Changes

[[File:Matcha-powder.jpg|thumbnail|right|250px|Matcha]]

[[File:Matcha-powder.jpg|thumbnail|right|Matcha]]

'''Matcha''', also spelled ''maccha'', refers to finely milled [[green tea]]. The [[Japanese tea ceremony]] centers on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha. In modern times, matcha has also come to be used to flavour and dye foods such as mochi and soba noodles, green tea ice cream and a variety of ''wagashi'' (Japanese confectionery). Matcha is a fine ground, powdered, high quality green tea and not the same as tea powder or green tea powder.

'''Matcha''', also spelled ''maccha'', refers to finely milled [[green tea]]. The [[Japanese tea ceremony]] centers on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha. In modern times, matcha has also come to be used to flavour and dye foods such as mochi and soba noodles, green tea ice cream and a variety of ''wagashi'' (Japanese confectionery). Matcha is a fine ground, powdered, high quality green tea and not the same as tea powder or green tea powder.

[[Image:Powderedgreentea.jpg|thumb|A chawan of matcha with traditional sweet]]

[[Image:Powderedgreentea.jpg|thumb|A chawan of matcha with traditional sweet]]

Chan Buddhism and the Chinese methods of preparing powdered tea were brought to Japan in 1191 by the monk Eisai. Powdered tea is no longer popular in China, but in Japan it continued to be an important item at Zen monasteries, and became highly appreciated by others in the upper echelons of society during the 14th through 16th centuries.

Chan Buddhism and the Chinese methods of preparing powdered tea were brought to Japan in 1191 by the [[Eisai|monk Eisai]]. Powdered tea is no longer popular in China, but in Japan it continued to be an important item at Zen monasteries, and became highly appreciated by others in the upper echelons of society during the 14th through 16th centuries.

==Production==

==Production==

There are two main ways of preparing matcha: koicha and usucha.

There are two main ways of preparing matcha: koicha and usucha.

Prior to use, the matcha is often forced through a sieve in order to break up clumps.  There are special sieves available for this purpose, which are usually stainless steel and combine a fine wire mesh sieve and a temporary storage container.  A special wooden [[spatula]] is used to force the tea through the sieve, or a small, smooth stone may be placed on top of the sieve and the device shaken gently.

Prior to use, the matcha is often forced through a sieve in order to break up clumps.  There are special sieves available for this purpose, which are usually stainless steel and combine a fine wire mesh sieve and a temporary storage container.  A special wooden spatula is used to force the tea through the sieve, or a small, smooth stone may be placed on top of the sieve and the device shaken gently.

If the sieved matcha is to be served at a [[Japanese tea ceremony]] it will then be placed into a small tea caddy known as a [[chaki]].  Otherwise, it can be scooped directly from the sieve into a [[Chawan]].

If the sieved matcha is to be served at a [[Japanese tea ceremony]] it will then be placed into a small tea caddy known as a [[chaki]].  Otherwise, it can be scooped directly from the sieve into a [[Chawan]].

== Gallery ==

== Gallery ==

<gallery>

<gallery>

Image:Matcha dumpling.jpg|Matcha [[dango]]

Image:Matcha dumpling.jpg|Matcha dango

Image:Green tea ice cream.JPG|Matcha ice cream

Image:Green tea ice cream.JPG|Matcha ice cream

Image:Usucha.jpg|Low grade matcha

Image:Usucha.jpg|Low grade matcha

Image:Soba_sushi_w_egg_crab_cucumber.JPG|Cha-Soba maki-sushi

Image:Soba_sushi_w_egg_crab_cucumber.JPG|Cha-[[Soba]] maki-[[sushi]]

</gallery>

</gallery>