Embark on a journey into the world of matcha with Matchaology. Dive deep into the history, cultivars, production, quality assessment, and distinguishing features of matcha. From classic Koicha and Usucha to modern favorites like matcha lattes, cold whisks, and unique matcha concoctions, this course covers it all. Master the art of matcha and elevate your matcha and beverage game with Matchaology.

Asatsuyu - Single Cultivar Sencha from Uji, Kyoto by Shogyokuen

Asatsuyu is a single-cultivar sencha from Uji, Kyoto, produced by Shogyokuen - a family-run tea factory established in 1827. Named after the Japanese word for 'morning dew,' Asatsuyu is one of Japan's most distinctive and prized tea cultivars - naturally sweet, unusually smooth, and noticeably low in astringency. It is the sencha for people who think they don't like sencha, and the one that experienced green tea drinkers return to consistently.

About Asatsuyu

Asatsuyu is part of our Japanese Sencha collection and is produced exclusively from the Asatsuyu cultivar - a natural mutation variety valued for its exceptional natural sweetness, high L-theanine content, and very low catechin levels.

Low catechins mean very low astringency. High L-theanine means pronounced sweetness and umami. The result is a sencha that is dramatically smoother and rounder than typical Japanese green teas - closer in character to a shaded gyokuro than a standard full-sun sencha, but produced without shading and at a significantly lower price point.

At Shogyokuen's production level - sourced from Uji and refined by master blender Hiroshi Kobayashi - Asatsuyu shows the cultivar at close to its full potential.

Taste Profile

Liquor: Clear, bright golden-green
Mouthfeel: Smooth, round
Finish: Medium, naturally sweet
Umami: Pronounced
Astringency: Very low

Flavor Notes

Asatsuyu brews a clear, bright golden-green liquor with a smooth, round body and a medium, naturally sweet finish. Pronounced umami arrives gently - deeper and more sustained than most sencha at this price. Fresh green sweetness defines the character: clean, soft, and slightly floral in suggestion, without the sharp grassy edge of standard cultivars. Very low astringency means the finish is gentle and long, settling into a natural sweetness that lingers without bitterness. A cup that rewards slowing down.

How to Brew Asatsuyu

Recommended brewing parameters:
- Leaf: 4-5g per 150ml
- Water temperature: 65-70°C
- Steeping time: 60-90 seconds
- Infusions: 2-3

Use slightly cooler water than standard sencha to preserve Asatsuyu's natural sweetness and prevent the minimal astringency from developing. Pour fully after each infusion. For cold brew, use 8-10g per 500ml of cold water and steep in the fridge for 6-8 hours - cold brewing suits Asatsuyu particularly well, producing a genuinely sweet, smooth cup with zero bitterness.

Equipment: A kyusu (Japanese side-handle teapot) produces the best results. A gaiwan or infuser teapot also work well.

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15% discount on every purchase up to 10kg all matcha, tea, tea ware

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Discover Chio Mukashi, a premium matcha crafted from the finest Tencha leaves, meticulously processed into high-quality matcha powder. This matcha delivers a rich, creamy, and Umami-loaded flavor that will delight your taste buds. Cultivated under a protective canopy, Chio Mukashi tea leaves are shielded from direct sunlight and contact with shading materials, allowing the plants to grow naturally. This careful cultivation process results in handpicked, exceptional-quality leaves, ensuring every cup of Chio Mukashi matcha offers an unparalleled taste experience. Perfect for matcha enthusiasts seeking the best in flavor and quality.


FLAVOR PROFILE

Extremely easy to foam up! Chio Mukashi leaves a pleasant and rich taste of young cooked peas and artichokes in your mouth and throat, combined with a buttery and slight nutty almond flavor on your tongue.
The dark green color, coupled with unique hints of sea breeze, gives way to a beautiful Umami-rich Usucha and Koicha.

Chio Mukashi has a thick and juicy moth feeling with a long finish.


PRODUCT INFO

Name: Matcha Chio Mukashi Japanese name: 抹茶 千代昔
Net Weight: 40 gram / 1.4 oz (can)
Cultivar: Samidori and Uji Hikari Blend
Harvest: May Region: Wazuka, Kyoto. Refined in Kyotanabe, Kyoto.
Vendor Info Name: Shogyokuen
Type: Tea factory, family business CEO: Hiroshi Kobayashi
Established: 1827
Employees: 12

Embark on a refined matcha journey characterized by elegance and clarity. This blend, with its thin mouthfeel and clean finish, is a masterful play of sensations. Starting with a touch of astringency, it gracefully transitions into a pleasant juiciness on the palate. The smoky allure is paired with grounding mineral notes reminiscent of chalk. Dive deeper to uncover the nutty embrace of hazelnuts, the verdant freshness of cut grass, and a hint of ocean breeze's salinity. With gentle whispers of cocoa nibs and vanilla, this matcha promises a sophisticated-tasting experience with every sip.

CULTIVAR:

Yabukita + Samihidori + Ujihikari + Ujimidori + Saemidori + Sayamakaori


TASTE NOTES:

Mouth Feeling: Thin
Finish: Clean
Umami: Medium Umami Level
Astringency: Slightly Astringent

FLAVOR:

Vegetal: Fresh Cut Grass
Mineral: Chalk
Nutty: Hazelnuts
Sweet: Cacao Nibs
Floral: Vanilla
Fire: Smoky
Marine: Slightly Salty, Ocean Breeze

PRODUCT INFO:

Name: Chiyo No Sakae Japanese name: 千代の栄
Net Weight: 30 grams (can)
Cultivar: Yabukita + Samihidori + Ujihikari + Ujimidori + Saemidori + Sayamakaori
Harvest: May Region: Joyo City, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
Vendor Info Name: Hekisuien (会社碧翆園)

Indulge in the exquisite taste of Gyokuro from Kyotanabe. Cultivated like matcha, the sprouts are steamed, dried, and gently rubbed for a premium experience. Fuku No Midori is celebrated for its deep sweetness and rich umami flavor, reminiscent of the misty allure of Mt. Fuji. Ideal for tea enthusiasts seeking a refined and luxurious cup.


Steeping notes

Tea: 3 grams
Time: 3 minutes
Water: 50˚C/122˚F degrees, 70 ml.
Resteep 2x at 30 sec, 70C/158F, 200 ml.

We recommend using the first steeping parameters to extract a syrup full of umami. We encourage you to adjust the amount of water, temperature, etc., to see what delicious flavors can be extracted from this tea. Subsequent steeps may be enjoyed as a sencha, steeping a full cup for 30 seconds at 70˚C/158˚F degrees.
Another great way to enjoy this Gyokuro is by ice-brewing. Allow ice cubes to melt over the leaves. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes, and it is one of our favorite ways to enjoy this leaf. Your friends will love it as well.


Product Info

• Name: Premium Gyokuro, Fuji no Tsuyu
• Japanese name: 福の緑
• Ingredients: Green tea
• Harvest: May
• Region: Kyotanabe, Kyoto. Refined in Kyotanabe, Kyoto.
• Notes: This tea is shaded for approximately two weeks before the harvest. To ensure flavor consistency, Kobayashi-san reformulated each batch himself to ensure the same flavor profile all year round.


Vendor Info

• Name: Shogyokuen
• Type: Tea factory, family business
• CEO: Hiroshi Kobayashi
• Established: 1827
• Employees: 12

Hiroshi Kobayashi is an award-winning tea and Matcha blender and one of only 13 tea professionals in Japan who holds the top rank of tea appraisal, level 10.

Experience a matcha blend that offers unparalleled depth and richness. Its opulent mouthfeel sets the stage, creating a smoky, captivating finish. High in umami, its profile boasts delectable notes of buttered spinach, avocados, and green asparagus. A nutty medley of hazelnuts, walnuts, and chestnuts complements its heart. The floral symphony of roses, osmanthus, and vanilla delicately dances amidst its buttery, creamy base. Dark chocolate and cacao nibs add the final touch, making it an exceptional choice for Usucha, Koicha, and Lattes. A matcha masterpiece is awaiting your discovery.


CULTIVAR:

Gokou


TASTE NOTES:

Mouth Feeling: Very Rich, Thick
Finish: Very Long Finish
Umami: High Umami Level


FLAVOR:

Vegetal: Buttered Green Asparagus, Buttered Spinach, hints of Avocados
Sweet: Cacao Nibs, Dark Chocolate
Nutty: Hazelnuts, Walnuts, Chestnuts
Floral: Rose, Osmanthus, Vanilla
Dairy: Buttery, Creamy
Fire: Smoky


RECOMMENDED:

Gokou is perfect for Usucha, Koicha, and Cold Whisk Latte.


PRODUCT INFO:

Name: Gokou Japanese name: ごこう
Net Weight: 40 grams (can)
Cultivar: Gokou
Harvest: May Region: Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
Vendor Info Name: Chaseki Private Blend

Indulge in a matcha blend that strikes a harmonious balance with its pleasant, supporting astringency. Let the floral whispers of elderflower greet your palate, paving the way for a rich and buttery avocado essence. Delight in the fruity undertones of dark cherry and raspberries, complemented by the familiar comfort of cooked edamame. Dive deeper into its nutty domain, marked by the decadence of macadamia, peanuts, and almonds. With its lingering finish, this matcha promises a taste journey that resonates with every sip.


CULTIVAR:

Asahi


TASTE NOTES:

Mouth Feeling: Medium to thick
Finish: Long
Umami: High Umami Level
Astringency: Slightly astringency


FLAVOR:

Vegetal: Cooked edamame, boiled peanuts, hints of avocado
Nutty: Macadamia, Almonds, Peanuts
Fruity: Raspberry, dark cherry
Floral: Elderflower
Dairy: Buttery, Creamy


RECOMMENDED:

Hana is perfect for Usucha, Koicha, and Cold Whisk Latte.


PRODUCT INFO:

Name: Hana Japanese name: 花
Net Weight: 30 grams (can)
Cultivar: Uji Hikari, Samidori
Harvest: May Region: Wazuka, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
Vendor Info Name: Uejima Sourokuen

Experience a matcha blend that's the epitome of finesse and nuance. With its thin mouthfeel and pristine finish, this matcha introduces an initial astringency, seamlessly melting into a juicy finale. Grounded in mineral notes that evoke chalk, its profile is subtly enriched with the nutty character of raw peanuts and the verdant aroma of freshly cut grass. Dive deeper and taste the marine embrace of nori seaweed, contrasted beautifully by a gentle saltiness. Delicate whispers of osmanthus and the comforting taste of nougat complete this exquisite tasting journey. An invitation to savor the art of matcha awaits.


CULTIVAR:

Yabukita + Samidori + Gokou + Okumidori + Ujimidori + Ujihikari


TASTE NOTES:

Mouth Feeling: Thin
Finish: Clean
Umami: Medium Umami Level
Astringency: Slightly Astringent


FLAVOR:

Vegetal: Fresh Cut Grass
Mineral: Chalk
Nutty: Raw Peanuts
Sweet: Nougat
Floral: Osmanthus
Marine: Slightly Salty, Nori Seaweed


RECOMMENDED:

Hatsu Mukashi is perfect for Usucha, Clear, Crossover, and Cold Whisk Latte.


PRODUCT INFO:

Name: Hatsu Mukashi Japanese name: 初昔
Net Weight: 30 grams (can)
Cultivar: Yabukita + Samidori + Gokou + Okumidori + Ujimidori + Ujihikari
Harvest: May Region: Joyo City, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
Vendor Info Name: Hekisuien (会社碧翆園)

Discover the allure of Hatsu Mukashi, a matcha that effortlessly foams to perfection. Every sip envelops you with the comforting tastes of cooked spinach and corn, leaving a resonant impression on both mouth and throat. Relish in its custardy, creamy texture that dances delightfully on the tongue. The enchanting dark green hue sets the stage for unique undertones of roasted pumpkin seeds and chestnuts, culminating in an Umami-rich experience perfect for both Usucha and Koicha. Hatsu Mukashi promises a matcha experience with its thick mouthfeel and pristine finish.


CULTIVAR:

Samidori + Saemidori

PRODUCT DETAILS


This truly delicious blend of Tencha leaves (tea leaves processed into flakes) is named Hatsu Mukashi. It has a rich Umami flavor, natural sweetness, warm, nutty notes, and settled vegetal flavors.
Hatsu Mukashi has been shaded under a canopy, not directly, to prevent damage to the leaves caused by the shading material. This allows the plant to grow freely, and the leaves are machine-harvested.


PRODUCT INFO

Name: Matcha Hatsu Mukashi Japanese name: 抹茶 初昔
Net Weight: 40 gram / 1.4 oz (can)
Cultivar: Samidori and Saemidori Blend
Harvest: May Region: Wazuka, Kyoto. Refined in Kyotanabe, Kyoto.
Vendor Info Name: Shogyokuen
Type: Tea factory, family business CEO: Hiroshi Kobayashi
Established: 1827
Employees: 12

Experience a symphony of flavors with our matcha blend, distinguished by its medium to thick mouthfeel and enduring finish. Light yet indulgent, it offers an airy and creamy texture reminiscent of delicately buttered green peas and asparagus. Its inherent natural sweetness harmoniously melds with macadamia's comforting buttery and nutty profiles. As you savor each sip, be enticed by the subtle floral bouquet, presenting whispers of roses and osmanthus, complemented by the tender notes of vanilla and strawberries. With a pronounced umami richness, this matcha promises a flavor journey that's both nuanced and unforgettable.


CULTIVAR:

Saemidori + Asahi + Uji Hikari


TASTE NOTES:

Mouth Feeling: Medium to Thick
Finish: Long
Umami: High Umami Level


FLAVOR:

Vegetal: Buttered Peas and Asparagus
Fruity: Strawberry
Nutty: Macadamia
Floral: Vanilla, Rose, Osmanthus
Dairy: Cream, Butter


RECOMMENDED:

Hekisui is perfect for Koicha, Usucha, Clear, Crossover, and Cold Whisk Latte.


PRODUCT INFO:

Name: Hekisui | Japanese name: 碧翆
Net Weight: 30 grams (can)
Cultivar: Saemidori + Asahi + Uji Hikari
Harvest: May Region: Joyo City, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
Vendor Info Name: Hekisuien (会社碧翆園)

Overall, Hoshi No Tsuyu is an excellent Matcha, paired with a nice level of Umami, a delicious natural sweetness, hints of peas, asparagus, zucchini, and artichokes, subtle notes of Vanilla, dark chocolate, and cacao, and a milky creaminess.


CULTIVAR:

Blend


TASTE NOTES:

Mouth Feeling: Medium
Finish: Medium
Umami: Medium Umami Level
Astringency: Slight astringency


FLAVOR:

Vegetal: Peas, asparagus, zucchini, and artichoke
Nutty: -
Floral: Vanilla
Dairy: Milk, Cream
Fire: Slightly Smoky


RECOMMENDED:

Hoshi No Tsuyu is perfect for Usucha, Cold Whisk Latte.


PRODUCT INFO:

Name: Hoshi No Tsuyu Japanese name: 星の露
Net Weight: 40 gram / 1.4 oz (can)
Cultivar: Blend
Harvest: May Region: Yame, Fukuoka Prefecture
Vendor Info Name: Hoshino-seichaen Co., Ltd.

Indulge in a matcha experience with a medium to thick mouthfeel, culminating in a long, satisfying finish. This blend entices with the comforting taste of buttered green asparagus and spinach, harmoniously mingling with the distinctive nutty undertones of macadamia and hazelnuts. Its creamy texture, reminiscent of fresh yogurt, adds depth and richness. As you immerse yourself in its layers, be enchanted by the elegant floral symphony of osmanthus, jasmine, and vanilla, perfectly contrasting with the fruity whisper of strawberries. With its natural sweetness amplified by an umami crescendo, this matcha offers an intricate and delectable flavor narrative.


CULTIVAR:

Samidori + Asahi + Uji Hikari


TASTE NOTES:

Mouth Feeling: Medium to Thick
Finish: Long
Umami: High Umami Level


FLAVOR:

Vegetal: Buttered Green Asparagus, Buttered Spinach
Fruity: Strawberry
Nutty: Macadamia, Hazelnut
Floral: Vanilla, Jasmine, Osmanthus
Dairy: Cream, Creamy Yogurt


RECOMMENDED:

Houju is perfect for Koicha, Usucha, Clear, Crossover, and Cold Whisk Latte.


PRODUCT INFO:

Name: Houju | Japanese name: 宝寿
Net Weight: 30 grams (can)
Cultivar: Saemidori + Asahi + Uji Hikari
Harvest: May Region: Joyo City, Uji, Kyoto Prefecture
Vendor Info Name: Hekisuien (会社碧翆園)