A matcha whisk, also known as a chasen, has been around for hundreds of years. They’re an extremely important tool for making matcha. The traditional bamboo whisk has also gotten a modern upgrade in the form of an electric whisk! Choosing your matcha whisk is one of the first steps you’ll take in becoming an expert matcha maker. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the matcha whisk (chasen) so you can make a great decision when you decide to buy one.
History of the chasen
Tea was introduced to Japan from China between 618 and 907 AD (that’s over 1,000 years ago!). The traditional Chinese way to drink tea is by pouring boiling water over tea leaves—no whisk needed. The idea of powdered tea becoming popular in Japan was influenced by Buddhist Monks who brought the idea over from China. About 700 years after tea was first introduced in Japan, the traditional tea ceremony (chanoyu) started to take form.
The tea ceremony evolved into a highly ritualized practice, emphasizing aesthetics, simplicity, and mindfulness. Tools like the chasen, chawan (drinking bowl) and (bamboo scoop) became integral parts of the tea ceremony.
The art of making chasen is a specialized craft. Specific families and regions are known for their chasen-making skills. The techniques and traditions of chasen-making have been passed down through generations.
What does a matcha whisk do?
A traditional matcha whisk is crafted from one piece of bamboo that is skillfully cut into small, fine tines that whisk matcha into a frothy, uniform consistency. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and typically range from 80-120 tines per chasen. The thickness and number of tines play a role in how quickly the whisk forms a froth in the matcha and how strong this whisk is for different matcha-making activities.
Want to learn how to make a traditional cup of matcha? We’ve got you covered with our article How to Make Matcha Green Tea.
How is a matcha whisk made?
Each matcha whisk is made from one piece of bamboo that is dried for at least two years before chasen-making begins. The three main types of bamboo used are shiratake (white), susudake (soot-colored) and kurotake (black). White and black bamboo occur naturally, but susudake comes from planks of bamboo taken from the ceilings inside traditional Japanese homes. The bamboo is colored by the smoke and soot that reaches the ceiling from the charcoal cooking fires. Susudake chasens are quite rare and expensive.
After the piece of bamboo is selected, the craftsman follows 8 very specific steps to cut the tines and make the chasen as uniform as possible.
Traditional or electric?
Bamboo matcha whisks require a little bit of elbow grease and some specific care in order to froth your matcha and keep your whisk in great condition. For the traditionalist, there is no other way to whisk your matcha than with a chasen.
But we’re not all traditionalists!
Another whisk option is the electric frother. Using this whisk is as simple as flipping a switch and watching your matcha form a thick frothy foam in seconds. Electric whisks are faster than chasens and are great if you’re on the go and don’t have time to follow tea ceremony rituals.
How to take care of a matcha whisk
To take care of a chasen, it’s recommended that you soak the tines in warm water before each use to strengthen them and avoid breakage. After use, rinse immediately in clean water. If you need to reshape the tines, you can do so using a matcha whisk shaper called a kusenaoshi.
Chasen’s should always be left to air dry standing up so the tines are not under any pressure.
For electric frothers, rinse immediately after use and allow to dry. If you notice your electric whisk becoming sluggish, batteries can easily be replaced.
We have more details on cleaning a matcha whisk and why you should never use a metal whisk in our article 3 Easy Steps to Cleaning Your Bamboo Matcha Whisk.
Where to buy matcha whisks and tools
We sell tons of gorgeous, traditional, and handmade matcha accessories, including chasens, kusenaoshi, chawan, chashaku and more! Our chasen’s are handmade in Japan using shiratake bamboo, and we also sell electric frothers specifically designed for mixing matcha - they even have a bamboo pattern on them! We also sell many different types of matcha that range in grade, flavor, and brewing style.
If you’re looking to get started making and don’t have any of the needed utensils, we have a matcha starter kit that includes everything you need!
Bottom line
Whether you’re a traditionalist and love a handmade chawan or prefer a quicker, electric frother method for whisking your matcha - the different types of matcha whisks that we sell at matcha.com are all specifically designed to make your matcha delicious, rich, and foamy.
Some of our favorite trending matcha recipes:
5 Best Matcha Green Tea Mocktails
Matcha Green Tea Arnold Palmer
Disclaimer: These statements in this blog post have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. It's essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.
Resources:
Anna. “Tanimura Tango and Takayama Chasen (高山の茶筅).” Global Japanese Tea Association, 31 May 2022, gjtea.org/tanimura-tango-and-takayama-chasen/.
McNamee, G. Lewis (2024, January 29). matcha. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/matcha
