Uji Matcha #2 (Ceremonial Grade / Hand-picked) - YUGEN
80g: 30g (can) + 50g (silver packet)
50g, 150g, 250g, 500g: Silver packets (sold in 50g increments)
The rare "Asahi" cultivar is one of Japan's finest tea leaves, often dominating national tea competitions. Highly difficult to cultivate and produced in limited quantities, it offers a vibrant freshness, a deep richness, and a profound shaded aroma (Ooika). We carefully blend this with "Samidori," a classic Tencha cultivar prized for its clean, rich sweetness and strikingly vibrant, glossy deep green color.
Blending these cultivars creates a multi-dimensional flavor a single variety cannot achieve. When whisked, Samidori’s vivid green beautifully layers with Asahi’s rich aroma and depth. Rather than an overly heavy umami, we crafted a clear, elegant taste that never tires the palate, remaining pleasant to the last drop. By minimizing bitterness and letting their traits harmonize, this matcha leaves a beautiful, soft finish that gently lingers.
【 Production & Cultivar Information 】
Category : Koicha (Thick Matcha)
Origin : Uji, Kyoto
Cultivars : Asahi, Samidori
Harvest : Hand-picked
Milling : Stone-ground
Harvest Season : First Harvest
・Hand-Picked and Slowly Ground
Only the softest, youngest shoots are selected through meticulous hand-picking. By selecting the leaves entirely by hand instead of using machines, older leaves and tough stems that cause bitterness are naturally excluded, ensuring only the purest tea leaves are gathered.
These selected leaves are then slowly ground in traditional stone mills at a rate of just 30 grams per hour. While this method requires considerable time and care, the slow grinding process helps keep friction heat low, allowing the leaves to retain their fresh aroma and rich umami.
・Well-Suited for Koicha
Koicha (thick matcha) is prepared by kneading a larger amount of matcha with a small amount of hot water. Because this style reveals the true essence of the tea leaves, it calls for leaves of exceptional quality with very little bitterness. Crafted for a clear, refined umami, Matcha #2 can be enjoyed both as an everyday usucha (thin tea) and as koicha. It offers a smooth texture and a deep, balanced flavor.
As tea is a product of nature, its flavor varies slightly from year to year. We carefully assess the unique characteristics of each harvest, making fine adjustments to the balance of umami and subtle bitterness. Each batch is thoughtfully prepared to maintain the balanced, harmonious character of YUGEN’s Matcha #2.
【 Notice & Storage Instructions 】
Matcha is sensitive to light, moisture, and odors.
After opening, keep it tightly sealed in a container or pouch and store in a cool, dark place. For the best color and aroma, we recommend using it soon after opening.
For long-term storage before opening, you may refrigerate or freeze it. Please let the package return to room temperature before opening, as condensation can affect the quality.
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Hojicha Pwder (Kyoto)
Made from only the finest first-harvest tea leaves, lightly roasted to bring out both their toasty aroma and natural umami. Carefully controlled temperature and timing create a smooth, well-rounded flavor.
Perfect for hojicha lattes, as well as both Japanese and Western desserts or savory dishes. A versatile hojicha powder that adds depth and a delightful roasted note to any recipe.
Uji Matcha Series
We offer four varieties, from #0 to #3. The higher the number, the finer the grade—bitterness becomes more mellow, while umami and sweetness deepen. The aroma grows richer, and the color becomes more vibrant.
