O-Cha sells fine matcha. In a world filled with the usual hyperbolic nonsense that one reads on vendors' web-sites, exclamation marks aplenty, the humble descriptions at O-Cha are a breath of fresh air:
"This is a highly above-average matcha."
"Kiku Mukashi" means "chrysanthemum ancient". Something bizarre appears to have happened to me, because I appear to be able to read the (Chinese) characters: juxi.
It's green and powdery. This is an usucha [thin matcha] from Uji.
The aroma is, believe or not, quite close to the powdery sweetness of chrysanthemum. We have jars of the little yellow flowers knocking around our house, as Lei likes to mix them in with her various traditional medicinal concoctions.
The addition of water brings it all to life.
While my skill is just that of a humble neophyte, I do enjoy matcha very much. If pressed for time in the morning, a simple bowl is rapid to produce, and is a great opportunity to sit down with Lei before we go our separate ways for the day.
It doesn't last too long, and is quite expensive, but you get what you pay for.
It has a touch of "edge", compared with the super-smooth "Chiyo Mukashi" [Qiandai Xi - Thousand Generations Ancient], although the latter is koicha [thick matcha] and about twice the price.
It has a touch of "edge", compared with the super-smooth "Chiyo Mukashi" [Qiandai Xi - Thousand Generations Ancient], although the latter is koicha [thick matcha] and about twice the price.
A superb way to the start the day, in moderation.
11 comments:
Finally, a matcha review on the Half-Dipper.
:)
We don't drink a lot of it, but enjoy what we have. Exclusively from O-cha, so far. :)
Toodlepip,
Hobbes
Sounds really good, will have to include this one in my next order! O-Cha's "Kiri no Mori" is a really cracking matcha for only $16 a tin!
Jack :)
I'll order some when our existing supplies have expired - thanks, Jack!
I would recommend the "Chiyo Mukashi" the most, but be ready for expense. ;)
Toodlepip,
Hobbes
Great photos, as ever.
I order matcha from Hibiki-an sometimes, but haven't tried O-cha. I think I will try it next!
Matcha, the equivalent of expresso in the tea world :)?
That depends... do you eat your espresso grinds? :)
Errr, generally no. I was thinking that expresso and matcha were comparable on the quantity/potency of beverage obtained.
Eating coffee grinds may occur in the Turkish coffee realm (an altogether different way of preparing coffee).
Happy stirring,
TGY
Matcha. The instant tea. Just kidding. But it can be a rather quick piece of work and even brewed with cold water in just a minute or two. This isn't fast food but it's highly convenient. Wonderful stuff. --Teaternity
Wow this matcha looks so great can't wait to taste it
What a totally awesome cup!
shaveBandito (from B&B)
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