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Should You Batch Brew Matcha?
Author: Max McPartland
Introduction
Matcha has become a staple on modern café menus. For high-volume shops, though, it can be tricky to serve without disrupting workflow. Many have turned to batch brewing, a method that blends matcha into a concentrate used throughout the day. But does it compromise quality?
There’s no single right way to make matcha. There is, however, good and bad matcha, and good and bad preparation. If batch brewing helps your café serve matcha efficiently and consistently, there’s nothing wrong with it. Just approach it with the same care you would a made-to-order whisked bowl.
The Science: Oxidation
All tea is oxidized to a final point during processing. Once finished, additional oxidation dulls aroma, color, and flavor. This is especially true for matcha. The moment tencha is milled into matcha powder, it begins to oxidize, slowed only by airtight storage.
When matcha is whisked (or blended) into water, oxidation accelerates. In theory, this makes batch brewing less than ideal. In practice, if you make your batch in the morning and use it within the same day, the difference in taste, color, or aroma is negligible. In other words: if this is what makes serving matcha possible behind bar, it’s perfectly fine.
Preparation
Batch-brewed matcha should always be made for day-of use only. The biggest factor in cup quality remains the same: the matcha itself. Use a high-quality, fresh, ceremonial-grade powder and prepare it carefully.
Ratio:
- 12 g matcha : 1½ cups (355 mL) water
- or, for our 80 gram tin : 10 cups (2.36 L) water
- yields ~32 servings (2.5 g per drink)
Process
- Heat water to about 130°F (54°C), cooler than whisked matcha, since it will sit longer and hotter water increases bitterness.
- Add water to a blender. Slowly sift matcha into the blender to prevent clumping.
- *Blend on low until fully combined and a light froth forms.
- Transfer to a clean container and refrigerate when not in use.
- Gently swirl or shake before each use.
*Alternatively, shake vigorously until the matcha is fully suspended and frothy on top is another perfectly good option. A quick shake before each pour will keep the matcha evenly mixed.
Each drink should use about 2.5 fl oz (≈74 mL) of concentrate. Discard any remaining batch after 24 hours.
Storage & Containers
- Choose a compact container (under 1 L) with a tight, leak-proof lid, something that’s easy to shake and pour from behind bar.
- Glass or food-grade plastic works best. Avoid metal, which can affect flavor over time.
- Always store cold, either refrigerated or in an ice bath setup during service, to slow oxidation and preserve the bright green color.
When (and When Not) to Use
This method is perfect for matcha lattes, where the milk or milk alternative softens any texture loss and consistency is key for volume service.
It should never be used for straight matcha service, where the foam texture and suspension achieved by whisking are essential. Batch brewing removes that signature foam, and even high-grade matcha will lose clarity and mouthfeel when treated this way.
