Matcha Stand Maruni Step Into The World Of Green Tea

Matcha Stand Maruni is a specialty store that offers an immersive experience into the world of green tea, particularly matcha, which has been a cornerstone of Japanese culture for centuries. Located in Tokyo's Tsukiji Outer Market, this store aims to make matcha accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

What is Matcha and How is it Made?

Matcha is a type of green tea that is cultivated and prepared uniquely. Before harvesting, the tea plants are shaded to enhance the flavor, a process that increases the umami taste. The leaves are then steamed, dried whole, and finally ground into a fine powder using stone mills.

Key Characteristics of Matcha

• Origin: Matcha Stand Maruni's matcha is produced in Uji, Kyoto, and its surrounding areas, known for their ideal soil and climate for green tea production.
• Quality: The matcha is selected and blended by Japanese tea appraisers, a group of only 30 experts worldwide.
• Flavor Profile: Matcha is known for its vibrant green color, deep aroma, and a balance of bitter and sweet flavors.

Products and Uses

Matcha Stand Maruni offers various matcha products tailored for different uses:

Culinary Grade Matcha

• Description: This matcha is ideal for baking and cooking. It is a blend from Kyoto and Nara, known for its good sweetness and aroma.
• Recommended Uses: Perfect for making cakes, cookies, and other sweets. It is also suitable for making matcha lattes and other beverages.

Ceremonial Grade Matcha

• Description: This premium matcha is from Uji, Kyoto, and is made from early harvest tea leaves. It is known for its strong aroma and umami taste.
• Recommended Uses: Ideal for ceremonial purposes, such as koicha (thick tea) and usucha (thin tea), as well as for making special matcha lattes.

Storage and Shelf Life

To maintain the quality of matcha powder, Matcha Stand Maruni uses nitrogen to prevent oxidation:

• Unopened: The matcha powder can last up to 360 days when unopened.
• Opened: After opening, it is recommended to consume the matcha within 90 days. Always keep the pouch tightly sealed and away from light, heat, air, and moisture.

Preparing Matcha

Matcha Stand Maruni offers demonstrations on how to prepare matcha, making it accessible for beginners:

• Traditional Preparation: Matcha is prepared using a chasen (bamboo whisk) in a spouted bowl. The staff at Matcha Stand Maruni prepare each cup methodically, showcasing the traditional technique.
• Modern Variations: For those who prefer a more contemporary take, matcha lattes are also available. Customers can choose the amount of matcha added to their latte, making it customizable to their taste.

Recipes and Tips

For those who want to incorporate matcha into their baking, Matcha Stand Maruni provides a recipe for matcha pound cakes with dry fruits:

• Ingredients:
  • Butter: 150g
  • Sugar: 150g
  • Egg: 150g
  • Honey syrup: 15g
  • Flour: 135g
  • Matcha powder: 15g
  • Baking powder: 5g
  • White figs: 100g
  • Cashew nuts: 10g
• Instructions:
  1. Mix the ingredients of butter, sugar, egg, and honey syrup well.
  2. Sieve the flour and mix with matcha powder.
  3. Combine all ingredients and mix well using a spatula.
  4. Pour the mixture into a cake mold, add cashew nuts on top, and bake at 160 degrees for about 50 minutes.

Visit and Experience

Matcha Stand Maruni is more than just a store; it is an experience:

• Location: Located in Tokyo's Tsukiji Outer Market, a bustling area known for its fresh seafood and traditional Japanese culture.
• Demonstrations: The store offers matcha preparation demonstrations, allowing customers to watch and learn the traditional techniques.
• Authentic Tea Utensils: Matcha Stand Maruni also sells professional-grade tea utensils, making it a one-stop shop for matcha enthusiasts.

By stepping into Matcha Stand Maruni, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich world of matcha, from its unique cultivation and preparation to its various culinary uses, ensuring a memorable and educational experience.