About Usucha

In the poignant depth of Japanese tea culture, usucha stands out as one of the more subtle facets of matcha preparation. This delicate variant, also known as "thin tea", stands in stark contrast to the more robust and thicker Koicha. Usucha is traditionally used in the tea ceremony and unfolds as a ritual of quiet contemplation and deliberate reduction.

The essence of Usucha is already revealed in its preparation and in the choice of tea variety. While koicha often consists of the highest quality matcha made from the oldest leaves, usucha uses matcha made from younger, more delicate leaves. These leaves, finely ground into a powdery-soft powder, offer a lighter, fresher taste and a smoother texture. The harmony of color, taste and aroma is reflected in each bowl, inviting the tea drinker to explore the fleeting nuances of umami and sweetness accompanied by the subtle bitterness.

A deep understanding of tea culture requires knowledge and mastery of the correct preparation of usucha. First, traditionally, about two bamboo spoons of matcha are measured out and placed in the warmed, carefully dried tea bowl called a chawan. About 70 milliliters of water, which should ideally be between 70 and 80 degrees Celsius and no longer boiling hot, is poured into the bowl. A bamboo whisk, the chasen, is then used to whisk the mixture quickly and evenly into a gently foaming tea. A steady, even rhythm is required to create the perfect balance between air and liquid in the foam and to artfully release the aromas of the matcha.

The enjoyment of Usucha is deeply rooted in thoughtful mindfulness - a state achieved by connoisseurs through complete surrender to the present moment. The sweet and tangy fragrance that permeates the air, the artful layering of the green, almost jade-colored liquid, all invite us to fully appreciate the transience of the moment. This intense inner gathering in a shared moment reflects the harmonious principles of the Japanese tea ceremony - harmony, respect, purity and stillness.

Beyond the ceremony, however, Usucha is much more than a traditional ritual - it is also a calming everyday ritual that creates space for personal meditation and slowing down. Just the sight of the shimmering green bowl, the feeling of the warm ceramic in your hands, the gentle, earthy taste of the matcha caressing your palate - all this leads to a state of intense well-being and inner peace.

Usucha, with its roots in Japanese tradition, offers a gateway to a mindful experience that goes far beyond the mere act of drinking tea. It is a pause in the rush of modern life, an exhalation of serenity and a subtle delight in the essence of incomparable simplicity and beauty.