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Powdered green tea favoured by Sokuchusai, the 13th generation grand tea master of Omotesenke
The meaning of Kumoi no Mukashi "雲井の昔" :
雲井 (Kumoi) is used to describe the capital where the imperial palace is located. Since it seems that "Kumoi no mukashi" and "Miyako no fuji" were named at or around the same time, it is believed that "kumoi" refers to the capital. (for an explanation of the usage of "mukashi" and "shiro", please refer to the general notes)
◆The general notes of the usage of "mukashi" and "shiro":
The expressions "Mukashi" and "Shiro" at the end of tea names have a grading connotation and are used to distinguish between thick and thin teas, respectively.
Only "Mukashi" was likely to have been used originally, with the expression "Shiro” coming into use later on.
"Mukashi" is said to be a combination of the Chinese characters for "twenty" (廿) and "day" (日). Crucially, March 20th (廿日) of the lunar calendar is when it was said that the very best tea is picked.
"Shiro" became common during the reign of the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, and is said to have originated when the feudal lords of the time actively asked Uji tea masters to make their tea “thin" or "light". It is not clear what the expression “shiro" specifically meant at that time, but it is thought to have referred to the differences in taste, as records show that Furuta Oribe preferred dark green tea while Kobori Enshu preferred it to be lighter.
Perhaps the difference between 'dark' and 'light' tea can also be explained by the difference in the preparation methods of the tea in Uji.
Other theories as to the origins of the words “mukashi" and “shiro" exist, but it can be said with reasonable confidence that the word “mukashi" has been used since ancient times, with the word “shiro" coming into use from the Edo period onwards. Later generation tea masters then replaced the traditional word “mukashi" with the term “shiro," both of which had previously been used to describe the grades of the tea, and made it commonplace.
In any case, it is not totally clear how the times and changes in the history of the tea ceremony could have affected the meaning of “shiro" or "mukashi". However, they are words that reflect the trends and changes of the times and have been carried over to the present day.
Please note, that Sazen Tea does not keep this product in stock. We get all matcha and tea powder fresh from the factories only after an order is placed for it on our website, and this process can take a few days. Thank you for your patience!
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Item code: MTG013
Maker: Hekisuien
Origin: Kyoto Pref., JAPAN
Ingredients: green tea powder
Best before: APR / 2025
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Posting time can vary due to the manufacturers capacity, Japanese national holidays, as well as natural disasters or accidents, etc., and we can not guarantee posting dates.
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STEP 1) Put 4g (0.8 US tsp, 2 teaspoon or 4 chashaku scoop) matcha powder into a suitable tea bowl.
STEP 2) Pour 30 ml (1 fl oz) 80℃ (176°F) water over the matcha powder.
STEP 3) Gently knead with a chasen (tea whisk) until all lumps are gone.
❖ Before Step 1, warm up the tea bowl with hot water, then dry it with a cloth to create the perfect temperature so make the most delicious matcha with a fresh scent while preparing. (Optional)
❖ To prevent clotting of the matcha powder, sift it through a fine strainer before use. (Strongly recommended)
❖ After the matcha is done, drink it immediately, because as it cools down it gets more and more bitter. (Recommended)
❖ Freshness is the most important thing for the enjoyment of Matcha. It is best to use up the tea within one month of opening. (Strongly recommended)
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Gi******, 2018-03-01 19:04 JST,
It has a very balanced taste. As usucha it's just a very good matcha, but in my opinion not as multi-faceted as other Sazen matchas from this price range. As koicha, more flavors come out and it's more interesting to me, but there is some bitterness. I prefer other matchas, but it's probably just my taste since I can't easily find any objective flaws.
Powdered green tea favoured by Hounsai, the 15th generation grand tea master of Urasenke
Powdered green tea favoured by Jimyosai, the 14th generation grand tea master of Omotesenke
