Ippodo Tea - Ummon Matcha (20g) - For Usucha and Koicha - Kyoto Since 1717

Ippodo Tea: Over 300 Years of Tradition

Established in 1717 in the heart of Kyoto, Ippodo Tea is a family-run Japanese tea company with a rich history spanning over three centuries. As a multi-faceted tea purveyor, Ippodo carefully selects, blends, and crafts its teas, ensuring the highest quality and consistency across its offerings.

Ippodo's teas are sourced from the mountains of Kyoto and the surrounding region, an area renowned for producing Japan's finest green teas. The mild, misty climate, mineral-rich soil, and balanced sunshine and rainfall in this area create the perfect conditions for growing exceptional tea leaves.

Ippodo's diverse tea selection includes a range of premium green tea varieties, each with its own distinct characteristics:

Matcha: A vibrant green tea powder made by grinding shade-cultivated leaves, matcha is known for its rich aroma, mellow umami, and vivid color. Ippodo offers a variety of matcha grades, including the flagship Ummon, a powerful and complex premium matcha recommended for matcha enthusiasts.

Gyokuro: This green tea boasts an abundance of sweet, umami-rich flavor and a dew-like aroma. Its thick, less astringent character makes it ideal for slow, mindful sipping.

Sencha: Sencha green tea strikes a harmonious balance of umami, sweetness, bitterness, and astringency, with a bright, refreshing fragrance. It can be enjoyed throughout the day, at mealtimes or teatime.

Bancha: Light-bodied, fragrant, and refreshing, Ippodo's bancha teas offer a variety of aromatic profiles, making them a versatile choice for everyday drinking.

When preparing Ippodo's teas, particularly matcha, the company recommends sifting the dry powder before adding water, as this helps to create a well-mixed and fragrant brew. Whisking for just a few seconds, rather than minutes, is also key to avoiding bitterness. The classic bamboo whisk, or chasen, is the ideal tool for this task.

Ippodo encourages experimentation with water temperature and matcha-to-water ratios to find the perfect balance of flavors. Scalding hot water produces a sharp, fragrant character, while cold water results in a rich, misty profile. Comfortably hot water, around 176°F, creates a balanced, harmonious cup.

For a latte-style matcha, simply add your favorite milk to the whisked tea, adjusting the ratios to suit your taste. Whether enjoying matcha in its traditional form or as part of a customized beverage, Ippodo's teas offer a truly exceptional and authentic Japanese tea experience.

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