If you are an aficionado of matcha, you must have heard of the chasen whisk, right? This is an indispensable tool for making a cup of flavorful, delicious matcha. Let’s find out more about this special tool and how to use it properly in the following article!
1 What is a chasen whisk?
A chasen whisk or matcha whisk is an essential tool for making tea bowls and matcha powder tea. The chasen whisk is made of bamboo with multiple spokes, which help to dissolve and froth matcha tea. The size and shape of a chasen whisk vary greatly, and each type will produce a different finished product with a different strength. Typically, the number of spokes in a chasen whisk ranges from 80 to 100. There are also types of chasen whisks that have from 16 to 120 spokes.
The chasen whisk will help to dissolve the matcha powder and create foam, which helps the tea powder to develop its flavor and become stronger. Because matcha is difficult to dissolve in water and tends to settle to the bottom, the whisk will help the matcha to float, preventing it from settling and creating a fluffy, visually appealing layer of foam for your cup of matcha.
Chasen whisks come in many shapes and sizes
2 How to use a chasen whisk
When you first buy a chasen whisk
When you first buy a chasen whisk, place the whisk under running warm water or soak the whisk in warm water for about 3 – 5 minutes to make the whisk soft and flexible, making it less likely to break. Then shake off the excess water and let it dry.
When you first buy a chasen whisk
Before whisking matcha
Before using the whisk to whisk matcha, soak the whisk in hot water for about 1 minute to remove bacteria from the whisk, and at the same time make the spokes soft and flexible, making it easy to dissolve the matcha without breaking the spokes. This method also helps to increase the lifespan of the chasen whisk.
Before whisking matcha
After whisking matcha
After you have finished making matcha, carefully rinse the whisk under warm water to clean off any matcha remaining on the whisk. You can also whisk the whisk in warm water to clean it. Then, shake the whisk gently to remove excess water, place the chasen whisk in a porcelain holder and let the whisk dry completely. Finally, store the whisk in a clean, dry place.
After whisking matcha
3 Notes on using a chasen whisk
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Do not place the head of the whisk on the ground, as this may break the spokes of the whisk.
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Do not store the whisk if it is not completely dry.
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Do not clean the whisk in a dishwasher or with any cleaning products.
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When storing, always place the whisk in a porcelain holder to maintain the curved shape of the whisk.
Notes on using a chasen whisk
The above are some pieces of information about the chasen whisk that we have compiled. We hope this article has helped you to better understand this matcha whisking tool and that you can use it properly!
Chasen whisks come in different shapes and sizes, typically ranging from 80 to 100 spokes, although some whisks can have as few as 16 or as many as 120. The variation in design impacts the strength and texture of the finished matcha. Different spoke counts and shapes will produce varying levels of froth and dissolve the matcha to different degrees, resulting in a range of flavors and visual appearances.
- When you first purchase a chasen whisk, prepare it by rinsing it under warm running water or soaking it in warm water for 3-5 minutes. This softens the bamboo and makes it more flexible, reducing the likelihood of breakage.
- Before whisking matcha, always soak the whisk in hot water for about a minute. This step sterilizes the whisk, ensuring bacteria-free matcha, and also softens the spokes for better mixing without breakage.
- After preparing your matcha, remember to gently rinse the whisk under warm water to remove any remaining matcha powder. Alternatively, you can whisk it in warm water for a thorough clean.
- Gently shake off excess water and allow the whisk to dry completely before storing it in a clean, dry place. Always store the whisk in a porcelain holder to maintain its curved shape.
- Do not place the head of the whisk on the ground as it may damage the delicate spokes.
- Ensure the whisk is completely dry before storing it. Moisture can lead to mold and bacteria growth.
- Avoid using a dishwasher or any cleaning products as they can damage the natural bamboo material.
- Always store the whisk in a porcelain holder to maintain its shape and protect the spokes.
