons underlie all the  practical rules of Tea and represent at the same time its highest ideals.

This class is an introduction, not to the traditional Tea ceremony, but rather to Tea itself as it may be used to achieve these 4 principles. We will look at the history and ritual of tea from China to Japan to its modern usage as a virtual panacea of health benefits.

The proper use of Tea will be explored as beverage, meditation, medicine, and means for a more peaceful way of life.

The cost of the class includes the students Chawan (tea Bowl), Chashaku (tea scoop), Chasen (whisk), and 40 grams of premium Matcha (Japanese ceremonial grade tea.)

 

 

 

 

 

The principle of Harmony means to be free of pretensions, walking the path of moderation, becoming neither heated or cold, and never forgetting the attitude of humility. Having placement, timing, and attitude all in accordance with nature.

(The interaction between host and guest.)

 

 

 

 

Respect is the sincerity of heart, without regard for appearances, this principle presses us to look deeply into the hearts of all people we meet and at the things in our environment. It is then that we realize our kinship with all the world.

(The Structure and etiquette of daily Tea ritual.)

 

 

 

 

 

Purity is the simple act of cleaning, the preparation and closing. The act of cleaning enables one to sense the pure and sacred essence of things, man, and nature. Symbolically this is the act of clearing away the dust of the world from ones heart and mind.

(Cleaning, preparation, and closing.)

 

 

 

 

Tranquility comes with the constant practice of harmony, respect, and purity in our everyday lives. A person making and drinking tea in contemplation approaches a  sublime state of tranquility.  That we can find a lasting tranquility within our own selves in the company of others is the paradox.

(The outcome of practicing the way of Tea.)

 

 

 

 

Camellia Sinensis

*All teas come from the leaves of the Camellia Sinensis

*3 main types of tea: black tea, oolong tea, and green tea

*Black tea is highly oxidized. Green tea is free from oxidation (steamed)

*Green tea:

(a) tea grown under full sunlight (Sencha & Bancha)

(b) tea that is shade-cultivated (Gyokuro & Matcha)

                             Gyokuro:  -Buds (Mecha) youthful, bittersweet taste

-Stems (Kukicha) robust sweetness and fragrance

-Flakes (Konacha) viscous mouthfeel

=Umami taste

                            Matcha: basically a finely ground form of gyokuro

(Contains all soluble & insoluble components of tea)

 

 

Components

Tannin is the source of tea’s astringency. It has been shown in many studies that the antioxidants Catechin component fights bacteria and lowers cholesterol.

Caffeine is the source of tea’s bitterness. Although caffeine is a stimulant, its potency in green tea is somewhat offset by the presence of L-theanine, an amino acid which offers a calming effect.

Potassium helps to curb high blood pressure and enhances muscle function.

Vitamin C is known for helping to maintain complexion, as well as for offsetting the harmful effects of alcohol and nicotine.

L-Theanine is an important amino acid found in Japanese green tea. It is responsible for its umami (full-bodied mellow sweetness).  It produces a calming effect on the body, helping to curb high blood pressure and regulate brain and nerve function.

Other constituents: Gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), saponin, teanin, complex polysaccharides, flavonol, clorophyll, vitamin A and E, beta-carotine, minerals (Zinc), proteins, food-fibers, Aromatic components.

 

 

Then you drink it properly…

• Be mindful of Rikyū’s 4 principles: Harmony, Respect, Purity, & Tranquility.
• Set aside a time and a place that can be for tea only, even if it is 5 minutes.

Preparation

1. 2-3 scoops (sifted) Matcha in a clean, dry Chawan
2. 2-4 ounces of <190 degree water
3. Whisk in a “M” pattern

 

 

Some common tools for making Matcha:

Chasen (茶筅) (whisk) : THE MOST ESSENTIAL MATCHA UTENSIL. Tea-whisks are carved from a single piece of bamboo. The amount of prongs differs from whisk to whisk with the most common being 80, 100 or 120.

Chashaku (茶杓) (tea scoop) : Chashaku tea-scoops are carved from a single piece of bamboo or ivory. It is an important utensil to get the matcha proportions correct.

Chawan (茶碗) (tea bowl) : Arguably the most essential implement; without these tea could not be served or drunk at all. Chawans are available in a wide range of sizes and styles.

Other Utensils:

Natsume (棗) (tea caddy) for thin tea

Chakin (茶巾) (hemp cloth)

Kama / Chanoyugama (釜) (iron pot, or kettle) kyusu

Kusenaoshi – Whisk keeper.

-I will make a more complete list soon.  I just wanted all the info on what we mentioned in the class.