Yes, sifting matcha is highly recommended and considered essential for proper preparation. Matcha powder is extremely fine and naturally clumps due to moisture exposure and static electricity. These clumps won't dissolve during whisking, resulting in a grainy, unpleasant texture.
Benefits of sifting matcha include:
To sift properly, use a fine mesh strainer or traditional matcha sifter. Place your measured matcha in the sieve over your bowl and gently press it through with the back of a spoon or chashaku. Even high-quality matcha benefits from sifting. This simple 30-second step dramatically improves your matcha experience and is practiced in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies.