Marukyu Koyamaen Matcha - Unkaku Ceremonial Japanese Matcha Powder

Flavour Profile: 

Unkaku, meaning “crane in the clouds,” is ceremonial grade tea with sophisticated, full-bodied flavors, boasting grassy notes, sans noticeable bitter or tart undertones. Prepared as koicha, it will delight discerning palates with its elegant, flavors, full of character, only to give way to a lingering sweet after-taste. Compared with Kinrin, which follows it in the line-up, Unkaku boasts more full-bodied as well as more even-keeled flavors. It is a top-grade tea with extraordinary promise.

Usage: 

Suitable for tea gatherings, offering an elegant and complex taste.

Matcha Unkaku is produced by Marukyu Koyamaen in Uji, Kyoto. Since 1704, Marukyu Koyamaen has been perfecting its tea cultivation and processing to offer superior Japanese teas. Marukyu Koyamaen is committed to its motto: "Making teas with quality as the highest priority."

How is Matcha Unkaku made?

Matcha Unkaku is crafted by shading tea plants several weeks before the harvest. The gradual shading results in a higher concentration of nutrients and a brighter green color. In the first harvest of the year, the umami rich leaves are carefully picked and steamed. They are then dried and stored as unfinished tencha until needed. Matcha Unkaku is then made by removing the stems and veins of the tea leaves, and grinding the delicate leaves in a stone mill to create a high grade matcha powder.

How to make usucha (thin matcha)

1. Pour hot water into a chawan (tea bowl).
2. Soak the bristles of chasen (bamboo whisk) in the hot water to soften.
3. Discard the water and dry the chawan with a soft cloth.
4. Into the chawan, sift 1 teaspoon of Matcha Unkaku using a sieve to avoid any lumps.
5. Add 60-70 ml of 75-85°C (170-185°F) filtered water.
6. Whisk together in zigzag or M shaped motion, while being careful not to press the chasen against the sides and bottom of the chawan.
7. When the large bubbles turn into finer bubbles, gently raise the chasen in a circular motion from the middle of the chawan.
8. Enjoy your smooth bowl of matcha.

How to store Matcha Unkaku

Keep Matcha Unkaku in a cool, dark, and dry spot as it is sensitive to heat, light, and humidity. After opening, keep tightly closed in between uses.

Ingredients: 100% Japanese green tea (Camellia sinensis)
Origin: Kyoto, Japan