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Kyoto Houjicha Powder Premium, 120 g
Denser Aromas, Fuller Bodies, Green teas, Japan, Tea, Warm EnergyUS$33.2京都 極上 粉末 焙じ茶
Top quality at great value
Milled to an ultra-fine particle size of under 10 microns, Tea Hong’s Kyoto Houjicha Powder Premium offers a texture as silky as the highest ceremonial matcha, offering a mesmerising, and deep, dark cacao and molasses profile. Other than the top of the trade grinding setup, the choice of raw material and mastery of the roast are essential elements to create this unique quality. With a unique blend formula created by Grand Tea Master Kikuoka of a high percentage of deep roasted tencha, supported with the sweeter taste of FIR Houjicha, the deep roasting takes place before each session of milling. The intensity of heat together with the optimally paced timing triggers a deep Maillard reaction, transforming the natural amino acids into rich, aromatic pyrazines while preserving a thick, sweet umami backbone. With that heat intensity, we have rested the tea well before releasing, so as to tame down its excess TCM heat energy. Enjoy.
Net weight: 120g (4.2oz) in Kraft-alu pack -
Nishio Matcha Setsubai, Ōn Koicha Supreme, 30 g
Cold Energy, Fuller Bodies, Green teas, Japan, Lighter Aromas, TeaUS$39.5西尾 極上御濃茶 雪梅
Plum blossoms in the snow
In the southern tip of Aichi prefecture before reaching the Mikawa Bay connecting to the Pacific Ocean, there is a small region that is known as the matcha capital amongst Japanese tea professionals — Nishio. A family farm which began tea production here since the end of 19th century is still thriving here. Two young cousins now run the setup: one oversees the tea farm, the other in the grinding facility. We were not convinced until we were each served with a small chawan of their koicha — the strong serving style as in Omotesenke おもてせんけ tea ceremony — so there was no hiding behind the foamy texture as in usucha, nor the dairy distractions as in matcha latte. When a tea is delivered in such a dense package, every bit of it is clearly revealed. We were struck immediately by its distinctive character: a refreshing “sea character” with a complex, engaging taste profile that is profoundly different from all the other matcha we have had from other regions. To us, it is this uncompromising insistence on its own strong character, rather than following trends toward softer, milder tastes, that deeply resonates. Introducing the best product from the Matcha Capital of Japan, Nishio Matcha Setsubai. Like the plum tree that blossoms even in the snow, a tea with a steadfast spirit that has won our respect.
Net weight: 30g (1.06oz) in pull-lid tincan
