About Koicha

Koicha, the thick matcha preparation, represents one of the highest benefits of Japanese tea culture. The origins of this profound tradition are rooted in Zen Buddhism and reveal a connection between ritual and meditation that has been preserved for centuries.

The term "koicha" literally means "thick tea" and differs in important ways from "usucha", the thin tea. While usucha is prepared with less matcha and more water, koicha requires a considerable amount of premium matcha and relatively less water. Here, it is not the mere consumption of a drink, but the experience of a ritual moment that is at the center.

When you have the pleasure of enjoying koicha in the traditional tea ceremony, you enter a space of silence and concentration. The preparation of koicha begins with the selection of an exquisite matcha. In contrast to usucha, where the powdered tea leaves can come from the second or third harvest, koicha usually requires the quality from the first harvest, also known as "ichibancha". These leaves are characterized by their intense taste and smoothness, reflecting the poetic appeal of the tea.

The preparation of koicha follows a fixed ritual that requires both precision and mindfulness. The tea master or host uses around four grams of matcha, which is mixed with only around 40 milliliters of hot, but never boiling water - ideally between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius. Using a special bamboo whisk known as a "chasen", the matcha is incorporated in gentle, slow movements to achieve a velvety consistency. Unlike the foaming of usucha, the tea is not whipped here, but carefully stirred to create a harmonious whole.

Enjoying koicha means devoting yourself fully to every sip. The taste is intense, rich and sweetly bitter at the same time, a perfect balance that is appreciated by connoisseurs. The experience does not end with drinking. The entire tea ceremony promotes mindfulness and strengthens the connection between body and mind - an art form that goes far beyond taste.

In the world of koicha, history, nature and human artistry come together in an incomparable interplay. It is a precious asset of Japanese tea culture, reflecting not only the essence of the tea plant, but also the cultural values of Japan - respect, purity and harmony. Experiencing Koicha means immersing yourself in a silent yet sonorous universe that offers a haven of peace in our hectic world. A precious gift of timelessness that is only revealed through devotion to the moment.