Matcha - Wakaki-Shiro
抹茶 若き白
£12.00 per item
High quality matcha powder from tea leaves blended in Kyoto.
Matcha holds a significant place in Japanese cultures and has been the central element of chadō (‘Way of Tea’) for centuries. Matcha is a finely ground powdered green tea that is celebrated for its healthy qualities, rich taste and versatility in culinary applications.
It is made from shade-grown tea leaves, a process that begins weeks before harvest when the tea plants are covered with giant straw or tarp sheets to keep them shaded. This period stimulates the growth of tender young leaves which contain increased amino acid and caffeine but have a less bitter taste. After harvesting, the leaves undergo careful steaming, drying, and removal of stems and veins. The resulting leaf material, known as tencha, is then ground into a fine powder using stone mills. The grinding process is slow and meticulous to ensure that the heat from the mills doesn’t alter the tea’s flavour and aroma. Matcha stands out for its vibrant green colour and distinct flavour profile with a delightful combination of umami, natural sweetness, and slight bitterness.
Made from high-quality tea leaves grown in Kyoto and the surrounding areas, Wakaki-Shiro has a refreshing profile with a clear astringency and subtle sweetness. Its pronounced astringency lends a crisp quality when used in matcha lattes, while its vibrant green colour and flavour make it well suited to baked goods.
This item is limited to one box per purchase.
Prepare matcha by whisking a small amount of powdered tea with hot water. It is recommended to use a bamboo tea whisk, chasen to mix 2g of matcha with 60 ml of close to boiling water.
Weight: 20g
Kansai
The Kansai region includes the second-most populated metropolitan area in Japan with its largest city Osaka. Kyoto and Nara, two of Japan’s former capital cities, are home to important temples and shrines and strongholds of intangible cultural heritage, such as the Kyoto textile weaving skills of Nishijin.
