Role for Omogashi

Sweets are considered Omogashi when it has more than 30% moisture included which creates a soft texture and neutralizes the bitterness of the tea itself.

Seasons

　The 4 seasons play a huge role in choosing the right kind of sweets for the tea ceremony. Tea masters would take weeks or months to find the perfect sweet to match the season, the mood, and the environment at the same time. For example, seasonal flowers such as canola flowers, cherry blossoms (sakura), and peach blossoms are some of the famous examples that are provided as options depending on the seasons.

Timing

　These sweets have a specific role within the tea ceremony, which is a necessary process in each tea ceremony. Since matcha is a bitter drink due to the natural plant antioxidant called catechin, the guests are welcomed with a sweet so that the tea would taste sweeter than it already does.