Best Kyoto Prefecture Non-alcoholic Beverage Producers
Marukyu Koyamaen is a prestigious tea company based in Uji, Kyoto, Japan, specializing in premium green teas, particularly Gyokuro and Matcha. Founded in 1917, it has a long history of producing high-quality teas using traditional Japanese methods.
The company prides itself on its commitment to preserving the rich heritage of Japanese tea culture while delivering exceptional products that embody the essence of Japanese craftsmanship. Marukyu Koyamaen also offers a variety of tea-related products and services, including factory tours and special offerings for food-grade matcha.
Their teas are highly regarded for their rich flavor, aroma, and smoothness, making them a favorite among tea enthusiasts worldwide.
BEST Marukyu Koyamaen Teas and Herbal Infusions
Hibiki-an is a Japanese company specializing in the production and distribution of high-quality green tea from the Uji region in Kyoto, renowned as the birthplace of Japanese tea. The company offers a variety of teas, including Gyokuro, Sencha, and Matcha, as well as organic options and premium-grade teas.
In addition to teas, Hibiki-an provides traditional Japanese tea utensils, such as teapots, cups, and Matcha bowls, allowing tea enthusiasts to enjoy an authentic Japanese tea experience. The company is dedicated to preserving the freshness and quality of its products, delivering them directly from Japan to customers worldwide.
BEST Hibiki-An Teas and Herbal Infusions
Tsuen Tea is Japan's oldest continuously operating teashop, established in 1160 in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture. The current building, constructed in 1672, remains nearly unchanged and is the most recent in a series of shops owned by the Tsuen family on the same site since its founding.
The shop offers a variety of teas, including matcha, gyokuro, sencha, and genmaicha, as well as unique blends and organic options. They also provide traditional Japanese tea utensils, such as teapots, cups, and matcha bowls, allowing tea enthusiasts to enjoy an authentic Japanese tea experience.
BEST Tsuen Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
Ippodo Tea is a Japanese family-owned company founded in 1717 in the heart of Kyoto, which has been dedicated to providing the highest quality Japanese green tea for nearly three centuries. Their product range includes a wide variety of teas, such as matcha, gyokuro, sencha, bancha (including hojicha and genmaicha), and tea bags, allowing tea enthusiasts to enjoy premium flavors even when they have limited time.
Located in Kyoto, an area known for producing the finest green tea in Japan, Ippodo Tea carefully selects, blends, and processes each of its 30+ varieties to deliver aromatic and well-balanced teas.
BEST Ippodo Tea Teas and Herbal Infusions
Best Kyoto Prefecture Non-alcoholic Beverages
The Kiwami Choan is a premium matcha from Marukyu Koyamaen, known for its exceptional quality. It won the Gold Award in the matcha category at the Leafies 2022 tea fair in the United Kingdom. The matcha is carefully cultivated and processed to maintain its rich, deep flavor, making it ideal for traditional tea ceremonies and connoisseurs who appreciate high-quality tea.
It is recommended to store it in a cool, dark place or the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. The Kiwami Choan matcha offers a smooth, umami-rich taste, with a vivid green color that embodies the mastery of Marukyu Koyamaen's tea-making tradition.
Tenju is a premium grade of matcha from Marukyu Koyamaen. This matcha is crafted from hand-picked tea leaves and is known for its rich, distinctive aroma and robust flavor, making it ideal for preparing thick matcha. It comes in a beautifully designed packaging with the tea's name printed on the box, which enhances its premium appeal.
The Tenju matcha is recommended for connoisseurs who appreciate traditional, high-quality matcha, and it is perfect for those looking to experience authentic Japanese tea culture.
The House Matcha is made from Ichibancha, the first tea harvest of the year, and is carefully grown in the shade for 20 to 30 days before harvest using the "Jikagise" method. This process enhances the matcha's noble aroma, refreshing scent, and mellow taste.
The tea is ground with a traditional stone mortar and pestle, called a Hikiusu, ensuring a fine texture and rich flavor. To maintain freshness, the matcha is packaged in a resealable zip-lock bag. It's recommended to remove as much air as possible when sealing the package after opening.
Matcha is a finely ground powder made from green tea leaves, originating from Japan, known for its intense green color and rich, umami flavor. Unlike traditional green teas, matcha involves consuming the whole leaf, which allows for the intake of all the nutrients and antioxidants contained in the plant.
Matcha is rich in antioxidants, particularly catechins, which help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. It also contains L-theanine, an amino acid that improves concentration and reduces stress. The caffeine in matcha provides energy without causing jitteriness, making it a healthier alternative to coffee.
Kan-no-shiro is a matcha powder that provides a well-balanced, mild flavor with a refreshing, slightly bitter aftertaste that stimulates energy. It is ideal for moments when you want to relax or take a break from concentration. This matcha is recommended to be paired with light and airy desserts such as waffles, chiffon cake, or cheesecake soufflé.
For preparation, use 2 grams of matcha powder with 60 ml of hot water (around 80°C) for usucha (thin matcha) and whisk for 15 seconds. For koicha (thick matcha), use 4 grams of matcha powder with 30 ml of hot water (around 80°C) and whisk for 15 seconds.
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