Ikeda Seicha Chiran-cha Premium Green Tea Bags

TASTING NOTES FROM THE CURATOR

Chiran is one of the most prestigious green tea regions in the Kagoshima Prefecture of Japan. It has a colder climate due to its mountainous landscape, and is about two degrees colder than Kagoshima’s median temperature.

Ikeda Seicha’s bags of finely crushed Chiran tea leaves are very aromatic and refreshing on the nose. Its flavor is full-bodied and rich, with powerful umami. It has a light astringency and a subtle sweetness.

PREPARATION AND PAIRINGS

The Ikeda Seicha Chiran-cha Premium Green Tea Bags are no fuss and easy to use. Remember to always use fresh water. The quality of the water matters—the better the water quality, the better the flavor of your tea. Boil the water, and set it aside to cool for two to three minutes (don’t burn your delicate tea leaves!). Place your tea bag into a mug, and gently pour the water in. Let steep for only a minute or two—the tea gets more bitter the longer it steeps.

MASTER OF MATCHA

Ikeda Seicha is a company that takes tea very seriously. Founded in 1945 by Kenta Ikeda’s grandfather in Kagoshima, Japan, it has cemented its role as a name in Japanese tea, particularly matcha. This is thanks, in most part, to Kenta Ikeda himself, who was born in his family’s tea shop and from the very beginning, developed a love and passion for the art of tea making that he will bring his whole life.

Kenta Ikeda became a certified 10th level Chashi, or tea master, in 2014. It’s a distinction so prestigious that in the 65 years since the certification began, only 13 other people in the entire world have been given it. A Master Tea Maker is able to source tea leaves from different places, and is able to attest these leaves according to their properties and ascertain how best to use them. This is the best indicator of Ikeda Seicha’s superior place in the world of tea.

Storage Instructions

Store your tea in odor-free, airtight containers. Keep them in a dry, dark place to avoid exposure to heat, excessive light, and humidity. Properly stored, teas will retain full potency and flavor for 18 to 24 months.