I’m from Japan what I drink every day for a long life
Growing up in Nara, Japan, surrounded by tea fields, matcha has always been a part of my life. The full aroma and the deep bitter and sweet umami taste of this vivid green tea evokes so much nostalgia for me.
When I was in high school, I started taking formal tea ceremony lessons. It was a highlight of my week. Our tea master would always give my classmates and me delicious, seasonal Japanese wagashi (sweets) and flowers, and she invited us to watch and help during her tea ceremony at a prestigious temple in Kyoto.
I still regularly perform Chado, the traditional Japanese tea ceremony for preparing green tea. I stopped for a time when I moved to the United States, but resuming the practice here in New York has provided a valuable sense of community for me.
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More than anything, I associate matcha with the wisdom of my elders. My 99-year-old aunt and my 98-year-old mentor, who I call Papa-san, have been making their own matcha for most of their lives. I’ve even inherited some of their matcha bowls and utensils.
Matcha is my No. 1 beverage for boosting longevity, and I drink it every day.
Here I am offering a tea ceremony and lecture for the community in Beacon, New York.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
The health benefits of matcha
A delicious batch of vegan matcha cupcakes.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
Studies have also shown that matcha can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and can improve your gut health as well.
There are so many ways to consume matcha, including sweet treats like cake, cookies, chia pudding and mochi.
How to receive a bowl of matcha in the traditional way
If you ever have the opportunity to attend a Chakai (tea gathering) or be served in a formal setting, there are several rules to follow — these are some key ones.
When you are served, say “Okemae chodai Itashimasu,” which means “Thank you for serving tea to me.” Then pick up the bowl, hold it with both hands, take a moment to look at the color and enjoy.
My daily matcha with my 99-year-old aunt’s tea bowl.
Photo: Michiko Tomioka
After you finish, once again, look at the bowl and carefully hold it in both hands. Then return it back to the place where you were served.
The most important thing is to express your appreciation, relax and embrace the moment.
How I prepare my bowl of matcha every day
My day starts with offering a prayer and a bowl of matcha to my ancestors. Then I make a bowl for myself and one for my son before he goes to work as a physical therapist. This daily ritual for performing Chado fills me with such a sense of peace.
Here are the steps I take:
- I boil approximately two ounces of water.
- I place half a cup of hot water into my bowl and with my chasen (bamboo tea whisk), I swirl the water several times to purify my tools. Takayama, a village in my home of Nara, is famous for making chasen.
- I drain the water and then wipe everything with a clean cloth or paper towel.
- With my chashaku (traditional…
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