Seika-no-Mukashi - Uji Matcha
Ozawa SeifuenA complex koicha that boasts rich, deep umami along with zesty top notes that shine through when prepared as thick tea.
The name Seika-no-Mukashi means "Ancient Tranquility" (清閑の昔).
Producer: Ozawa Seifūen
Region: Uji, Kyoto
Cultivar: Blend
Harvested: April-May, 2024
Uji city in Kyoto prefecture has long been at the centre of Japanese tea and has been famed for its high-quality matcha production for centuries, dating back to the 12th century. The shading method used to produce modern matcha (c. 15th century) along with sencha (1737) and gyokuro itself (1835) were all invented by Uji farmers looking to push the boundaries of tea quality.
Though the name Ujicha remains associated with high-grade tea, most tea branded as Ujicha is produced in the neighbouring towns of Ujitawara, Minamiyamashiro, Kizugawa, and primarily Wazuka.
Brewing Instructions
Usucha
Thin Tea
Heat water to 70º C (158º F)
Add 70 ml (2.4 oz) of water to 2 g (2 tea scoops) of sifted matcha
Whisk briskly in a back and forth motion for about 20 seconds
Koicha
Thick Tea
Heat water to 85º C (185º F)
Add 30 ml (1 oz) of water to 4 g (3-4 tea scoops) of sifted matcha
Knead the tea in a circular motion until smooth and glossy
Ozawa Seifūen (小澤清風園)
Ozawa Seisuke (小澤成介) is an Urasenke Associate Professor and a Nihoncha Instructor, and combines his experience, knowledge and passion in both the cultural and agricultural spheres of the Japanese tea world to spread information and joy, teaching all who come to his shop about the best way to brew and prepare a variety of teas.
Ozawa Seifūen (小澤清風園) was founded over 140 years ago in 1872 across from Tōji Temple in Kyōto. The original founder learned that in the 15th century, matcha used to be sold on the street in front of the temple in a practice known as ippuku-issen (一服一銭 - one cup for one coin), and wanting to cherish this connection between tea and Tōji Temple, founded his tea shop across the street. They work closely with farmers in Uji, Kyōto to produce a variety of teas, including exquisitely blended matchas.