COOKING WITH JAPANESE GREEN TEA

Hans Ovando Pastry Chef

2012-02-15T01:08:00.003-08:00

Matcha Green Tea, Guanaja & Mango

Today we present a new Master of Matcha: Hans Ovando (MMAC2008) a Pastry Chef who studied at Escuela de Hostelería Hofmann, in Barcelona, and who has learned hand by hand with some of the best professionals and pastry chefs in Spain: Carles Mampel (Bubó), Miquel Vives (Casa Vives), Solé Graells or El Bulli Restaurant. In 2011 he started his international career in Kuwait, where he worked at the project I love Food, related with pastry, gourmet and restaurants. Actually, he’s an Executive Pastry Chef at the 5* Grand Luxe Hotel St. Regis Qatar. For him the keys to obtain the best pieces in pastry are: a spectacular look, the best raw materials, lots of hours and to put your heart in each piece.
Today he presents a delicious recipe in which Matcha Green Tea plays an important rol. A spectacular Glass with Green Tea, Guanaja & Mango. Thank you Hans for sharing this wonderful piece with all of us!
For further details about these recipe please contact info@thematchahouse.com

Manga of Japanese Green Tea

2012-02-14T02:34:00.021-08:00

Manga is not only to read or watch for fun, but also an effective tool to get to know Japanese culture and sometimes some expert knowledge. I love Manga and I wish as many people as possible in the world can share common interests through Manga.

Did you happen to know a Manga titled "Cha no Namida"? It means "Tears of Tea". The hero is a Green Tea master (maybe you can understand better if we call "sommelier of Green Tea") at a traditional prestigious tea company in Kyoto. The story does not talk about only Japanese Green Tea, but also includes tea culture both in Japan and in Europe and the professional attitude about the manufacturing of Japanese tea farmers. We can learn about "Japanese Green Tea" while enjoying the book. Only Japanese is available at the moment.

More information: http://allabout.co.jp/gm/gc/218791/

Cha no Namida 1

Cha no Namida 3

Recipes for Valentine's Day 2012

2012-02-06T01:22:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to make chocolate for your friends, family, and loved ones. Homemade chocolate is a great expression of love and friendship and if you add Matcha powder to your chocolate, the chocolate becomes more original and healthy. Here are two lovely bite-sized Matcha chocolate recipes to get you in the Valentine’s spirit!

Matcha Chocolate

sweet & bitter!

Ichigo Matcha Daifuku

it is strawberry season now!

Gyokuro Cookies

full of theanine - very healthy!

Matcha Chocolate with Red Fruits
sweet & sour!

Matcha Tiramisu Cake

our most popular recipe!

Hojicha Cookies

roasted green tea taste! very aromatic!

Snowy Matcha Sponge Cake

a wonderful recipe for your family!

Homemade Matcha Truffles

you can enjoy cooking with your kids!

¿Don't you find Matcha? Do not worry - our online shop THE MATCHA SHOP offers quick delivery service to all European countries ( it takes 2 - 5 days!)

Green Tea Is Very Special

2012-02-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

Published by Jamaica Gleaner on January 24, 2012

A TEA lover, Bernard-Paul Heroux, once wrote: "There is no trouble so great or grave that cannot be much diminished by a nice cup of tea."

Today, medical research clearly highlights the special health benefits of a specific tea - green tea, a drink made from the leaves of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). The same plant produces green tea,black tea, and oolong tea, but because of the way it is processed, green tea is truly unique.

Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world besides water and has been used by man for millennia. Much of its benefits have been attributed to potent antioxidants found in the tea leaves called polyphenols. These substances are also found in smaller amounts in other plant foods like cocoa.

Recently, however, researchers have identified another substance that is found only in the tea plant. It is a special amino acid called theanine that accounts for the ability of tea to create relaxation while energising the drinker. Theanine is the predominant amino acid in green tea leaves and gives tea its characteristic taste while contributing to many of its other medicinal benefits.

Theanine combats stress

When someone suggests that you have a cup of tea and relax, they are really asking you to have a cup of theanine. Although green tea contains small quantities of natural caffeine, the calming effect of the theanine in it balances the stimulating effects of caffeine on the nervous system. Researchers have demonstrated that theanine creates this sense of relaxation about half an hour after ingestion by two separate actions:

First, it stimulates the electrical activity of the brain to produce a state of relaxation and mental alertness similar to that achieved through meditation. Second, theanine causes the brain to increase its levels of two neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin. These important brain chemicals produce feelings of well-being and relaxation. Theanine is particularly useful for people under stress as it helps to alleviate its negative effects without producing sedation or drowsiness.

Theanine promotes learning

Theanine enhances your ability to learn, remember, and concentrate, a reason why monks and scholars have historically used drinking green tea as an aid to meditation and study. It is particularly useful when you are multitasking as it helps you to focus more effectively.

Researchers found that it even synergises with caffeine to boost the activity of brain cells. They found that 100 milligrams of theanine when consumed with 60 milligrams of caffeine enabled people to focus better on complicated tasks, a combination found in roughly four cups of green tea.

Theanine and cancer

A study published by Sadzuka et al in 2002, found that theanine might help cancer patients by improving the efficacy of cancer drugs, and through its relaxing effects. Theanine increased the concentration of anti-cancer drugs in tumours while lowering the levels of anti-cancer drugs in the healthy tissues where they are not needed. This improved the effectiveness of the therapy while decreasing its side effects. In addition theanine itself also inhibited the growth of cancerous tumours. In Japan, where green tea is very popular, surveys showed that regular green-tea drinkers had a much lower incidence of breast, prostate, liver, pancreatic, lung, oesophageal, and stomach cancers.

Theanine for weight loss

Green tea is well known to help with weight loss, and according to a 2004 Japanese study, theanine contributes to this fat-burning effect. In this research using animals, theanine lowered body weight, body fat, and triglycerides (blood fat) levels. Beside the fact that tea contains zero calories, green tea helps to curb food cravings. The social habit of "afternoon tea" was supposedly started by the 7th Duchess of Bedford in England to quiet her hunger pangs between lunch and dinner.

Theanine for blood pressure and cholesterol

Individuals with high blood pressure can benefit from drinking green tea. Japanese researchers report that theanine lowers high blood pressure, but has no effect on normal blood pressure. Studies have shown that theanine is particularly useful in 'spontaneous hypertension' which is high blood pressure resulting from stress, excitement or shock. The soothing, calming effects of theanine appear to offset this dangerous condition.

Theanine was also found to reduce total cholesterol levels in humans, while preventing good cholesterol from being converted into bad cholesterol by oxidation.

Theanine improves immune function

Studies at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital demonstrated that theanine increased the body's immunity against colds and flu and promotes a strong immune response to infections. Theanine also aids in preventing abnormal immune system reactions as occur in allergies and autoimmune diseases.

Side effects

Theanine is safe and non-toxic, and drinking green tea is associated with very few side effects. Staining of the teeth is probably the commonest problem, and using a toothpaste containing bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide can prevent this. By the way, green tea prevents halitosis (bad breath). Researchers at the University of Illinois found that some of the polyphenols in tea inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth that can cause this unpleasant odour. Theanine reduces caffeine sensitivity. You can overcome this problem by starting with small amounts of green tea while supplementing with magnesium and the B vitamins.

Benefit fully from green tea

In order to get all the benefits from green tea listed above, the research suggest that one would have to drink several cups of green tea daily. Modern technology has dealt with this problem by creating a patented green tea concentrate in powder form. Half of a teaspoonful of the powder (Herbal Tea Concentrate) makes a cup of tea (hot or cold) that provides the benefits of several cups made from regular green tea leaves. I use this green tea concentrate myself and recommend it to all my patients. It is an ideal healthy breakfast beverage.

More information: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20120124/news/news6.html

Matcha Macarons with Chocolate filling

2012-02-01T06:46:00.000-08:00

Here is our first challenge for Matcha Macarons! We think that Macarons are mistakenly thought to be hard to make at home but do not worry - they are not so hard as you may think and everyone will admire your result!! Normal macarons are still too sweet to the taste and therefore the best ones we have tried so far is Matcha Macarons. The slightly bitter Matcha powder actually helped to tone down the sweetness and Matcha flavor harmonises impeccably with the sweetness of the chocolate.

Ingredients:

－Macaron－
Egg white　　　　 30g　

Sugar　　　　　 30g　

Almond powder　25g　

Matcha 　　　　 5g　

Powdered sugar 30g

－Filling－
Cream　　　　　100g
Chocolate 　　　60g

Preparation:

1. Sift Matcha powder, Almond powder and powdered sugar.
2. Beat egg white adding powder sugar and make stiff and glossy merengue.
3. Add 1 into 2 and mix roughly.
4. Once they are mixed, start "Macaronage".
("Macaronage" is the process to crush foam of merengue, you have to mix the mixure passing flexible rubber spatula along the side of bowl, but if you do too much, the dough will be loosen, so you should be careful. Depending on the amount, but around 60 times is recommended).
5. The dough becomes glossy and if you spoon the dough, it should fall like ribbon, then put in a piping bag and pipe on a baking tray with baking sheet (for petit macaron, around 2cm diameter, for big macaron, around 4cm).
6. Leave them for around 1 hour so that the surface becomes dry.
7. Put them in the oven heated to 200℃ and around 5 minutes later lower the temperature to 160℃ and bake for 15minutes in total.
8. Heat cream in a pan until just before starts boiling and add chocolate and instant coffee and mix them.
9. Once macaron become cool, fill them with the cream.

Green Tea Consumption Is Inversely Associated with the Incidence of Influenza Infection among Schoolchildren in a Tea Plantation Area of Japan

2012-01-26T04:19:00.000-08:00

The Journal of Nutrition, 2011 141:10 1862-1870; first published online August 10, 2011.

Green tea is known to contain antiviral components that prevent influenza infection. A limited number of adult clinical studies have been undertaken, but there is a paucity of clinical evidence concerning children. We conducted an observational study to determine the association between green tea consumption and the incidence of influenza infection among schoolchildren. Anonymous questionnaire surveys were undertaken twice during the influenza season from November 2008 to February 2009 (endemic seasonal type A influenza infection); each survey was conducted for 2663 pupils across all elementary schools in Kikugawa City (a tea plantation area), Japan. Each questionnaire was completed and submitted by 2050 pupils (response rate, 77.0%; age range, 6–13 y). The adjusted OR associated with the consumption of green tea for ≥6 d/wk compared with <3 d/wk was 0.60 [(95% CI = 0.39–0.92); P = 0.02] in cases of influenza confirmed by the antigen test. Meanwhile, the adjusted OR inversely associated with the consumption of 1 cup/d to <3 cups/d (1 cup = 200 mL) and 3–5 cups/d compared with <1 cup/d were 0.62 [(95% CI = 0.41–0.95); P = 0.03] and 0.54 [(95% CI = 0.30–0.94); P = 0.03], respectively. However, there was no significant association with the consumption of >5 cups/d. Our findings thus suggest that the consumption of 1–5 cups/d of green tea may prevent influenza infection in children.

Koi Genmaicha Tea Bag from Uji, Japan
Now 15% off at The Matcha Shop

Koi Sencha Tea Bag from Uji, Japan
Now 15% off at The Matcha Shop

Eikyo Magazine

2012-01-25T03:09:00.000-08:00

Eikyo, Influencias Japonesas is a brand new magazine which pretends to be a guide of the latest trends arrived to the West from Japan. It brings to us interesting information about culture, food, fashion, art and entertainment, always told from a unique perspective that aims to connect the Eastern and Western culture. The Matcha House takes part of this last number just arrived to shops. So far, this month we show up in one of its valued pages, sure in the future will continue to be present in the magazine with some more of our contents. Thanks Eikyo!
More information http://www.eikyo.es/

The Matcha House and Chocolathé

2012-01-19T06:12:00.000-08:00

We’ve stated 2012 with a new point of sale in the area of Levante. Chocolathé is a gourmet shop specialized on coffee, tea and chocolate. It is placed in the historic city centre of Alicante, and the owners, Laura and Elvira, are both passionate about everything related with tea. They the best selection of teas, coffees and chocolates, working with some of the best brands such as Oriol Balaguer, Bubó or Alma de Cacao. Besides, they offer a wide selection of accessories (mugs, kettles, trays, etc) It is a warm and friendly shop, very carefully decorated and it smells wonderful as you get inside! A place like this can not miss a corner dedicated to Japanese Green Tea. The Matcha House products are now available in Chocolathé

http://www.chocolateteycafe.com/
C/ del Médico Pascual Pérez, 17
03001 Alicante
T. 965 210 943

A Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-03T08:26:00.000-08:00

We thank you for all of your kind support over the last year. And we wish you a Happy and prosperous New Year 2012. This is our New Year Greetnig card.

(Japanese)
新春のおよろこびを申しあげます。

今年もあなた様のためよきお年でありますように。

(English)

A Happy New Year.
I hope you will have a wonderful year.

Matcha Tiramisu Christmas Cake!

2011-12-28T06:40:00.000-08:00

For Christmas and New Year’s every year, we usually make Matcha Tiramisú Christmas Cake. This recipe is made with a homemade sponge cake. It is definitely more sturdy than the usual tiramisu and it is easy to cut. In stead of the crystallization of the snow, you can cut any shapes you like. We wish you a Happy X'mas Holidays and a Happy New Year!!

Ingredients:

- For mascarpone cream:65 g mascarpone1 egg yolk12 g of sugar1 teaspoon of rum100cc of whipped cream1 tablespoon Matcha
- For Matcha sponge cake:2 egg yolks40 g sugar50cc of milk40 gr flour2 egg whites1 tablespoon Matcha
- For white sponge cake:2 egg yolks40 g sugar50cc of milk40 gr flour2 egg whites
- For decoration:(First layer) 10 g of powdered sugar(Second layer) 10g of Matcha* *recommended Matcha: Premium Matcha 100g(For the figure of the crystallization of the snow) 5 grams of powdered sugar

Preparation:

1. Prepare Matcha sponge cake in a bowl, mixing the egg yolks, sugar, milk and matcha previously sifted. Then add the flour also pre-shifted. In another bowl prepare meringue, beating egg whites with a mixer and mix all.
2. In another bowl, prepare white sponge cake mixing white yolks, sugar and milk. Add the flour well sifted. In another bowl prepare meringue, beating egg whites and mix all.
3. Put 1. & 2. into two square molds respectively. Bake 15 minutes at 180 ºC.
4. Make mascarpone cream mixing egg yolk, sugar and rum. Add Matcha powder. Then add the whipped cream and mix all lightly.
5. Cut baked sponge cakes in half horizontally. First, put green sponge cake and spread mascarpone cream over cake. Put white cake over and spread cream over cake. Repeat this work.
6. On the top of the cake, drizzle powdered sugar to cover totally the surface of the cake.
7. Drizzle Matcha over cake to cover totally the surface of the cake.
8. Cut a paper template of the shape of the crystallization of the snow (or any other shape you like) and put on top of cake and sprinkle over powdered suger. Carefully remove the mold.
9. Your original Matcha Tiramisú Cake is ready to eat!

Christmas Matcha Green Tea Stollen

2011-12-21T14:51:00.000-08:00

A Stollen is a traditional German cake, usually eaten during the Christmas season. It is a loaf-shaped cake containing dried fruit, and covered with icing sugar. We have to admit that we have never tried Stollen, we have seen it in the shops but we have never made it. Yesterday, our confectioner friend SATOKO brought us a very original Stollen - "Matcha Green Tea Stollen with sweet chestnuts". It was the stollen to fall in love with. Low in sweetness and healthly ingredientes are used. It is so delicious that once you start, you will never able to stop eating it!!

Ingredients:

70g butter
30g Wasanbon (Japanese White Sugar)
1 egg yolk
60g soymilk
8g dry yeast
80g bread flour
80g cake flour
2 tablespoon of Matcha
4g salt
1/3 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
30g sweet chestnut
50g Roasted walnuts
100g dried fruit dipped in rum
Melted butter and powdered sugar

Preparation:

1. Put the yeast into a small bowl and pour over the warmed soymilk (about 40ºC).
2. In a large bowl, put melted butter, add the Wasambon (Japanese sugar) and beat well.
3. Add whisked egg yolks and mix well.
4. Add sifted powders and mix throughly together.
5. Add preliminary fermented 1.to 4. and knead well.
6. Add spices, chestnuts, walnuts, dried fruits and continue kneading until smooth. Form round shape and let it rise about 2 hours (primary fermentation)
7. Deflate the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll the marzipan into a rope and place it in the center of the dough. Let it rise about 1 hour (Secondary fermentation).
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes at 180 ℃
10. While warm, brush the surface with some melted butter and leave to cool.
11. When cool, dust it with icing sugar.

Merry Matcha Christmas Cupcake Tree!

2011-12-10T09:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas is close. Hopefully some of the Christmas ideas listed here will help you! Matcha cupcakes are a big hit at any holiday party and especially at Christmas parties. Kids and adults even love them without frosting. Our recipes usually are not very sweet desserts, but for these special holidays we want to present this very, very sweet recipe. We fell in love with it and we are sure that it will please almost any Matcha green tea lover. We wish you a Merry Matcha Christmas to all of you!!

Ingredient for Matcha Muffin (for 6 units)
60g butter softened
60g sugar
1 egg (M)
100g cake flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons powdered Matcha
1 tablespoon of condensed milk
50cc milk

Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 170 ° C.
2. Sift the flour and Matcha tea. Soften butter at room temperature.
3. In a large bowl, mix butter and sugar until you get light and fluffy cream.
4. Add cracked egg gradually. Mix well.
5. Add milk and condensed milk. Mix well.
6. Add the flour, Matcha and Baking Powder. Mix well.
7. Divide cupcake mix into cupcake paper cases until they are 80% full.
8. Bake for 20 minutes.
9. Decorate cupcakes after cooling completely.

Ingredient for coverage
1 / 4 cup butter (1 cup = 200ml)
Matcha Tea 8g
1 / 4 cup milk
1 + 1 / 2 cups icing sugar

Preparation:
Mix melted butter with Matcha tea in a bowl. Add milk and beat until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add icing sugar until it reaches the consistency you want. Adjust the amount of icing sugar to taste.

Christmas in the forest

2011-11-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

Here is an easy and quick recipe for Christmas cookies. Kids love animal-shaped cookies. We cooked these cookies in 3 flavors: normal butter flavor, black chocolate and Green Tea Matcha. We did not use any mold nor cookie cutters to make these cookies. What you will need is only your hands and your imagination!! Enjoy this friendly recipe with your kids and your friends and have a nice Christmas days! We do wish you a Merry Matcha Christmas!!

Animals we made: monkey, pig, coala, cat, panda, dog, rabbit, bear, brown dog, squirrel, and reindeer.

Ingredients:
(for 20 cookies of 4mm thick)
200g flour
100g sugar
100g butter at room temperature
1 egg

2 teaspoons of Baking Powder
2 teaspoons of Matcha green tea powder
2 teatpoons of Cocoa powder

For decolation:
1 egg yolk
Small Chocolate balls
Star-shaped sugar decolation
Flower-shaped sugar decolation

Preparation:
1. Leave the butter out of the refrigerator to melt a bit.
2. Shift the flour.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter. Add suger and beat again until the texture becomes creamy.
4. Add beated egg and continue beating until the mixture becomes yellow-white.
5. Add flour and mix slowly with a rubber spatula until dough just comes together.
6. Separate 1/4 of the dough and add Matcha Powder. Mix well.
7. Separate another 1/4 of the dough and add Cocoa Powder. Mix well.
8. Wrap three color dough respectively and place in refrigelator for 1 hour.
9. Make animal-shaped cookies and tree-shaped cookies.
10. Bake on parchment lined baking sheets for 15 minutes at 175 º.
11. Decolate the cookies as you like.

Winter New Products

2011-11-18T03:59:00.000-08:00

Matcha Latte Instant
A delicious and revolutionary drink very easy to prepare. Matcha Green Tea, with an ancient tradition, get adapted to our days on an easy and healthy way to take care of our health day by day. Three teaspoons and a little of water is all you need to enjoy a Matcha Latte every morning. Well Warm water in winter, with ice cubes in summer, take care and enjoy all year round.

Cook Matcha Eco
Ecological culinary grade of Matcha. Increasingly more people are sensitized with organic products. Allready satisfied with our Teatime Organic Matcha (for infusion), now we offer you the opportunity to create the most original and delicious recipes with Organic Matcha. As fresh as the rest of our products, and newly harvested with methods that have particular regard to environmental protection.

Buy these products at http://www.shop.thematchahouse.com

Green Tea Promotion extended!

2011-11-15T03:41:00.000-08:00

Sencha, Matcha Sembei, Kompeito

Due to the great interest aroused by the Uji Japanese Green Tea Promotion, we've decided to extend it until next Monday, November 21st, or until stocks last.

Enjoy and don't miss the opportunity to get top quality green tea at an unbeatable price. Continue shopping on... http://www.shop.thematchahouse.com

Uji Tea Sale on The Matcha Shop!

2011-11-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

http://shop.thematchahouse.com/

Sergi Vela

2011-11-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

Matcha Nougat Candy with Passion Fruit

Matcha Nougat Candy with Lime

Pastry Piece with Matcha

Today we continue with our label Masters of Matcha presenting the recipes of Sergi Vela, one of the main professionals inside and outside the Spanish pastry scene. In 2009 established himself as one of the ten best pastry chefs in the world with his Best Chocolate Cake in the World within the World Chocolate Masters. He started very young, with sixteen years we found him in the Barcelona Confectionery Guild. Later he worked hand by hand with by Paco Torreblanca, for whom he feels true admiration as one of the great masters. Currently he is teaching at the School of Hotel Industry and Tourism of Barcelona, in charge of training the future great pastry chefs in the country.
Among his favorite ingredients, yuzu, a Japanese citrus-scented tangerine and chocolate, for its versatility, its taste, its smell ... On this occasion, this great and young master, for whom the bakery is not just a job but a way of life, dares with Matcha green tea to delight us with three spectacular recipes. From here, our thanks to Sergi for wanting to share them with us all.
For further details about these recipes please contact info@thematchahouse.com

Japanese Tea Ceremony Bowls

2011-10-24T12:58:00.000-07:00

Japanese Ceramics are some of the finest in the world. To this day, ceramics remains a vital and exciting form of Japanease art. Thanks to cooperation of Taller Yuu, who continues to make traditional & modern Japanese Ceramics in Barcelona, this automn The Matcha House can offer a wider variety of Matcha bowls for its customers. We hope our customers enjoy the Japanese ceramics selected by The Matcha House on our online Shop!!

Cha University founded in Kyoto, Japan

2011-10-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

(résumé) Cha University (Japanese Tea University) was founded in Kyoto in October, 2011. Obubu Tea started teaching Japanese tea at its tea farms. The tea producers are professors.

Asahi Shimbun, 16th October, 2011

お茶文化が学べる講座やイベントを展開する「お茶の大学」が１５日、和束町にできた。同町の若手生産者グループ「京都おぶぶ茶苑（えん）」と、静岡や福岡などの生産者らでつくった「国際茶園協会」が創設。「キャンパスは茶畑」をうたい文句に、お茶ファンの裾野を広げる。「お茶大」は、各地の茶の生産現場やカフェなどが学舎（まなびや）だ。協会に加わる生産者らを「教授」とし、全国にまたがる生涯学習の場を目指す。創設には経済産業省のブランド確立支援事業の補助金も得た。この日は「開校式＆お茶まみれ講座」があり、大阪や愛知、奈良などからも含め１７人が参加した。説明を聞いたあと、番茶をほうじ茶に炒（い）る焙煎（ばいせん）や碾茶（てんちゃ）を抹茶にする石臼挽（ひ）きを体験。かぶせ煎茶の入れ方も学び、茶畑の見学もあった。姉と参加した奈良市の今田智子さん（３５）は「中国で日本茶のことを聞かれてわからなかったので学びに来た。炒りたての茶は味が違う」と感心していた。２回目の講座は「お茶と禅」をテーマに１１月３日、和束町湯船の臨済宗大智寺で。住職の説教や座禅などがある。

Green tea can slow down weight gain - even if you're already fat

2011-10-17T04:59:00.000-07:00

MailOnline, by Claire Bates, 5th October 2011

If you want to ease the effects of fatty food on your waistline, it might pay to put the red wine to one side and wash your meals down with green tea. A compound in the drink, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), significantly slows down weight gain associated with a high-fat diet, a study found. Obese mice on a fatty diet that were given EGCG gained weight 45 per cent more slowly than a control group eating the same food without the green-tea supplement. The mice fed the supplement also appeared to absorb 30 per cent less fat.

‘There seem to be two prongs to this,’ said Dr Joshua Lambert, a food scientist at Penn State University in the U.S. ‘First, EGCG reduces the ability to absorb fat and, second, it enhances the ability to use fat.’

'The mice are essentially eating a milkshake, except one group is eating a milkshake with green tea. 'A person would need to drink ten cups of green tea a day to match the amount of EGCG used in the study, Dr Lambert said. But recent research indicated that just a few cups of green tea could help to control weight. ‘Human data – and there’s not a lot at this point – shows that tea drinkers who only consume one or more cups a day will see effects on body weight compared to non-consumers,’ said Dr Lambert. Lambert said that other experiments have shown that lean mice did not gain as much weight when green tea is added to a high fat diet. However, he said that studying mice that are already overweight is more relevant to humans because people often consider dietary changes only when they notice problems associated with obesity. 'Most people hit middle age and notice a paunch; then you decide to eat less, exercise and add green tea supplement,' said Lambert.The study, published in the online journal Obesity, found the green-tea supplement did not suppress appetite, as both groups of mice were fed the same amount of high-fat food.'There's no difference in the amount of food the mice are eating,' said Lambert.

Matcha Green Curry

2011-10-13T13:33:00.000-07:00

Matcha is not just for cooking sweets. Matcha is also used for salty dishes! Here we propose a new recipe: Matcha Green Curry! We are sure that you will like it!

Matcha Green Curry

Ingredients for 4 people

For Curry:
200g skinless chicken breast
2 tbsp sunflower oil
1 carrot
1 chopped large onion
1 tbsp minced ginger
2 minced garlic cloves
2 tbsp of Curry powder
300ml water
2 bouillon cubes
1 piece of laurel
Salt
Pepper
1 tbsp of honey
150ml of cream
1 tablespoon Matcha
Cilantro

For Rice:
(quantity for cooking with rice cooking machine)
300g rice (blend of long grain rice, steamed rice, red rice and long black rice)
400ml water

Preparation of curry:

1. Finely chop the onion. Cut the carrot and the chicken into small pieces too.
2. In a saucepan, heat oil and cook onion and carrot until the onion becomes transparent.
3. Add chicken, garlic and ginger. Cook 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
4. Add water, bouillon cubes, curry powder, honey and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Turn off and then add cream and Matcha and mix well. Add salt and pepper and correct the flavor as you like. Heat again for another 5 minutes.
6. Serve curry over hot rice and decolate with cilantro or parsley.

TOFU x MATCHA

2011-10-06T05:48:00.000-07:00

TOFU 豆腐 has become popular in Europe. TOFU is highly nutritious, protein-rich food and therefore it is often used among vegetarians as an excellent red meat alternative. Off-white in color, it is usually sold in rectangular blocks. TOFU is also a natural antioxidant and an excellent source of calcium.

MATCHA 抹茶 is also high in vitamins and catechins. MATCHA is a natural source of antioxidants which makes it an indispensable food in any healthy diet. Therefore, the combination of TOFU and MATCHA is perfect.

TOFU PUDDING WITH MATCHA SAUCE

TOFU for dessert? Yes, you can have TOFU for sweets, too! Just another way to incorporate this multi-purpose healthy ingredient. And, the combination of TOFU and MATCHA is perfect. If you have 1 piece of TOFU and some MATCHA, we recommend you to challenge this recipe! If you like TOFU's flavor, you will love it!

Ingredients for 4 people:

For Tofu Pudding
TOFU (Important: must be " TOFU KINU") 1 piece (390g)
20g or 30g sugar (as you like)
Gelatin powder: 10gram
Milk (or soy milk): 500 ml (1 / 2 liter)

For Matcha Sauce
Matcha powder: 10g
Water: 60ml
Powdered sugar: 10g
Condensed milk: 10g

Preparation:

Tofu Pudding
1. Put the TOFU in a heat resistant bowl and heat 3 minutes (550W) in the microwave. Remove water in the strainer.
2. Mash the TOFU in the blender.
3. Put 400ml of milk in saucepan and heat until boiling. Remove from heat.
4. In a bowl, put 10g of gelatine powder and 100ml of cold milk and mix well.
5. Put 4. into 3. and mix well.
6. Put everything (2. and 5.) in a blender and mix again.
7. Put the mixture into the glasses or molds you want. Cool for 15 minutes at room temperature.
8. Let them rest for 3 hours in refrigerator.

Matcha Sauce
1. In a bowl put Matcha powder and water. Dissolve well with spoon or mini blender.
2. Add sugar and condensed milk. Mix well.
3. Put this sauce above TOFU pudding. It is ready to eat!

Alimentaria prepares its most international edition looking at Asia

2011-10-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

(Spanish Newspaper) LA VANGUARDIA - L. BENVENUTY - Barcelona - 02/10/2011

El crecimiento internacional es la receta de la industria de la alimentación para dejar atrás la crisis. Alimentaria, el Salón Internacional de la Alimentación y Bebidas, la principal feria española del sector y una de las más reconocidas de Europa, está redoblando sus esfuerzos para fortalecerse como un centro internacional de operaciones comerciales y una plataforma empresarial de lanzamiento hacia el mercado exterior, especialmente al asiático y el de las potencias emergentes.

Si bien las dificultades aún son patentes, aseguran desde la organización, también lo son los primeros indicios de recuperación del sector. Las nuevas necesidades de la organización empresarial que plantea este gran salto serán otros de los ejes de Alimentaria 2012. La próxima edición del Congreso Internacional de Gastronomía de Barcelona BCNVanguardia estará enfocada hacia la gestión del negocio, involucrando en ella a todos los actores del mercado.

Alimentadia 2012 estrenará dos nuevos pabellores de Fira Gran Via y espera ocupar cerca de 95.000 metros cuadrados de oferta comercial, empresariales y de innovación. Un largo centenar de periodistas procedentes de las cuatro esquinas del planeta asistieron esta semana en Barcelona a la presentación de la nueva edición de este salón de carácter bianual, que se celebrará a finales del próximo mes de marzo en las instalaciones de Fira de Barcelona en Gran Via y que por primera vez durará cuatro días.

La idea de la organización es que al menos una cuarta parte de los 140.000 asistentes previstos para la próxima primavera proceda del extranjero. Y es que del total de las cuatro mil empresas cuya participación se espera, como poco serán más de mil trescientas las que procedan de unos 75 países diferentes. De hecho, la muestra elevará en un treinta por ciento el porcentaje de su presupuesto dedicado a la promoción internacional.

Josep Lluis Bonet, presidente del comité organizador de Alimentaria, adelanta que uno de los puntos clave de la próxima edición será el protagonismo de las economías asiáticas. No es baladí que la web del salón tenga previsto estrenar este octubre versiones en japonés y mandarín. Además Japón, Tailandia y Vietnam tendrán por primera vez paticipación institucional, mientras que China duplicará su espacio. A estos países se sumarán Indonesia, Singapur, Corea, Taiwán, Sri Lanka, Irán e India.

The Matcha House will participate in coming Alimentaria 2012!
Visit our booth Nº155 at Alimentaria 2012!

Koi Genmaicha 40 packs 　濃い玄米茶40パック

2011-09-27T22:02:00.000-07:00

Koi Genmaicha with Matcha is becoming more and more popular among restaurants!

Koi Genmaicha 40 packs

We packed the authentic flavor and elegant aroma of Uji tea in pyramid style tea bags! koi Genmaicha 40 packs is designed for restaurants and professionals and it is also ideal for those who want to make authentic Japanese green tea every day at home at easy way.

[EN]How to prepare: Pour 120ml of hot water (90 ° C) into the cup and put the tea bag. Then gently move 3 times vertically. Approximately 40 seconds after, move again the tea bag 5 times and dispose of the cup. These bags are made with the right amount to get thick taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can increase the amount of water or use a bag for 2 cups.

[ES]Preparación: Verter 120ml de la agua caliente (90ºC) en la taza y poner una bolsita. En seguida mover 3 veces suavemente en vertical. Dejar aproximadamente 40 segundos, mover la bolsita 5 veces más y retirarla de la taza. Estas bolsitas están fabricadas con la cantidad idónea para obtener un sabor espeso. En caso de desear un sabor más suave, se debe aumentar la cantidad de agua o bien utilizar una bolsita para 2 tazas.

[JP]おいしい飲み方:　まず熱湯（約９０℃）を湯のみに１２０ｍｌ注ぎ、ティーバッグを入れてください。すぐにティーバッグを３回ほど静かに振ってください。約４０秒浸した後、さらに５回ほど振り、取り出してください。濃い目に出ますので、湯量はお好みで調節して下さい。

Koi Genmaicha 40 packs

high quality Japanese Green Tea Sencha Tea bags.
For more information, visit our online shop!

Koi Sencha 40 packs 　濃い煎茶４０パック

2011-09-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

Koi Sencha is becoming more and more popular among restaurants!

Koi Sencha 40 packs

We packed the authentic flavor and elegant aroma of Uji tea in pyramid style tea bags! koi Sencha 40 packs is designed for restaurants and professionals and it is also ideal for those who want to make authentic Japanese green tea every day at home at easy way.

Koi Sencha 40 packs
high quality Japanese Green Tea Sencha Tea bags.
For more information, visit our online shop!

How to prepare Matcha

2011-09-23T23:05:00.000-07:00

Preparing Matcha is intimidating at first but very easy if you follow a few basic and easy steps. The Matcha House prepared below a quick guide in three languages which will help you to make Japanese style Matcha tea quickly. Enjoy your own Matcha tea at home!

[EN]How to prepare:

Pour hot water into the bowl　Discard the water. Using a bamboo tea scoop, place 2 teascoops of Matcha into the bowl. Add 160ml of hot water. Briskly whisk the tea using a bamboo whisk. Begin slowly to dissolve the matcha, then move very briskly back and forth as fast as you can in the middle of the tea bowl. Whisk in an “M” or “W” pattern. The whisk should be vertical and barely touching the bottom of the bowl. When a soft light foam has developed, slowly lift the whisk from the center of the bowl. Drink right away, before the powdered leaves have time to settle again. Matcha is traditionally served with a small sweet.

[ES]Preparación:

Verter un dedo de agua caliente en el bowl. Poner 2 cucharditas de Matcha utilizando la cuchara de bambú (chashaku) y añadir 160ml de agua caliente (90ºC). En seguida batir con el batidor de bambú (chasen) primero moviendo lentamente para disolver el matcha y luego más rápido hasta obtener espuma. Intentar dibujar con el movimiento una "M" o "W". El chasen debe mantenerse vertical, sin apretarlo hacía abajo. Una vez se obtenga abundante espuma, subir la batidora lentamente desde el centro del bowl. El Matcha ya está listo y debe tomarse enseguida. Tradicionalmente, Matcha se sirve acompañado de un dulce.

[JP]抹茶の点て方:

まず、お茶碗に熱湯を注いで温めます。湯を捨てて、茶杓で山盛り２杯の抹茶を入れます。90℃のお湯１６０ｍｌを注ぎ、茶せんで混ぜます。最初はゆっくりと、だんだん勢いをつけて英語のMまたはWの文字を書くようにシャカシャカとかき混ぜます。茶せんは茶碗の底に強く押し付けないようにしましょう。きれいに泡が立ったら「の」の字を書くように泡をなじませて、お茶碗の真ん中から茶せんを上に引き上げます。甘いお菓子と一緒に召し上がってください。

Lfont Tea Mountain, Madrid

2011-09-23T02:12:00.000-07:00

A unique tea shop in Madrid, Lfont Tea Mountain, added Matcha tea to its tea product line. This shop is specialized for tea and coffee from all over the world, carefully selected. Visit the shop and enjoy our Matcha!

Lfont Tea Mountain
C/ Martín de los Heros, 37
28008 Madrid
Tel.915 418 465

Matcha Green Tea and Chocolate Marble Cake

2011-09-01T10:20:00.000-07:00

Our friend Mariona is a Spanish confectioner and a tea shop owder which is located in Muntaner street in Barcelona. She has also been encouraged to experiment with Matcha powder for her cooking and sent us a recipe of delicious Matcha cake!!

Matcha Green Tea and Chocolate Marble Cake

Ingredient
3 eggs
oil        120g
sugar      240g
1 natural yogurt
flour                  200g
cocoa powder    20g
Cook Matcha    15g
baking powder 8g
icing sugar

Preparation
In a bowl put whole eggs and suger and beat with electric mixer for 10 minutes. Add yogurt and olive oil and mix well with a spatula. Add the flour previously sifted. Divide the dough into 2 parts. In one put cocoa powder and in the other put Matcha tea. Put butter and flour to the spring-form pan. In the pan, put Matcha dough and cocoa dough in turns and make several layers. Bake at 180 º C for 30 minutes. When the cake is cooled, sprinkle with icing sugar.

Here is her shop's data. You can get Matcha powder for cooking and other high quality Japanese Green tea in her shop.

Te per tu

Muntaner 531, 08022

Barcelona

Tel 93 2118 681
More información: www.tepertu.blogspot.com

Homemade Matcha Frappe!!

2011-08-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

Today we want to show you how to make a homemade Matcha Frappe with Japanese Green Tea Powder. It is actually quite an easy process. Simply we recommend you to get hold of high quality Matcha powder because it is the key ingrediente in these drinks. It is an ideal drink to enjoy with your children and all other your family.

As you might know, Matcha green tea is effective in preventing bacteria and food poisoning and also gives a good effect for sun-damaged skin. You can increase your immune system by driking Matcha Green Tea and you can fight well with the heat of this summer season.

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons of Teatime Matcha
1 teaspoon of sugar
20 ml of boiling water
180mil cold water
5 or 6 ice cubes
1 scoop vanilla ice cream

Preparation:
In a tall glass, put 2 tsp of Matcha powder, a teaspoon of sugar and add 20ml of boiling water. Beat until you get a homogeneous color. Add five or six ice cubes and 180ml of cold water and beat again slightly. Put a scoop of vanilla ice cream on it.

The Matcha House hope that you enjoy all the wonderful moments of this summer season. Therefore, we prepared a special summer offer so that you can get our best-selling product, 100% Organic Teatime Matcha 30g, with a special price!!!

- one tin of Teatime Matcha 30g just 16.04€
- family pack of 6 tins of 30g Teatime Matcha 30g - just 85.54€
- family pack of 10 cans of Teatime Matcha 30g - just 133.65€

Buy now

Enjoy this opportunity to get start your healthy life with Japanese Green Tea Matcha!!!

In a Field of Matcha green tea

2011-08-05T14:15:00.000-07:00

During our stay in Japan we had the opportunity to visit the fields of Matcha in Nishio, Aichi, where Aoi Seicha manufactures the product we offer to our customers.

This summer the temperature has reached 30 degrees but, despite this, the field environment is cooler, well covered by a thick black cloth that allows plants to grow smoothly tea, green, lush and beautiful. Last May they started with the collection of the first outbreaks. To get the most excellent aroma and flavor, Aoi Seicha continues using traditional methods to harvest. The plants are protected from sunlight and the leaves grow very slowly, increasing the dose of chlorophyll in each. Then they proceed with the collection, strictly hand made, with pace but with great care. It's all such a beautiful ritual. After the spring harvest, the leaves grow back waiting for the fall harvest. I was impressed by the vision of the vast field so green, but the director of Aoi Seicha told me I should have seen it just before the spring harvest, "that’s really spectacular” Next time I’ll come in May ...

In the same factory tests are performed to verify the absence of bacteria and pesticides. In addition, in recent months, carried out periodic analysis to detect traces of radioactive material in response Fukushima nuclear accident, for the moment all results being negative and the access to them is public.

While chatting with the staff of Aoi Seicha on the future market of green tea, they offered me a cup of Matcha, slightly sweet, slightly bitter, but simply delicious.

We are back!

2011-08-01T01:58:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, our trip to Japan is over, but even from Barcelona we want to continue telling you our experiences.

We arrived to Uji, Kyoto, one of the most important region in Japanese green tea growing. It was very very hot but still, the trees were very green and the village streets were filled of tea shops with green products all over, it was beautiful and it also gave us a feeling of fresh air.

Each time I go to Kyoto I eat Matcha parfait: matcha ice cream, matcha jelly, sweet red beans, mochi, vanilla ice cream, corn flakes and clementines. I am a big fan of Matcha parfait since i was a teenager and so far I have tried many varieties in different cities. No doubt for me the best is the one made by Kyuemon and Hayashi and Ito in Kyoto. They accompany this dessert with some Japanese pickles, so that the mouth doesn’t keep too sweet, very well thought!

I found a small tofu shop 3 minutes walk from Uji station to the Temple of Uji Byodoin. They sell tofu with Matcha (very original) and there I tried a Matcha tea ice cream. The ice cream was made with soy milk instead of cow's milk, which makes it even healthier. The owner and said 50% of customers who they currently receive are from Taiwan, where Matcha combination of soy milk is all the rage and everyone wants to try this ice cream.

The town of Uji in Kyoto, is known as the "highway of green tea," the place of green tea for excellence. It's tiny, quiet, and holds great elegance of Japan's oldest. I hope this preciousness remain so for long, bright and green as Japanese green tea.

Still in Japan...

2011-07-18T03:14:00.001-07:00

Our journey continues through the most incredible landscapes and delicious meals. Today we want to introduce a variant of kakigoori. Akafuku Goori is a typical product of the most traditional Japan and very, very refreshing. We are in the city of Ise (Mie Prefecture) on the island of Honshu. An area of great natural beauty, very traditional, and a part of the Ise-Shima National Park.

Ise has been offering this cold sweet for more than 300 years. It’s made from crushed ice, matcha green tea and filled with mochi ( Japanese tipical rice cake ) and anko ( sweet paste made from azuki red bean and sugar). Enjoy it!

We are in Japan!

2011-07-12T01:08:00.000-07:00

The Matcha House is spending some days in Japan and enjoying its fascinating cuisine. Ice cream, soft drinks, juices, smoothies, .... all are indispensable in order to survive these days of intense heat. And of course Matcha is also the protagonist, here's an example: Kakigoori Matcha with Matcha ice cream and shiratama, the latest in Japan!

This is a refreshing dessert made with crushed ice in a cone shape. The most popular flavors are strawberry, cherry, lemon or green tea. The result: a fun little ice mountain dotted with bright colors.

Families use to go out to the shopping malls where the cafeterias "wa-café" (Japanese style) are filled with products, beverages and sweets, all made with Japanese tipical ingredients. Quite a sight to be seen ... and tasted!

Icho Restaurant

2011-06-30T03:31:00.000-07:00

Today we present a new creation within our Masters of Matcha. The author is Yukihiko Shidara, better known as Master Tan. He was born into a samurai family and his grandfather ran a fish restaurant, one of the main ingredients of the traditional sacred Japanese cuisine. Just turned 18, Shidara attained the rank of Sushiman as a master of Japanese sushi bar. Years later, he got his degree in fine cuisine known as kaiseki.
After 20 years living in Barcelona he has become Icho’s Chef Restaurant, which offers a menu full of dishes combining Japanese and European food.

The recipe that he presents is Green Tea Pasta with wasabi red mullet and the ingredients used are flour, eggs, matcha, red mullet, wasabi stems, dried tomatoes, dashi (fish stock), kuzu and soy sauce.

A delicious homemade pasta with Matcha which contrasts with the salty touch of red mullet and the unique flavor of wasabi. This dish is a fusion of Western and Eastern cuisine, and to develop it Master Tan has used a high quality Matcha. He commonly uses Teatime Matcha for cooking, a variety recommended to make infusion because of its superior quality. But he feels no compunction to do so, part of the success of his dishes lies in using the best quality ingredients in his creations, Matcha, Soy, Wasabi ...

We invite you to learn more about this Master of the fusion cuisine and his restaurant Icho.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maestro-Tan/345850829425
http://www.ichobcnjapones.com/es/

Kompeito

2011-06-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

From today you can enjoy of a new product in our online shop: Kompeito, a traditional Japanese candy on beautiful colors and star-shaped.
This is a product made with the finest sugar, colored and lightly scented, which can be consumed as a candy or as a substitute for sugar cube that accompanies a cup of tea or coffee.
Its production can take more than seven days and the process is completely manual. Each piece is covered with tiny bumps that occur in the cooking process
Nowadays the Japanese Imperial House use this delicate product as a welcome treat for their most special guests.
Presented in an elegant black box, will delight those who want to make an original gourmet gift.
This is a LIMITED EDITION, with only 50 units available. You’ll find it in the Gourmet category of our online shop http://www.shop.thematchahouse.com/index.php?id_lang=1
Enjoy it!

Masters of Matcha

2011-06-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

Today we open this new label in our blog. Some of the best confectioners, chocolatiers, ice cream makers or even chefs are already using The Matcha House’s products to develop some of their most original and healthy pieces. Premium Matcha, Soft Matcha , Chlorella Matcha .... Any of these varieties of Matcha is perfectly suited to the needs of these great geniuses in the kitchen. Our desire is to share with all of you, blog fans and Matcha lovers, some of these fantastic recipes. We encourage you to let your imagination fly and continue to experiment with this healthy ingredient in your kitchen.

We also want to thank all these Masters of Matcha for letting us share their recipes with all you.

And to start .... The great Paco Torreblanca with his delicious Kyoto Pie: Matcha Sponge with yogurt mousse.

Named Best Master Artisan Pastry Chef in Spain (1988) and Europe (1990),
Torreblanca's creations combine together art and tradition. In 2010 the Politechnical University of Valencia confers Doctor Honoris Causa on Paco Torreblanca, in recognition of his career and his contribution to the world of culinary research. He has always backed the use of new technologies, and the constant research in the world of baking and pastry, but never forgetting or abandoning the tradition. We invite you to discover more about this brilliant patissier and his shops in http://www.torreblanca.net/

Enjoy it!

Matcha Green Tea Jelly

2011-06-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

This is a Japanese dessert made by Matcha green tea powder with gelatin, water, sugar and whipped cream. Quite easy recipe. Summer is coming soon and nothing beats the refreshment that a Matcha jelly ... very healthy jelly with full of vitamins and antioxidants!

Ingredient:
Matcha powder: 1 Tbsp
Sugar: 1.5Tbsp
Water: 500ml
Gelatin powder: 10gram
Whipped cream for topping

Preparation:
1. Put Matcha powder, sugar and 10ml of hot water in a cup and mix well with a spoon.
2. Put gelatin powder in a bowl and add 100ml of water and mix well.
3. Boil 400ml of water.
4. Pour the hot water into 2.
5. Add 1. to 4.
6. Pour 5. into serving cups or containers and cool them out of regrigerator for a while.
7. Cool them in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
8. Top with some whipped cream and sprinkle Matcha on before serving.

Shrimp Aspic with Matcha Jelly

2011-05-31T01:08:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:
- 6 boiled shrimp
- 1 avocado
- 1 ripe tomato
- 1 spring onion
- green and red peppers
- capers (1 teaspoon)
- MATCHA (1 teaspoon)
- Gelatin
- Lemon
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Peas

Preparation:
Cut the avocado, tomato, pepper and onion on small dices (is better to peel tomatoes before) Add chopped shrimp, save a hole to put in the bottom of the bowl. Add the capers and season with salt, lemon, oil and mix well.
Prepare gelatin as indicated by the manufacturer, in a pan of hot water, to which we add a teaspoon of MATCHA. Mix until well dissolved. Remove from the heat and cool a little bit. Put a little jelly at the bottom of the bowl to cover it and let it cool, then put the whole shrimp on the bottom and add the rest of the preparation mixed with the remaining gelatin. Put the bowl in the fridge for a couple of hours for the gelatin to solidify. To detach you can wrap a hot cloth around the bowl. Your Aspic is ready!

Matcha Sponge Cake with Natural Yogurt

2011-05-22T03:33:00.000-07:00

Matcha Sponge Cake is one of the easiest cakes to make, simple and delicious. The most important thing to make a good sponge cake is to beat eggs patiently at least for 20 minutes. We recommend using electric mixer.

Ingredients:
(for 6 people, using spring-form pan: 24cm x 6cm)
180 gr of flour
180 gr sugar
6 eggs
1 tablespoon skim milk
2 tablespoons natural yogurt
2 tablespoons of Matcha
Butter

Preparation:

1. In a bowl put whole eggs and beat with electric mixer for 10 minutes.
2. Add sugar and continue beating 10 minutes.
3. After beating more than 20 minutes, you will get consistent and frothy mixture.
4. In another bowl sift flour and Matcha.
5. Add flour and Matcha to the mixture, stirring with a rubber spatula.
6. Add yogurt and milk and mix well slightly.
7. Preheat oven to 180 º C.
8. Put butter and flour to the spring-form pan. (Diameter 24cm x height 6 cm)
9. Pour the cake mixture into the mold from a height of 30cm.
10. Bake 40 minutes at 160 º C.
11. Insert a wooden skewerinto the centre of the cake and check if the cake is cooked.
12. Remove the cake from oven and let the spring-form pan fall from a height of 20cm to prevent the cake shrinks.
13. Ready to eat! With whipped cream or yogurt.

Matcha green tea Harvest

2011-05-16T03:38:00.000-07:00

The Matcha House Europe, a company specializing in the import of Japanese green tea Matcha to Europe, reports the first harvest in the fields of its Japanese business partner Aoi Seicha, located in the region of Nishio, near the center of the Japanese main island of Honshu.
Since the start of the spring has not stopped raining and the temperatures have followed quite low, which has caused a later start of the harvest season this year. But at last the sun rose and the harvest could begin on 15 May.
Harsh weather conditions have meant that the field had to stay covered longer than usual, waiting for the rising temperatures, which has caused outbreaks of tea have grown more slowly. To get good quality tea leafs the field must remain well covered, protected from sunlight, and wait for the shoots are big enough. This provides the bright green color to Matcha and its delicious aroma. This year's harvest has been much lower than in the past because of the bad weather.

Nishio is one of the most important regions in production of “Tencha” – raw material which makes Matcha, the typical Japanese powdered green tea used both for the traditional tea ceremony and for cooking. Nishio produces most of the Matcha tea in Japan.

Along the Yahagi River there is a high hill called Inariyama, where Tencha is cultivated. The fields extend over more than 150 hectares and annually produce 350 tons of Tencha in Nishio. One reason that this is a privileged place for the manufacture of Matcha is that the composition of the red earth and sands for the area provides good water drainage. Another is that thanks to Yahagi river, the earth keeps the humidity level necessary for the proper growth of Tencha.
Green tea harvest starts around May 1 every year in Japan. This year, the weather has been unfavorable for many tea fields in Japan. However, Nishio fields have been able to get rid of the harmful effects of weather and were able to maintain its high production capacity at the same level as previous years. Its geographic location and temperate climate have helped get rid of the effects fortunately.
AOI SEICHA started the first harvest on the 1st week of May as scheduled. In this season, all Nishio fields are covered by a huge black cover. It looks like a big black nori seaweed that extends to infinity. The professional harvesters called “Tsumiko” or affectionately “Tsumiko San” continue collecting the leaves from sunrise to sunset, normally in silence and applying very rigorous in their work. The average amount of tea leaves that Tsumiko collects is 15kg per day, although a veteran Tsumiko can collect up to 20kg per day – this is equivalent to 3 times of full huge basket. The enormous effort of these people is key to Nishio can stay ahead of the production of Matcha in Japan.

Let us introduce a Japanese famous song “Tea harvest”

♪ ♪茶摘み ♪ ♪
夏も近づく八十八夜
野にも山にも若葉が茂る
あれに見えるは茶摘みぢやないか
あかねだすきに菅（すげ）の笠

♪ ♪Tea harvest ♪ ♪
We are in the 88th night
from the first day of spring
Young leaves cover the mountains and fields
Look that mountain
They are doing Chatsumi, the harvest of green tea
Girls with red tasukis tied to their shoulders
and baskets in hand

The first harvest of the year is the most important and leaves collected during it will be used for tea ceremony grade. These leaves are sweet and tasty and the color is bright green. They are first quality sheets also in regards to nutrients because they retain all the vitamins and food accumulated since the fall of last year until this spring.

The second, third and fourth harvest made by machine will be used for cooking grade. This grade has a stronger flavor and a little bitter, but it is the appropriate level for cooking sweets (cakes, chocolates, cookies, etc) . The demand of Matcha for cooking increases every year worldwide and AOI SEICHA and THE MATCHA HOUSE EUROPE prepare for this trend increasing enhancing the capacity of harvesting machinery.

Matcha tea, taste and health

2011-05-06T03:53:00.000-07:00

Matcha Sembei , Matcha Chocolate and Sencha Tea

Teatime Matcha 30g and Matcha Tiramisu

Published on DeliNews 5/May/2011

El Matcha es un tipo de te muy diferente al que estamos acostumbrados a consumir, más aromático, muy versátil y con una gran cantidad de atributos nutritivos y saludables. Poco conocido hasta hace poco tiempo, el auge de la cocina asiática y el uso que ha hecho de él la cocina de vanguardia lo han dado a conocer al mundo occidental.
El té Matcha es un tipo de te verde japonés que por sus características poco tiene que ver con el resto de tés verdes. La materia prima, llamada tencha , se cultiva de forma especifica y diferente de otros tipos de té, potenciando la aparición de los aminoácidos “teanina” que le confieren el característico sabor dulzón. Tras su recolección se cuece al vapor, se enfría y se le retiran las partes leñosas. Una vez la hoja limpia y bien seca, se muele en molinos de piedra. Con este proceso se obtiene un característico polvo fino y de un intenso verde, con aromas de té verde de notas vegetales y de algas.
Las propias características de la variedad, así como la forma de producción (que permite consumir buena parte de la hoja), hacen del té Matcha una fuente de nutrientes importante. Se calcula que una taza de té Matcha puede equivaler en términos nutricionales a 10 tazas de otros tipos de té, donde al infusionarlos perdemos gran parte de sus propiedades.
Entre sus principales propiedades se encuentran la catequinas –comunes en los tés verdes pero más aprovechables en el té matcha–, flavonoides con múltiples propiedades para nuestro organismo: antioxidantes, antiinflamatorias, antiartríticas, antiinflamatorias… Protegen también el hígado y controlan la formación de colesterol. También es una buena fuente de vitaminas.

Genmaicha Tea

Sencha Tea and Matcha Sembei

La forma más común de consumo es la infusión en agua caliente, en la cual se disuelve el polvo. Pero el té matcha no sólo sirve como infusión. Su características lo hacen un aliado perfecto para todo tipo de preparaciones líquidas y sólidas. Su textura el polvo y su color permiten incorporarlo fácilmente a líquidos diversos con los que preparar bebidas frías y calientes pudiendo provocar cierta espuma. También es muy versátil en la cocina dulce, mezclado con chocolates, lácticos, huevos y distintas masas con las que elaborar panes y bizcochos. Sea como sea aprovechamos los nutrientes, su sabor y el atractivo color verde de este peculiar producto.
Como todo producto natural, el Matcha es sensible al paso del tiempo y se oxida rápidamente perdiendo nutrientes, aroma y su bonito color verde intenso. Para mantener al máximo su frescura deberemos mantenerlo en un lugar fresco, seco y sin luz. De forma ideal, lo envolveremos en papel de aluminio o en tarros herméticos y lo guardaremos en el congelador o, como alternativa, en el frigorífico. Antes de usarlo, vamos a retirarlo del frío y vamos a esperar a que tome temperatura ambiente antes de abrir el envase, evitando así que se humedezca al abrirlo.
Por sus cualidades organolépticas y nutricionales, el té matcha se convierte en un producto saludable para toda la familia y un ingrediente ideal para dar un toque diferente a nuestros platos. Cuando lo probéis tal vez ya no podréis vivir sin él.

More information about above products: http://www.shop.thematchahouse.com/
More information about this article & recipe: http://www.delicooks.com/

Matcha Chocolate of Cacao Sampaka

2011-05-02T05:01:00.000-07:00

Cacao Sampaka, a prestigious chocolate company has just launched its latest flavour: Green Tea Matcha Chocolate, available exclusively at its franchises shops in the world: Barcelona, Bailbao, Dubai, Lisboa, Madrid, Praga, Tokyo and Valencia. Cacao Sampaka combined white chocolate with Matcha and sparkling lemon. This new bar is exceptional and it surely will be a big hit with chocolate lovers.

How to prepare Matcha tea

2011-04-19T02:29:00.000-07:00

Preparing Matcha tea（抹茶） is very easy! Get good Matcha at good price and enjoy your Easter Holiday with good tea! Our spring promotion ends on 20th April, 2011.

How to prepare Matcha tea:

Pour hot water into the bowl　Discard the water. Using a bamboo tea scoop, place 2 teascoops of Matcha into the bowl. Add 160ml of hot water. Briskly whisk the tea using a bamboo whisk. Begin slowly to dissolve the matcha, then move very briskly back and forth as fast as you can in the middle of the tea bowl. Whisk in an “M” or “W” pattern. The whisk should be vertical and barely touching the bottom of the bowl. When a soft light foam has developed, slowly lift the whisk from the center of the bowl. Drink right away, before the powdered leaves have time to settle again. Matcha is traditionally served with a small sweet.

Matcha is high in Vitamins

Vitamin A: 3 times more than carrot
Vitamin B1: 5 times more than spinach
Vitamin B2: 7 times more than spinach
Vitamin C: 4 times more that avocado
Vitamin E: 9 times avocado

[Japanese Sweet] Matcha Dorayaki

2011-04-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

Dorayaki (どら焼き) is one of typical Japanese confections and it is famous for anime character Doraemon（ドラえもん）'s favorite food. It is a kind of pancake wrapped around a filling of sweet azuki bean paste Anko (小倉あん) . Doraemon's favorite Dorayaki is traditional one - means Dorayaki with reda azuki bean paste. But there exists many other variations such as white bean Anko（白餡）, cream, chocolate, sweet chestnuts....etc.

Here is our original recipe, Matcha Dorayaki （抹茶どら焼き）. We used mix of white Anko and Matcha instead of red Anko. It is so delicious and we are sure that Doraemon will love it!!

Ingredients:
(For 3 units)
1 egg
Sugar                      35g
Honey 6g
Mirin (sweet sake) 6g
Baking soda 2g
Water                  10g
Flour                    50g
white bean paste (shiro-an) 60g
Matcha Tea               3g

Preparation:
1. In a bowl mix egg and sugar.
2. Add mirin and honey and mix again.
3. Dissolve the baking soda into the water.
4. Add the sifted flour into the egg mixture gradually.
5. Leave the dough about 30 minutes.
6. Heat frying pan or hot plate without adding oil, cook the dough (We recommend using the Teflon frying pan)
7. When bubbles begin to form and appera of the surface of the cake, turn the pancake over in the pan.
8. Cook 10 seconds more and cool the pancakes.
9. Mix Matcha with white bean paste shiro-an （白餡）
10. Put a scoop of the Matcha bean paste between the pancake.

The Matcha House Easter Promotion

2011-04-07T02:04:00.000-07:00

This Easter... reset your energy and enjoy a good Matcha tea!

Easter Bank Holiday is close. And The Matcha House has some cracking offers to share with you.

After working hard several months, it is the time to relax yourself. So, why not try to relax with a cup of tea? A cup of Matcha tea can help the body become more relax and reduce stress.

Find our special offers in our online shop for our Classic Matcha, Practice Matcha, Teatime Matcha, Tea Ceremony Set, and accessories.

Promotion valid from 11 to 20 April, 2011 in
The Matcha Shop

The Matcha House sends Uji tea to Northern Japan

2011-04-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

Barcelona, Spain

It has been 3 weeks since terrible earthquake hit Japan. We have been all the time thinking what we can do for Japan from here and finally we found the best way for us.

Kyoto Obubu is one of our tea suppliers. We were informed by them that one of the wanting goods in the stricken area is Green Tea. Inmediately we decided to send Green Tea to the affected area with the help of Obubu.

Some companies followed this activity and on 4th April, 30kg of green tea and 50 teapots was sent to Hataraku Fujin no Ie （働く婦人の家）, which is a public association formed for the purpose of receiving and distributing aid to three people in the region. The association is located in Ogawa-cho, Kamaishi-shi, Iwate-ken, and provides all goods received to house refugees Kamaishi-shi, Iwate-ken （岩手県釜石市）and distribute to other houses like Ishimaki-shi, Miyagi-ken (宮城県石巻市) and Taro-cho, Miyako-shi, Iwate-ken (岩手県宮古市田老町).

Mr. Matsumoto, Vice President of Obubu, preparing Green Tea for Northern Japan

Mr. Matsumoto and Ms. Yakushiji of The Macha House Europe, at Obubu´s tea field in Uji, Kyoto, August 2010.

Matcha Tea Mousse Pies and Japan in our minds

2011-03-31T12:57:00.000-07:00

Let us introduce one of the messages that we have received these days.

"No matter how hard we try to plan our lives, they can always be disrupted. And nature is unpredictable. I would have preferred not to have any reason to make this recipe, but Japan is in everybody's mind these days. So in remembrance of the Japanese people I have prepared this simple recipe for little mousse pies. These sweets have the subtlety of flavors so common in Japanese cuisine and are relatively easy to make, and furthermore eye-catching. - Miriam García (Madrid)."

「どんなに人生を計画しようと試みても、その計画が壊されてしまう時が常にある。自然は予測不可能だ。このレシピを作ることに特に理由をつけるつもりはなかったのだけれど、どうしても私たちの心の中は日本のことでいっぱいで、それなら日本の人たちのことを忘れないように、と考えながらこの抹茶ムースパイをつくることにした。- Miriam García (Madrid)」

Here is her recipe:

http://invitadoinviernoeng.blogspot.com/2011/03/image-from-wikimedia-commons-no-matter.html

Me gusta Japón

2011-03-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

Love Japan? Great photography? Check out this blog. Our friend María has a lovely blog at Me Gusta Japón, where she shows her excellent photography skills and her love for Japan. Her blog is indeed worth the visit.

It has been 2 weeks since terrible earthquake hit Japan. We again pray for Japan and hope for a quick recover.

Alma de Cacao - Matcha Chocolate

2011-03-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

Alma de Cacao is a Spanish (Bilbao) manufacturer of premium chocolate products. Incorporated in 2005 and in continuous operation since then, Alma de Cacao has launched a wide range of richest chocolate products and its packagings are spectacularly beautiful.

The new product of Alma de Cacao is Chocolate Assort. Box. including new fravour from Japan: Matcha.

This product is now available in its shops in Bilbao, Madrid and Galicia. Besides, it is available in Harrods, London. Matcha flavour is becoming increasingly popular in the international food market!

You can visit Alma de Cacao´s web www.almadecacao.com

Japan Earthquake

2011-03-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

To everybody who has suffered from Japan Earthquake disaster
今回の東北地方地震で被災された方々に

we would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences
心よりお見舞い申し上げます。

We were thinking what we can do for Japan from here,
微力ながら今海外にいながら日本の為にできることをと思い

and decided to look for some sites in which people can help Japan making donation.
海外から比較的簡単に出来る募金サイトを探し、ブログを通じて皆様に呼びかけることにしました。

PayPal

Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief - Support A Cause You Care About - Donate with PayPal

The Nippon Foundation

http://members.canpan.info/kikin/products/detail.php?product_id=1080

Otros (in Japanese)

http://sites.google.com/site/quake20110311jp/bokin　　

we all pray for Japanese people and hope for a quick recover.
被災者の方々の一日も早いご復興を心よりお祈り申し上げます。

Matcha Opera Cake

2011-03-09T10:26:00.000-08:00

Opera Cake is a type of French cake. It is made with layers of almond sponge cake (known as Joconde in French) soaked in coffee syrup, layered with ganache and coffee buttercream and covered in a chocolate glaze.

The typical combination is chocolate and coffee, but instead of coffee we used Matcha.

It is really an interesting flavour combination. Chocolate has a deep and strong sweetness but with Matcha it becomes mild and slighty bitter. This is ideal cake for green tea lovers and also for not-too-sweet cakes lovers.

Ingredients:

(For Matcha Sponge Cake)
3 egg yolks
40 g sugar
40g almond powder
Vanilla Essence
3 egg whites
40 g sugar
40 g flour
Matcha green tea powder 8g

(Matcha Cream)
100 g cream
60 g white chocolate
1 teaspoon of Matcha green tea powder

(Chocolate Cream)
100 g cream
80 g of black chocolate

(Matcha Syrup)
100cc Water
20 g sugar
1 teaspoon of Matcha green tea powder

Preparation:

1. Mix egg yolks and sugar. Add almond powder and vanilla essence and mix well.
2. Make a meringue with egg whites and sugar.
3. Add one third of the meringue into the mixture and add the flour and mix it. Add the remaining meringue and mix again.
4. Bake the mixture in the oven at 200ºC for 8 minutes.
5. Prepare Matcha cream. Boil the cream and melt chocolate inside. Whip the cream and add Matcha.
6. Prepare chocolate cream in the same way.
7. Prepare Matcha syrup. Heat water and add sugar and Matcha green tea and mix well.
8. Remove the sponge cake from oven and divide into 3 equal parts and moist them with syrup.
9. Assemble the cake with the following order: first of all place one square of sponge cake on the baking sheet and moisten it gently with Matcha syrup. Next put chocolate cream on. Next put another aquare of sponge cake on. Next put Matcha cream on. Next put another square of sponge cake on...
10. Finally, melt black chocolate and put on the cake.

The Matcha House 2nd Anniversary Sale

2011-03-06T09:05:00.000-08:00

The Matcha House is now offering a great trial set of its best-selling products and free shipping on all domestic orders. The set consists of Matcha Chocolate, Matcha Sembei, Organic Matcha 30g, Cooking Matcha 30g, Uji Sencha Tea bags, Uji Genmaicha Tea bags and Uji Sencha Iced Tea bag. This time The Matcha House offer all these products with 30% discount!

and ... you will get a bamboo whisk as a gift!!

Products included in the set:
Matcha chocolate, white chocolate bonbons, Matcha Green Tea and roasted brown rice. Produced in the Uji region, one of the reference regions in the cultivation of Matcha in Japan. High quality. 16 units in the box.
Matcha Sembei, Japanese cookie. Thin, delicate and sweet, made with premium grade Matcha Green tea. 20 units in the box.
Cook Matcha Mini 30g, Matcha green tea for cooking. Basic level, suitable for all types of cuisine that passes through heat process (cookies, bread, cakes, chocolate, etc) 30g package, ideal for those who want to start cooking with Matcha. Get your recipes with Matcha in http://cocinaconteverde.blogspot.com
Teatime Matcha 30g, Matcha green tea to make a tea. 100% organic product. Grade suitable for home use, ideal for those who want to start taking Matcha tea. Also be taken as a dietary supplement mixed with yogurt, cereal or milk. 30g tin.
Preparing Matcha tea: put two fingers of water in a bowl or cup. Add a teaspoon of Matcha. Pour boiling water and mix vigorously with a whisk until foam. We recommend taking no sugar.
Koi Sencha, green tea to drink as a hot tea. Individual bags containing leaves of Sencha green tea from the Uji region, high quality. Package of two units, each for two services.
Koi Genmaicha, green tea to drink as a hot tea. Individual bags containing a mix of Sencha green tea leaves, Matcha green tea and roasted brown rice. Package of two units, each for two services.
Koi Sencha Iced, Green tea leaf to drink as a cold tea. Made with green tea from Sencha Uji, Kyoto, reference region in the cultivation of Matcha in Japan. Refreshing drink packed with vitamins and antioxidants. 1 bag is for 2lt water jug.
The Set will be delivered with an elegant black box.
and ... you will get a bamboo whisk as a gift!!

Promotion period: up to10th March, 2011

More information: The Matcha Shop

Do not lose this opportunity!

Matcha Tasting Demonstration in Semon, Barcelona

2011-03-02T07:23:00.000-08:00

Date: Sunday, 6th March, 2011
Place: Semon, C/ Ganduixer, 31 Barcelona
Time: from 10h to 14h
Entrance Free

Have you ever tasted Matcha? Are you interested in tasting Matcha tea? Curious about the Matcha latte preparation process? The Matcha House, a Matcha expert, will organize a Matcha tasting demonstration in the famous delicatessen shop in Barcelona, SEMON. Come and watch a demonstration of how to prepare Matcha Latte and Uji Teas, and taste those teas with some of delicious Matcha sweets!!

The Matcha House 2nd Anniversary Sale Starts 1st March

2011-02-22T10:28:00.000-08:00

Next week our 2nd Anniversary Sale will start on our online shop The Matcha Shop. The Matcha House will be offering a great trial set of its best-selling products and free shipping on all domestic orders. The set consists of Matcha Chocolate, Matcha Sembei, Organic Matcha 30g, Cooking Matcha 30g, Uji Sencha Tea bags, Uji Genmaicha Tea bags and Uji Sencha Iced Tea bag. This time The Matcha House offer all these products with 30% discount!

and ... you will get a bamboo whisk as a gift!!

Products included in the set:
Matcha chocolate, white chocolate bonbons, Matcha Green Tea and roasted brown rice. Produced in the Uji region, one of the reference regions in the cultivation of Matcha in Japan. High quality. 16 units in the box.
Matcha Sembei, Japanese cookie. Thin, delicate and sweet, made with premium grade Matcha Green tea. 20 units in the box.
Cook Matcha Mini 30g, Matcha green tea for cooking. Basic level, suitable for all types of cuisine that passes through heat process (cookies, bread, cakes, chocolate, etc) 30g package, ideal for those who want to start cooking with Matcha. Get your recipes with Matcha in http://cocinaconteverde.blogspot.com
Teatime Matcha 30g, Matcha green tea to make a tea. 100% organic product. Grade suitable for home use, ideal for those who want to start taking Matcha tea. Also be taken as a dietary supplement mixed with yogurt, cereal or milk. 30g tin.
Preparing Matcha tea: put two fingers of water in a bowl or cup. Add a teaspoon of Matcha. Pour boiling water and mix vigorously with a whisk until foam. We recommend taking no sugar.
Koi Sencha, green tea to drink as a hot tea. Individual bags containing leaves of Sencha green tea from the Uji region, high quality. Package of two units, each for two services.
Koi Genmaicha, green tea to drink as a hot tea. Individual bags containing a mix of Sencha green tea leaves, Matcha green tea and roasted brown rice. Package of two units, each for two services.
Koi Sencha Iced, Green tea leaf to drink as a cold tea. Made with green tea from Sencha Uji, Kyoto, reference region in the cultivation of Matcha in Japan. Refreshing drink packed with vitamins and antioxidants. 1 bag is for 2lt water jug.
The Set will be delivered with an elegant black box.
and ... you will get a bamboo whisk as a gift!!

Promotion period: 1 - 10 March, 2011

More information: The Matcha Shop

Do not lose this opportunity!

[Japanese Sweet] Ichigo Matcha Daifuku

2011-02-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

Daifuku (大福) is a Japanese confection consisting of a small round mochi (glutinous rice cake) stuffed with sweetened red or white bean paste. Ichigo Matcha Daifuku (いちご抹茶大福) is a ball of mochi filled with anko of Matcha flavour and an entire strawberry. In Japan people eat Ichigo Daifuku or Ichigo Matcha Daifuku in the late winder or early spring because that is when the berries are fresh and in season. It is a delicious Japanese dessert and it is not sweet in the way that Western sweets are. Here is a recipe of Ichigo Matcha Daifuku, easy to prepare and awesome taste!

Ingredients:
150 g rice flour (shiratamako)
180 g of water
70 g sugar
200 g of white bean paste (shiro-an 白餡)
2 teaspoons of Matcha green tea
8 strawberries
a little potato starch (katakuriko)

Preparation:
1. In a bowl dissolve Matcha with a little water.
2. Mix Matcha with white bean paste.
3. Cover strawberries with the pasta.
4. Mix rice flour, sugar and water.
5. Put the mixture in the microwave and heat for 2 minutes (600w).
6. Mix it quickly with a wooden spoon.
7. Heat again and mix again and repeat until it becomes almost transparent.
8. Spread potato starch on a plate.
9. Extendo Mochi and divide it into 8 pieces.
10. Cover strawberry with mochi paste and make round shape.

Homemade Matcha Truffles for Valentine's Day

2011-02-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

This weekend, make Matcha Truffles!!

Valentine's Day is the perfect occasion to make chocolate for your friends, family, and loved ones. Homemade chocolate is a great expression of love and friendship. This year, consider making Matcha truffles for Valentine's Day. Making Matcha truffles - or at least this recipe - is SO simple and SO fantastic!

Ingredients:
(Makes 20 small truffles)

(for truffle balls)
50g of cream
15g of butter
150g of white chocolate
1 tablespoon of Matcha

(For coating)
50g of white chocolate
50g of black chocolate
1 tablespoon of Cocoa powder
1 tablespoon of Matcha

Preparation:
1. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Crush white chocolate and put it into the cream and melt stirring.
3. Add Matcha and stir with a rubber spatula until smooth.
4. Crush berries and stir with a rubber spatula.
5. Cover a square mold with baking parchment.
6. Pour the mixture into a square mold.
7. Chill in the refrigerator more than 4 hours or overnight.
8. Remove the mixture from the mold.
9. Cut the mixture* into small square pieces and shape them into small balls.
10. Melt white chocolate and black chocolate separately and coat the balls.
11. Sprinkle cocoa powder or Matcha powder on the truffles (this is up to personal choice, the coatings can be anything you prefer.)

* Use hot knife to prevent sticking.

Matcha Chocolate for Valentine's Day

2011-02-03T08:50:00.000-08:00

1. Matcha Chocolate

Ingredients:
(2 persons) (Makes small 30 chocolates of size 1.5cm x 1.5cm x 1.5cm)
10ml of cream
5g of butter
150g of white chocolate
1 tablespoon of Matcha to mix with chocolate (3g)
1 tablespoon dried red fruit (3g)
1 tablespoon of Matcha for sprinkling (3g)

Preparation:
1. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Crush white chocolate and put it into the cream and melt stirring.
3. Add 3g Matcha and stir with a rubber spatula until smooth.
4. Crush berries and stir with a rubber spatula.
5. Cover the square pan 10cm x 10cm with baking parchment.
6. Pour the mixture into a square mold.
7. Chill in the refrigerator more than 4 hours or overnight.
8. Remove the mixture from the mold.
9. Cut the mixture into square pieces of 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm*
10. Sprinkle Matcha on chocolates.
* Use hot knife to prevent sticking.

2. Matcha Chocolate with red fruit

Ingredients:
(2 persons) (Makes small 30 chocolates of size 1.5cm x 1.5cm x 1.5cm)
10ml cream
5g butter
150g white chocolate
1 tablespoon of Matcha to mix with chocolate (3g)
1 tablespoon dried red fruit (3g)
1 tablespoon dried red fruit for sprinkling (3g)

Preparation:
1. Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Crush white chocolate and put it into the cream and melt stirring.
3. Add 3g Matcha and stir with a rubber spatula until smooth.
4. Crush berries and stir with a rubber spatula.
5. Cover the square pan 10cm x 10cm with baking parchment.
6. Pour the mixture into a square mold.
7. Chill in the refrigerator more than 4 hours or overnight.
8. Remove the mixture from the mold.
9. Cut into square pieces of 1.5 cm x 1.5 cm*
10. Serve cut chocolates to the plate and spankle crushed berries.
* Use hot knife to prevent sticking.

If you do not have time to cook Matcha Chocolate, buy our chocolate!

Gyokuro Cookies

2011-01-28T13:37:00.000-08:00

Recipe for Gyokuro cookies 玉露クッキーのレシピ

This is our first attempt at making Gyokuro cookies. Instead of flavoring the cookies with only Matcha powder, we opted for Gyokuro loose leaf tea from Uji, Kyoto (Japan) additionally, and eventually we decided to call them Gyokuro cookies. They are simple little cookies, but really delicious. If you love Japanese green tea - and if you drink it every day - how could you NOT try out these cookies? And you will never be disappointed. This is a recipe for the persons who is really keen on Japanese green tea. For this recipe, we strongly recommend a high quality Gyokuro tea and fresh Matcha.

Ingredients:
(for 30 cookies of 5mm thick)
360g flour
130g sugar
240g butter at room temperature
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoon Matcha green tea powder
1 tablespoon of Gyokuro green tea leaves

Preparation:
1. Leave the butter out of the refrigerator to melt a bit.
2. Shift the flour & Matcha twice (we used COOK MATCHA of The Matcha House brand).
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter. Add suger and beat again until the texture becomes creamy.
4. Add beated eggs and continue beating until the mixture becomes yellow-white.
5. Add flour mixture and mix slowly with a rubber spatula until dough just comes together.
6. Add Gyokuro tea leaves and mix well.
7. Pull dough in a log, approximately 4 cm in diameter.
8. Wrap dough log and place in freezer for 15 minutes.
9. Cut dough into a 5mm thick.
10. Bake on parchment lined baking sheets for 20 minutes at 170 º.

[Japanese Sweets] Matcha Mizu Yokan

2011-01-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

Recipe providede by SATOKO　Dish provided by taller de cerámica yuu

Traditional Japanese snacks are usually healthly because many of the ingredients are natual and the main ingredient is red azuki beans, known as bean paste "anko". Yokan is a popular Japanese sweet made from "anko", often served at tea time. Here is a new recipe of another type of Yokan made from white beans and

Japanese green tea Matcha.

1. Soak the agar in water for 15 minutes. Place the agar and water into a pot. Cook under low heat while stirring occasionally with a wooden spatula. Add sugar and when the mixture is an even consistency, turn off the heat.
250cc of water
5g of agar powder
30g of sugar

2. In a bowl mix Matcha powder with water. Add white bean paste (shiro-an) and mix well.
5g of Matcha
10cc of water
white bean paste (shiro-an) 300g *(recipe will be published soon)

3. Add 2. into 1. After boiling a little, put the mixture in a mold that has been moistened with water. Refrigerate until gelled. Remove mixture from the mold and cut with knife into tiny pieces.

Drink more Japanese Green Tea in the New Year

2011-01-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

Origami by http://origlam.blogspot.com　　teacup by taller de cerámica yuu

Start your new year with a different tea as usual. The Matcha House recommends you to enjoy their new delicious range "Uji teas" in your New Year. Japanese green tea is one of the healthiest drinks and a good new year’s resolution would be: Drink more Japanese green tea. You could simply serve Gyokuro, Sencha, Genmaicha, or, the New Year is the good chance to start practice drinking Matcha. With The Matcha House's wide varieties of Japanese green tea, this resolution could easily be achieved!

[Uji Gyokuro 70g]
Gyokuro is a superior Japanese green tea made from fresh buds that are harvested only once a year. Gyokuro leaves are shaded from direct sunlight for approximately 3 weeks before the spring harvest. In order to enjoy the unique sweetness that is the trademark of Gyokuro tea, it is important to pay attention to when preparing gyokuro is the heat of the water. The water should be warm-around 50 Cº. First boil the water, then pour it into the teapot, cover with lid, and let it cool.

[Uji Sencha 100g]
Beautiful dark green tea leaves. Sencha is one of the most popular green teas in Japan. There are different grades of Sencha, the better you get from the first harvest in spring was. The House Matcha Sencha sells only top quality, intense and fresh aroma and beautiful golden-green hue. Combines a bitter taste with a delicate floral flavor, very aromatic.

[Uji Genmaicha 200g]
Genmaicha is a delicious blend of Sencha tea, Matcha tea and toasted rice. Made Tea Sencha Uji region, which guarantees its high quality as it is a reference region in the cultivation of green tea. Rice gives a very aromatic flavor that contrasts with the refreshing taste of sencha.

[Matcha]
Matcha is a Japanese powdered green tea. Only high-grade Matcha is suitable to drink as a tea. The Matcha House offers 3 types of Matcha, harvested only once a year in the Spring. For those who want to enjoy purest Matcha tea.

We wish everyone a happy & healthy 2011!

2011-01-01T13:04:00.000-08:00

This is just a quick greeting in Japanese style to thank everyone that has supported our blog "Cooking with Japanese Green tea" and bought from us during 2010.

This year, we will continue to transmit "new recipes with Japanese green tea"," hot Japanese tea news", "latest information about Matcha sweets" and "latest information on Matcha tea fields in Japan", from the city of gourmet, Barcelona. Please keep your eyes on our blog throughout 2011 as well.

This spring, The Matcha House Europe will celebrate its 2nd anniversary. We will never stop improving our service to our customers. Thank you in advance for your continuous support throughout this year!

We wish everyone a happy, prosperous and healthy 2011.

1st January, 2011

All staffs of The Matcha House Europe

Matcha Gift Set by The Matcha House

2010-12-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a unique gift for this special season? A gift that is surprising, overwhelming and good for health? Then, you've come to the right place! If you are bored with the same old gifts (buying and receiving) and you're willing to go the extra mile to impress your special someone with an surprising present then check out these exceptional gift ideas presented by The Matcha Shop:
Gourmet Set
Ceremony Set
Cooking Set
Chocolate Set
Green Tea Set
The gift sets are thoughtfully wrapped for the special season. Available till 4th January, 2011.

Matcha Green Tea X´mas Cookies

2010-12-23T10:03:00.000-08:00

X´mas time is almost coming! Here is another Christmas recipe with Matcha Green Tea. Give a surprise to your X´mas dinner with Matcha X´mas Cookies!

Ingredients:
(for 80 cookies)

360g flour
120g sugar
240g butter at room temperature
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoon Matcha green tea powder
toppings

Preparation:

1. Leave the butter out of the refrigerator to melt a bit.
2. Shift the flour & Matcha twice (we used COOK MATCHA of The Matcha House brand).
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter. Add suger and beat again until the texture becomes creamy.
4. Add beated eggs and continue beating until the mixture becomes yellow-white.
5. Add flour mixture and mix slowly with a rubber spatula until dough just comes together.
6. Pull dough in a log, approximately 5 cm in diameter.
7. Wrap dough log and place in freezer for 15 minutes.
8. Slice dough and cut into Christmas shapes.
9. Bake on parchment lined baking sheets for 15 minutes at 180 º until the cookies are just starting to turn golden around the edges.
10.Brush egg yolk over the cookies and put colored sugar balls or decorate as desired (we used Vahine brand sugar toppings).

The Matcha House in Semon

2010-12-19T14:57:00.000-08:00

One of the most famous gourmet shops in Spain, SEMON, added Matcha tea & Matcha sweets to its gourmet product line. The SEMON shops in Barcelona and Madrid offer a great variety of gourmet products from all over the world, carefully selected.
In its 3 shops, three grades of Matcha tea 30g, Matcha chocolate (green tea chocolate), Matcha Sembei (typical Japanese cracker with green tea) and Japanese high quality green tea produced in Uji, Kyoto are all available.

Semon shops in Spain:

C/ Ganduxer, 31 – Barcelona

T. 93 2403088

C/ Capità Arenas, 11 – Barcelona

T. 93 2037444

C/ Capitán Haya, 23 – Madrid

T. 91 5554692

www.semon.es

Matcha Tiramisu X´mas Cake

2010-12-05T02:47:00.001-08:00

Ingredients:

- For mascarpone cream:
65 g mascarpone
1 egg yolk
12 g of sugar
1 teaspoon of rum
100cc of whipped cream
1 tablespoon Matcha

- For Matcha sponge cake:
2 egg yolks
40 g sugar
50cc of milk
40 gr flour
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon Matcha

- For white sponge cake:
2 egg yolks
40 g sugar
50cc of milk
40 gr flour
2 egg whites

- For decoration:
(First layer) 10 g of powdered sugar
(Second layer) 10g of Matcha* *recommended Matcha: Premium Matcha 100g
(For the figure of the crystallization of the snow) 5 grams of powdered sugar

Preparation:

1. Prepare Matcha sponge cake in a bowl, mixing the egg yolks, sugar, milk and matcha previously sifted. Then add the flour also pre-shifted. In another bowl prepare meringue, beating egg whites with a mixer and mix all.

2. In another bowl, prepare white sponge cake mixing white yolks, sugar and milk. Add the flour well sifted. In another bowl prepare meringue, beating egg whites and mix all.

3. Put 1. & 2. into two square molds respectively. Bake 15 minutes at 180 ºC.

4. Make mascarpone cream mixing egg yolk, sugar and rum. Add Matcha powder. Then add the whipped cream and mix all lightly.

5. Cut baked sponge cakes in half horizontally. First, put green sponge cake and spread mascarpone cream over cake. Put white cake over and spread cream over cake. Repeat this work.

6. On the top of the cake, drizzle powdered sugar to cover totally the surface of the cake.

7. Drizzle Matcha over cake to cover totally the surface of the cake.

8. Cut a paper template of the shape of the crystallization of the snow (or any other shape you like) and put on top of cake and sprinkle over powdered suger. Carefully remove the mold.

9. Your original Matcha Tiramisú Cake is ready to eat!

The Matcha House online shop

2010-12-05T02:29:00.000-08:00

Finally our online shop The Matcha Shop is available in English too. Visit The Matcha Shop and find our delicious products and original X´mas gifts. We ship to over 50 countries worldwide. Free delivery to all European countries for more than 100€ shopping. Do not lose this opportunities!!!

Zone: Europe Zone 1

Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, United Kingdom, R. Czech Switzerland
Shipping Cost (total amount not exceeding 100.00€) 20 €
Shipping Cost (total amount exceeding 100.0€) free
Standard delivery time ( 3-4 days)

Zone: Europe Zone 2

Bulgaria, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, R., Slovakia, Romania, Sweden
Shipping Cost (total amount not exceeding 100.00€) 30 €
Shipping Cost (total amount exceeding 100.00€) free
Standard delivery time (4-6 days)

Zone: America

America, Canada, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Venezuela
Shipping Cost (total amount not exceeding 150.00€) 40 €
Shipping Cost (total amount exceeding 150.00€) free
Standard delivery time (6-7days)

Zone: Spain, Andorra & Portugal (Spain, Canary Islands, Andorra & Portugal)

Shipping Cost (total amount not exceeding 30.00€) 6 €
Shipping Cost (total amount exceeding 30.00€) free
Standard delivery time ( 1-2 days)

Art & Matcha tea

2010-11-29T10:11:00.000-08:00

Last Friday we participated in an event held at the Santa Monica Art Centre, a meeting point of art lovers in Barcelona. Safia Gallery organized the event and presented an very interesting project made by Catalan and Irish artists. And as part of this exciting project, inspired by the green meadows of this country, we offered our green tea products. During the coffe break, the organizers and attendees enjoyed Koi Genmaicha, Japanese high quality green tea with toasted rice and Matcha, and Matcha green tea chocolate, a delicious bombon imported directly from Uji, Kyoto, Japan. Thanks to Safia Gallery, we could have an good experience to offer Japanese new style catering service to art galleries. Many people liked our products and some people repeated green tea!

[JAPANESE SWEETS] Mochi with Matcha sauce

2010-11-25T13:06:00.000-08:00

If you love "Mochi" and Matcha green tea, this is a recipe you should try! It is very easy to prepare and so delicious! Rich in Antioxidants. This is a typical Japanese sweet （抹茶白玉）that any green tea lover can appreciate! The combination of Azuki beans, Matcha and Mochi is perfect!

Ingredients for 4 people:

To prepare sweet Azuki (you can also buy cooked Azuki):
- 100 grams of Azuki beans
- Water for boiling Azuki
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt

To prepare round mochi:
- 100 g glutinous rice flour
- A tablespoon of powedered sugar
- Water to add to mochis
- Water for boiling mochis
- Water for cooling mochis

To prepare Matcha sauce:
- 1 tablespoon Matcha
- 1 tablespoon sugar glace
- 1 tablespoon water
- 4 tablespoons condensed milk

Hot green tea to accompany:
- 4 tea-bags of Koi Genmaicha
- Hot water

Preparation:

Azuki:
1. Soak azuki beans in a pot with water (8 times amount of Azuki) for 4 hours.
2. Boil it for 1 hour on low heat.
3. Add sugar and continue boiling until beans become soft enough.
4. Add salt and continue boiling a few minuts more.
5. Turn off heat and leave at room temperature.

Mochi:
1. Put glutinous rice flour in a bowl.
2. Add a tablespoon of powdered sugar.
3. Add water slowly until the dough becomes as soft as earlobes.
4. Make small oval-shaped dumplings.
5. Boil water in a pan and add the dumplings. Boil the dumplings until they float.
6. Remove the dumplings and cool in cold water.

Matcha sweet sauce:
1. In a small bowl, put the Matcha powder.
2. Add powdered sugar. Mix it well with a spoon.
3. Add condensed milk and mix well with a spoon.

Hot Green tea Koi Genmaicha:
1. Heat water without allowing it to boil (90 ° C), pour into the cup and put the tea bag.
2. Then gently move the bag vertically 2-3 times.
3. After 40 seconds, again move the bag 4-5 times and dispose of the cup.
(no sugar is to be added).

Magazine Time Out Barcelona published our Matcha

2010-11-22T01:19:00.000-08:00

Time Out Barcelona Nº140, 27 d'octubre - 2 de novembre de 2010

Ho hem trobat - Te verd per beure y per cuinar

Pastissos, infusió, gelats, sopes, sushi, galetes...Són tan sols algunes de les possibilitats culinàries que pot tenir el matcha, un te verd japonès en pols. Si voleu veure tot el que pot donar de si doneu un cop d'ull a http://cocinaconteverde.blogspot.com. Una empresa, meitat japonesa, meitat catalana, The Matcha House, ha decidit impotar a Barcelona aquest te que triomfa a Nova York i París.

Ells defensen que, a part de totes les propietats que té el te verd - és una font d'antioxidants i, a més, aporta vitamina A, B, C i E - el matcha suma una virtut més. "És l'única varietat de te verd de la qual el cos humà aprofita el 100% de les propietats, perquè dins del fi pols de color verd, sí troba la fulla sencera. Prendre una tassa de matcha equival a prendre´n deu de qualsevol altre te verd", asseguren.

Restaurants Icho, Sakura-Ya i La cuina de l'Uribou ja l'utilitzen - Silvia Marimon

Té verd matcha. 30 grams (16,09€).
Bubó (Caputxes, 10) T. 93.268.7224.
Tofu Català (Aribau, 119) T.93.453.7352.
www.thematchahouse.com
http://shop.thematchahouse.com

Experience of Matcha tea in Bilbao

2010-11-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

We went to Bilbao to participate in the Japan Festival Nihon Jaia.

Bilbao is a Spanish municipality, capital of the province of Biscay, with a population of 354,860 as of 2009. The people of Bilbao feel Japanese culture as something very close to them. During these days of the festival, a lot of people visited the site and enjoyed the variety of the Japanese culture.

When "Cha-no-yu (tea ceremony)" show started, many people gathered around it. After "Cha-no-yu", people could taste Japanese green tea Matcha (a frothy drink) with typical Japanese sweets such as Matcha Sembei (green tea cookies) and Matcha chocolate (green tea chocolate). Many people liked Matcha tea and some people repeated!

We were surprised to know that many people of Bilbao know much about Japan. We met many people who have relations with Japan in some way. For us it was the first time to participate in the festival in Bilbao, but we really had a good time and we could get a lot of new friends there. We thank everyone who visited our stand and we also want to thank you for your interest in our products. We are sure that we will return to Bilbao next year to see you all!

More photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/49580669@N08/

Exhibition of Japanese culture in Bilbao, Spain

2010-11-11T03:11:00.000-08:00

The Matcha House Europe, a Matcha green tea supplier in Europe, will participate coming November 13th-14th, 2010 in the exposition of Japanese culture "NIHON JAIA" to be held in the Palacio de los Deportes Bilbao Arena, Miribilla. Bilbao (Spain) during 2 days. The event program includes demonstrations on tea ceremony, Japanese calligraphy, Ikebana art and so on. The Matcha House will participate providing its Matcha of best quality for that tea ceremony and also will provide an opportunity for participants to lean more about the variety of Matcha tea and the chance to buy their products such as Matcha Chocolates, Matcha Sembeis (Japanese cookies with green tea) and Matcha teas. Please do not lose this good opportunity!!

Information about the exhibition:
Event Name: Nihon Jaia
Place: Palacio de los Deportes Bilbao Arena, Miribilla.
Booth: Espacio Zen　　
Date: 13 y 14 de noviembre (Sat. & Sun.)

For further information about Matcha, please contact info@thematchahouse.com

Koi Genmaicha with Matcha Green Tea

2010-11-07T01:24:00.000-07:00

Today we will talk about Genmaicha. Many people know that Green Tea is good for health, but some people do not like the flavor of Green tea.
However, even those people think this tea is delicious. Genmaicha is a blend of Sencha and roasted brown rice. Our "Koi Genmaicha with Matcha" is a wonderful blend of Sencha grown in Uji, Kyoto, roasted brown rice and Matcha. It has a very dintinct green tea flavor and it is very aromatic and mild because of brown rice. And it looks very beautiful in a cup because of Matcha's bright green. This is a tea to enjoy with five senses.

As Matcha tea is very sensitive to the effects of moisture and high temperature. And the direct sun light and florescent light also may damage the quality of Matcha. In order to protect the quality of the tea, this product is packed in a aluminium bag individually and so you can enjoy always its freshness and best taste. The quality and quantity of the Sencha is carefully selected so that you can get a proper taste even though with European hard water.

As Genmaicha is a blend of Sencha tea with brown rice, less amount of green tea Sencha is used than normal tea. Therefore, it has less caffeine and this tea is recommended even for children and elder people. Brown rice is rich in dietary fiber and Sencha tea contains a large amount of catechins (a natural source of antioxidants that is actively works for prevention of many diseases including cancer, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol etc.) Therefore, you can take advantage of these healthy benefits at a same time and also the aroma of this tea has effects of relaxation and stress relief.

More information about Koi Genmaicha with Matcha.

Barcelona Hospitality and Tourism School

2010-10-31T23:26:00.000-07:00

This week we visited the Escola d’Hostelería i Turisme de Barcelona. Sergi Vela, the Spanish champion of Chocolate Master 2008 and winner in the Best Chocolate Cake of the World in the World Chocolate Masters 2009 gave a Matcha cooking course to his pastry class students with a collaboration of The Matcha House. The experience was very rewarding.
Our mission was to let them know about Matcha as a perfect ingredient to combine with all kind of sweets. We started with a theoretical session in which we talked about the complex and artisan cultivation and manufacturing process of this product. We also talked about it’s wonderful nutritional properties and about all the possible applications. The students were amazed with the pictures of several Japanese Matcha sweets that we showed, such as Kit-Kat Matcha flavour, Matcha donuts, Mikado of Matcha flavour...etc.
Then we went down to the kitchen where the the students practice every day to make cakes, bread or cookies. Finally they could touch, smell and work with our product.
We demonstrated how to parepare hot Matcha Latte, a delicious drink made with matcha tea and foamed milk. Also they tasted our Matcha Chocolate and a cup of Sencha/Genmaicha green tea without sugar. All were surprised about this. We explained that in Japan normally they do not add sugar to green tea. They drink green tea with something sweet, as they love to enjoy the contrast bitter-sweet.
Sergi Vela prepared a Matcha cream and he showed their students how easy it was to combine Matcha with other ingredients. Just before closing the class, it occurred to him to mix Matcha with the panellets dough that they had prepared some hours before, and in just one minute he made some beautiful two-tone balls ready to bake.
We said goodbye to the pastry group and we went up to cafeteria, where we started again with the demonstration of Matcha Latte and the explanation of Matcha cultivation and production.
We had a very good day and good experience with one of the best pastry chef in Spain and the future pastry professionals of our country. We hope we can repeat it soon!

The perfect home Matcha Latte!

2010-10-27T12:07:00.000-07:00

Today we will show you how to make a Matcha Latte at home. You will just need Matcha, water, milk and a handy cappuchino maker.

1. Start with putting 1 teaspoon of the powdered green tea called Matcha into a tall cup. If you see clumps in Matcha, it is better to sift the powder.
2. The next step is to add 20ml of hot water, not boiling (about 80ºC) into the Matcha.
3. Beat well with a cappucchino maker until you achieve foamed Matcha.
4. Prepare hot milk, not boiling (about 60ºC). Beat the milk with a cappuccino maker.
5. Now you have foamed matcha and foamed milk separately.
6. Pour the steamed milk into your Matcha slowly.
7. You will start to see white circle in the middle.
8. Then put the foamy milk bubbles on the top of the steamed milk.
9. That is a Matcha Latte! Ready to drink!

Pastissería Ochiai's Matcha Latte

2010-10-24T15:03:00.000-07:00

Pastissería Ochiai, Comte d'Urgell 110, Barcelona, has just launched a new exotic drink at its cafeteria: Matcha Latte. It is Japanese Matcha green tea with creamy hot milk. It is very rich and healthy drink. Pastisseria Ochiai uses 100% Organic Matcha to prepare this tea.

The cafeteria is a very modern and calm place. It is an ideal place to have your special meetings and to have a special teatime. Pastissería Ochiai has a variety of Japanese sweets as Dorayaki, Sakuramochi and products made with Matcha.

Also, in this cafeteria, you can buy Matcha tea (TEATIME MATCHA 30gr) so tha you can enjoy Macha Latte at home.

Pastissería Ochiai,
Comte d'Urgell, 110
Tel: 93.453.6383
www.ochiaipastisseria.com

Snowy Matcha Sponge Cake

2010-10-17T12:44:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

3 eggs
60g white sugar
3 tablepoons of flour
2 teaspoons of Matcha (Chlorella Matcha)
70ml of whipped cream
5g icing sugar for topping
5g Matcha for topping (Premium Matcha)

Preparation:

1. Separate yolks and whites of eggs.
2. In a bowl, mix the egg yolks and sugar (40g) with a whisk and add the flour and Matcha powder priviously sifted. Add whipped cream. Mix well.
3. In another bowl, prepare the meringue, beating egg whites. Add sugar (20g) and beat well with automatic whisk.
4. Add the 3. to 2.
5. In a square mold, put the mix and bake 15 minutes at 180º.
6. Cut the cake to the size you like.
7. Sift Matcha powder and cover with icing sugar.

This cake, like many Japanese sweets, isn’t too sweet, so if you like very sweet cakes, you can add white chocolate chips or sweet azuki beans.

TEMARIZUSHI OF MATCHA

2010-10-10T11:53:00.001-07:00

If you're just learning how to make sushi at home, this easy recipe will help you get started! Here is a recipe for TEMARIZUSHI with tuna, salmon and Japanese Green Tea Matcha! "Temari" (手毬） means thread balls in Japanese. So "Temarizushi" or Temari-sushi" are small and ball-shaped sushi. Easy to prepare and best for parties. Let's learn how to make colorful TEMARIZUSHI and amazing Matcha sushi!

Ingredients:
540cc Japanese rice
55ml vinegar
25g sugar
7g salt
100g of fresh tuna thinly sliced
100g fresh salmon thinly sliced
2 teaspoon of matcha tea
soy sauce
wasabi

Sushi Recipe:
After washing and soaking Japanese rice, cook and let it steam. In a bowl, put 55ml of vinegar, 25g of sugar and 7g of salt. Add this mixture to rice. Mix well and cool the mixture. Separate one-third of the rice, add Matcha powder on it and mix well. Slice salmon and tuna into 4cm x 4cm size. Cut a piece of plastic wrap and put it in the palm of you hand and place toppings on it. Place sushi rice ball on the topping. Shape the sushi into a ball, twisting the plastic wrap. Unwrap the plastic wrap. Serve temarizushi with wasabi and soy sauce. Matcha sushi will be prepared without any toppings, only with the rice balls with Matcha.

ICENATUR launch Matcha Ice Cream

2010-10-08T03:25:00.000-07:00

arte heladero
nº 137

The Matcha House & ICENATUR are partnering to launch a new ice cream flavor - Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream. The latest trend in ice cream is to look for original flavors and creating products made with healthy ingredients and full of vitamins. Big brands such as Häagen-Dazs had launched exotic flavors like green tea matcha into international markets years ago. In Spanish market, the Catalan company IceNatur has just launched Matcha green tea using Japanese good quality Matcha imported by The Matcha House, a company specialized in Japanese green tea Matcha. This Japanese green tea powder is a natural source of antioxidants and contributes to ice cream vitamin A, B1, B2, C, E , folic acid, fiber, potassium, calcium and phosphorus, among others. Matcha is now becoming popular in Europe because of its intense and delicate flavor.

Matcha Tiramisu Ice Cream

2010-10-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

If you love tiramisu and Matcha green tea, this is an ice cream recipe you should try! It is rich and so delicious! Rich in Antioxidants. This is an ice cream that any green tea lover can appreciate!

Ingredients:

Cream (for mounting) 150cc
Sugar 60g
Egg yolk 2 units*
Matcha 1.5 tablespoons
hot water to dissolve Matcha 3 tablespoons
Mascarpone cheese 65g
Sponge Cake 80g
Rum some
Matcha for sprinkle some
* buy the freshest eggs

Preparation:

1. In a small bowl, put the Matcha powder and add 3 tablespoons of hot water. Mix it well with a spoon.
2. In another bowl, put mascarpone cheese, egg yolks, half of the total amount of sugar, rum, add and mix with a wire whisk.
3. In a large bowl, whip cream with an electric whisk, add the remaining sugar and continue to whip until stiff peaks are just about to form. Make sure not to over-beat.
4. Mix 1. 2. & 3. with a rubber spatula.
5. Put sponge cake (or Merindoro) in a mold and add the mixture.
6. Freeze the mixture thoroughly in a freezer for 4 hours.
7. Sprinkle Matcha powder (if you taste Matcha flavour directly) on the ice cream.
8. Delicious Matcha Tiramisu Ice Cream is ready to eat!

Matcha Sembei & Flower Sembei

2010-09-25T13:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tasted Sembei? It is a traditional Japanese cracker, sweet or salty to eat at any time of the day. They are delicious and there also exists Matcha Sembei and Flower Sembei! Delicious and spectacular design. Look at the pictures. These Sembeis are produced by Matcha Tea factory in Japan and best quality matcha powder is used for the Matcha Sembei. Sweet & slighly bitter. The flower Sembei is a new product for this autumn. Fine and delicate cookie, elegant design. These Sembeis will be available at The Matcha Shop from October, 2010!

Professional Pastry Course with Matcha Tea

2010-09-08T09:46:00.000-07:00

More photos
Solé Graells, a distributor of high quality products for pastry, catering and hospitality industries, organized yesterday at its facility in Barcelona a cookery course with Matcha green tea targeted towards pastry professionals and confectioners.

The Matcha House Europe, a Japanese green tea supplier to Europe, who opened the session with a presentation of the product. Among the attendants of the event, there were front-line confectioners such as Carles Mampel, Christian Escribà, Joan Baixas and Miquel Vives.

Although the use of green tea Matcha in Europe is increasing, many people are still unaware of this excellent ingredient. Matcha is a very versatile product that can be consumed as a tea or be integrated as an ingredient in any kinds of pastry. Matcha tea contains a high amount of antioxidants and vitamins. The health benefits of green tea Matcha raised significant interest in the course.

The pastries created by Hans Ovando (M.M.A.C.E. 2008) and performed by Samuel de la Torre (photo) were truly amazing and extremely delicious: Matcha mousse with peach flavour, Chocolate savarin with Matcha cream, Matcha macaron, mashmellow of ginger and Matcha, Matcha ice cream, toffee of liquorice with Matcha, tablets of Matcha tea and pineapple. Visit Té Matcha Matcha in Facebook and find more photos!

The Matcha Shop is now Open!!

2010-09-02T13:18:00.000-07:00

Our online store The Matcha Shop is now open!!
Please visit our newly developed shop shop.thematchahouse.com and find a wide variety of Matcha Tea and other Japanese green teas. As from October delicious Japanese gourmet products and accessories will be also available. Enjoy the wonderful world of green tea with us.
The online shop is 24h open and we send our Matcha to all European countries and many other countries.

We send our Matcha tea to more than 50 countries!

Area: Europe, Portugal and Andorra
Delivery costs € 6, free above 30 €
Spain, Canary Islands, Andorra, Portugal

Area: European Zone 1
Shipping Cost 20 € over 100 € free
Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Holland, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, United Kingdom, R. Czech Switzerland

Area: Europe Zone 2
Shipping Cost 30 € over 100 € free
Bulgaria, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, R., Slovakia, Romania, Sweden

Location: America
Shipping Cost € 40, free more than 150 €
America, Canada, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Venezuela

Also, in Spain, you can get our Matcha at the following shops:

Barcelona
Pastelería Bubó , Caputxes 10, Barcelona
Pastelería Bubó , Pedralbes Centre, Local A50, Av. Diagonal 609-615, Barcelona
Restaurante Sakuya-ya, Av. Diagonal 557, Barcelona
Tofu Catalán, Aribau 119, Barcelona
Pastissería Ochiai, Comte d'Urgell, 110
Solé Graells, Princep Jordi 1, Barcelona

Sabadell
Cafestes SCP, Rda. Zamenhof, 81, 08021, Sabadell

Granollers
Inhala, Portalet, 9, 08400, Granollers

La Palma, Canarias
Vida Sana, Ctra. General 5, Tijarafe, 38780, La Palma, Canarias

Palma de Mallorca
Yerbabuena Espai, Jeroni Antich, nº7, 07003, Palma de Mallorca

Shops who sell The Matcha House Products

2010-09-02T13:10:00.000-07:00

The Matcha House Online Shop
The Matcha Shop http://shop.thematchahouse.com/

Barcelona
Pastelería Bubó , Caputxes 10, Barcelona
Pastelería Bubó , Pedralbes Centre, Local A50, Av. Diagonal 609-615, Barcelona
Restaurante Sakuya-ya, Av. Diagonal 557, Barcelona
Tofu Catalán, Aribau 119, Barcelona
Pastissería Ochiai, Comte d'Urgell, 110
Solé Graells, Princep Jordi 1, Barcelona

Sabadell
Cafestes SCP, Rda. Zamenhof, 81, 08021, Sabadell

Granollers
Inhala, Portalet, 9, 08400, Granollers

La Palma, Canarias
Vida Sana, Ctra. General 5, Tijarafe, 38780, La Palma, Canarias

Matcha Green Tea Jelly

2010-08-11T05:37:00.000-07:00

For a hot summer day, nothing beats the refreshment that a Matcha jelly ... very healthy jelly with full of vitamins and antioxidants.

Ingredient:
Matcha powder: 1 Tbsp
Sugar: 1.5Tbsp
Water: 500ml
Gelatin powder: 10gram
Whipped cream for topping

Preparation:
1. Put Matcha powder, sugar and 10ml of hot water in a cup and mix well with a spoon.
2. Put gelatin powder in a bowl and add 100ml of water and mix well.
3. Boil 400ml of water.
4. Pour the hot water into 2.
5. Add 1. to 4.
6. Pour 5. into serving cups or containers and cool them out of regrigerator for a while.
7. Cool them in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
8. Top with some whipped cream and sprinkle Matcha on before serving.

Hojicha ice cream

2010-08-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

How to make Hojicha Icecream

Ingredients:
Cream (for mounting) 200cc
Sugar 80g
3 fresh eggs
Hojicha powder 2 tablespoons (8g)
hot water to dissolve 3 tablespoons

Preparation:
In a bowl, put the Hojicha powder and add 5g of sugar and 3 tablespoons of hot water. Mix it well with a spoon. In another bowl, put the eggs and beat slowly adding 35g of sugar. Mix in blender until it turns white. Whip the cream addint the remaining sugar. Must be consistent. Mix all. Using rubber spatula, mix all like cutting. Put it in a bowl and freeze more than four hours. No need to mix in the middle of the freeze.

Matcha Tiramisú of La Cuina de L'Uribou

2010-07-26T14:24:00.000-07:00

I definitely went to taste the Matcha Tiramisú that one of my friends recommended to me. The name of the restaurant is La cuina de l'Uribou - located in Taquigraf Serra street Nº 26, near Josep Tarradellas street, Barcelona. "Uribou" means "a baby boar".

Uribou's Matcha Tiramisu is marvellous and professional look. Bright green colour of Matcha tea, white colour of cream and cake, and red of Adzuki bean. The dough is moist and soft and the taste is really good and not too sweet. Selected Matcha powder is sprinkled on top of the dessert so I could enjoy the straight and delicate green tea taste of Matcha.

In the scorching heat of summer, I was able to spend a cool and luxurious "wa" time in such a tranquil restaurant.

Restaurant La cuina de l'Uribou
C / Taquigraf Serra 26, 08029 Barcelona
81 93 93 114

Vegetarian Matcha ice cream

2010-07-18T00:44:00.000-07:00

Published in Spanish magazine Cocina Vegetariana, nº 11

We propose you a new recipe of vegetarian ice cream of ... green tea, that you can make easily in the morning and enjoy it in the afternoon.

To make green tea ice cream, we use Matcha. Matcha is the powdered form of high grade green tea leaves of Japanese origin. Matcha offers higher nutritional value and it is very tasty. Matcha is an authentic delicatessen.

Ingredients:

rice drink 250ml
rice cream 250ml
Matcha 8gr
3 biological egg yolks　
agave syrup 50g
1 teaspoon cornstarch

How to make:

1. Warm rice milk and rice cream.
2. Meanwhile, put agave syrup, egg yolk and cornstarch in a bowl and whisk until you acquire a certain density and lighter color.
3. When 1. starts to boil, remove from the fire, stirring a minute and pour Matcha tea powder.
4. Put a part of 3. to 2. After whipped, add the rest of 3.
5. Warm 4. over medium heat until you acquire a thickened cream, stirring with wooden spoon. Do not boil.
6. Remove the cream from the pan and pour it into a rectangular mold. Cool at room temperature for a while, and then transfer to freezer.
7. Frozen two to three hours, stirring several times en route.

Matcha sweets in Madrid

2010-07-16T10:41:00.000-07:00

Published in Magazine Dulcypass N º 373

The Japanese Culture Festival held at The Royal Botanic Garden in Madrid in May was a perfect stage to show Matcha green tea sweets.

Thanks to participation of The Matcha House Europe to this event, people could taste interesting Matcha sweets, such as Matcha chocolates, Matcha cookies, Matcha latte...etc.

The Matcha of the above-mentioned company changed totally the image that European people had had so far about Matcha. The Matcha House branded Matcha has bright green color and its taste is delicate & elegant. Its fine particles are suitable for cooking use, such as bread, cakes, chocolate, ice cream and other any kinds of sweets.

Of course, it is also recommendable to drink Matcha with hot water in a traditional way but today more Japanese people are drinking Matcha Latte - a blend of Matcha and milk.

Best recipe contest with Matcha

2010-07-02T23:27:00.000-07:00

Published in Spanish Magazine Comer y Beber N º 473, June 2010

"The Matcha House Europe wants to celebrate its first anniversary giving their best products. Do you know the Matcha Green Tea? Find and encourage yourself to cook with it. And send your best recipe with Matcha to us. 50 prizes will be awarded to the most original recipes.

First prize (photo)
Tea Ceremony Set
PRACTICE MATCHA (Ceremonial grade Usucha, 30g), Chasen (bamboo whisk), Chase Yasume (porcelain support for Chasen) and ceramic bowl for Tea Ceremony.

Second prize
Matcha Tea Set
TEATIME MATCHA (domestic grade 100% organic Matcha, 30g) and Chasen (bamboo whisk)

Third prize
Cooking Set
COOK MATCHA MINI (matcha for cooking 30g) and silicone molds for cup cake

And the 47 remaining winners
receive a sample of COOK MATCHA MINI 10g

Send your idea with a picture to comerybeber@mcediciones.com before September 30, 2010. Only people living in Spain can participate. Winners will be published in the magazine Comer y Beber in December. Good luck! "

Homemade pasta with Matcha tea

2010-06-30T23:26:00.000-07:00

Today we received a new Matcha recipe from our friend Miriam who lives in Madrid. She made pasta with Matcha tea. And she prepared sauce with virgin olive oil, basil and garlic. Here is her blog in which you will find detailed cooking process of this recipe: http://invitadoinviernoeng.blogspot.com/2010/06/matcha-noodles-with-basil-cream-and.html
It is wonderful job, indeed. Thank you very much Miriam!

★Ingredients for homemade pasta with matcha tea:
Yields 3-4 servings
* 260-270g hard wheat flour
* 3 heaped tsp matcha tea
* 3 medium eggs

★Ingredients for Basil cream:
* 250ml virgin olive oil
* 2 large handfuls of basil
* 2 cloves of garlic

This Blog "COOKING WITH JAPANESE GREEN TEA" welcomes recipes from readers. Please send us your original Matcha recipes. We look forward to your unique recipes!

Japanese home cooking and Matcha sweets in Barcelona

2010-06-24T10:42:00.000-07:00

Have you ever visited the venerable bookstore Librería General de Arte Martínez-Pérez in Barcelona, located in Valencia street Nº246? It is a historical building and inside the old bookstore, there are full of old books. But not many people know that in this bookstore there is a big hall and regularly classic music concerts and jazz concerts are held there. The coming 29th June is the day of WASHOKU (Japanese cuisine). The main theme is Japanese home cooking dishes for summer season and Matcha sweets. The menu is Japanese Salad, Japanese cold noodles, Sushi rolles, Tofu, Okonomiyaki, Matcha tiramisú and Matcha chocolate of The Matcha House. For drink, cold beers, cold green tea from Uji-Kyoto, Matcha latte and hot green tea from Uji-Kyoto. Details & reservation: http://libreriamartinezperez.blogspot.es or call 93 215 1933. Reservation deadline: June 28th.

Matcha truffle with cherry

2010-06-19T12:56:00.000-07:00

The season of cherry has arrived. European cherries are big and thick compared to Japanese ones. In Spain 1kg of cherry is sold at around 7 € (around 780 in Japanese yen.) Cherries are very good to eat as it is, but if you add it to green tea truffle, it is very delicious! Here you will find recipe of Matcha truffle with cherries.

Ingredient:

50g of cream
150g of white chocolate
Matcha for chocolate 3g
Matcha for sprinkle 3g
5 or 6 cherries

Preparation:

1. Wash well cherries with water.
2. Heat cream in a pan.
3. Crush white chocolate and put it into the cream and melt stirring.
4. Add Matcha and mix well.
5. Remove the seeds from cherries and cut into quarters. Add it and mix well.
6. Pour into a square mold and chill in the refrigerator more than 2 hours.
7. Remove from the mold and sprinkle Matcha on.
8. Cut into square shape sized 1.5cmx1.5cm.

The Matcha House in Sabadell

2010-06-17T04:29:00.000-07:00

If you live in Sabadell (Spain), you can get products of The Matcha House in the tea shop Cafestes. Visit them and ask for Matcha!

CafesTes

Ronda Zamenhof, 81 - Sabadell (Bcn)

Horario: 9.30 a 14 - 17.30 a 20.30

Teléfono 93 748 41 81
Más información: www.cafestes.com

Matcha churros

2010-06-13T12:26:00.001-07:00

Ingredient

200g of flour
200cc of water
a little salt
1 tablespoon of olive oil
1 tablespoon of Matcha
1 tablespoon of sugar
5g of powdered sugar
Olive oil for frying

Preparation:

1. In a bowl, put flour and matcha.
2. Add water, salt, olive oil and sugar and mix well.
3. Put 2. into the pastry bag.
4. Heat olive oil in the jump.
5. Drop the dough by squeezing it, drawing a long circle.
6. Drain on absorbent paper and sprinkle with plenty of powdered sugar.
7. Serve with hot chocolate or coffee.

Exceeded demand for Matcha au lait

2010-06-12T11:36:00.001-07:00

Mister Donut, a large doughnut franchise, mainly operates in Japan and other Asian markets, launced new Matcha drinks this summer. It started selling "Matcha au lait with black honey jelly" and "Matcha au lait with milk jelly" on 3rd June, but some of its shops had to stop selling due to lack of material due to exceeding demand. Mister Donut re-plans to start selling those products on 7th July, 2010. (from Tokyo morning Mainichi, June 11, 2010)

Iced Green Tea

2010-06-09T13:53:00.001-07:00

The weather is warming up, and that means it's time for a look at some of the most refreshing drinks in town. Here is a perfect summer drink for such a hot season.
Koi Sencha Iced is a Japanese green tea produced in Uji, Kyoto, one of the most famous regions for cultivation of green tea in the world.
Especially made for cold water. Full of vitamins and antioxidands.
Easy preparation: Just put a bag of Koi Sencha Iced in a 2 liter jug with water. Leave it in the refrigerator for 1 hour. No need to add sugar nor lemon nor milk.
Refresh yourself with iced green tea and try to cool off on a hot day!

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