Tea for the true matcha enthusiast, koicha is usucha's thiccer, bolder, more powerful cousin. Also known as: green paint (jk). Koicha is the best way to enjoy top-tier matcha and is more of an experience than a drink. If you haven't tried it yet, then give it a try after watching this video!
Special thanks to Mizoguchi-san for teaching me how to pack a chatsubo!
00:00 - Introduction
00:18 - Koicha vs. Usucha
01:12 - Historical Differences (Chatsubo)
02:34 - Quality Differences
04:07 - Chaire (koicha vessel)
05:16 - How to Make Koicha
09:30 - Drinking Koicha
10:28 - Bonus Usucha
11:07 - Final Notes
You can read my written guide(s) here:
https://www.tezumi.com/blogs/tezumi-insights/how-to-make-matcha-advanced-koicha-technique
https://www.tezumi.com/blogs/tezumi-insights/how-to-make-matcha-an-intro-to-koicha
Tea and teaware Used:
Uta-no-Mori Matcha:
https://www.tezumi.com/products/uta-no-mori-matcha
Katō-san's Kuro-Oribe Chawan: https://www.tezumi.com/products/japanese-matcha-bowl-hiroshige-kato-kuro-oribe-chawan-250ml
Chasen: https://www.tezumi.com/collections/matcha-accessories?filter.p.product_type=Chasen
Chashaku: https://www.tezumi.com/products/japanese-chashaku-suikaen-shiratake-white-bamboo-matcha-scoop
Hoda-ori Chakin: https://www.tezumi.com/products/japanese-chakin-white-linen-hoda-style-tea-cloth
Kabazaiku Tray: https://www.tezumi.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/japanese-tray-tomioka-hexagonal-kabazaiku-wooden-cherry-bark-maru-bon
Sifter Can: https://www.tezumi.com/products/japanese-matcha-sifter-kotodo-matte-black-metal-tea-canister-100g
Handheld Sifter: https://www.tezumi.com/products/matcha-sifter-stainless-steel-with-fine-mesh
Some poems regarding koicha:
濃茶一貫目寝ること
Koicha ikkanme neru koto
To understand koicha, one must make one kan’s (3.75kg) worth
濃茶には湯加減あつく服は尚ほ 泡なきやうにかたまりもなく
Koicha ni wa yu kagen atsuku fuku wa nao awa naki yoni katamari mo naku
When making koicha, ensure that the water is hot and that there is no foam and no lumps.
Chatsubo Procession Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhmD-xMT99k
Links:
https://www.tezumi.com
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