Description
Hatsu-mukashi (初昔)
Refreshingly Sharp Matcha with Pleasant Astringency and Bittersweet Character
Tea Type: Recommended for Usucha
Available Size: 20g Box
Recommended For: Traditional Usucha, matcha latte, iced matcha, desserts, and casual everyday enjoyment
About Hatsu-mukashi
Hatsu-mukashi is a Japanese Matcha from Ippodo Tea characterized by its refreshingly sharp taste, pleasant astringency, and distinctive bittersweet matcha flavor.
Its clean and lively character provides a refreshing drinking experience. The pleasant bitterness helps balance sweet ingredients, making Hatsu-mukashi suitable for traditional Usucha as well as matcha lattes and desserts.
The 20g box contains approximately ten servings when prepared using about 2g of matcha per bowl.
Flavor Profile
Hatsu-mukashi offers a refreshingly sharp taste with pleasant astringency and characteristic bittersweet matcha notes. Its crisp finish makes it especially suitable for those who enjoy a more refreshing and clearly defined matcha flavor.
- Refreshingly sharp character
- Pleasant green tea astringency
- Distinctive bittersweet matcha flavor
- Light and easy-to-drink body
- Clean and refreshing finish
Recommended Uses
- Traditional Usucha preparation
- Casual everyday matcha
- Hot matcha latte
- Iced matcha latte
- Cold-water matcha
- Serving with rich confectionery
- Sprinkling over ice cream and desserts
Preparation Instructions – Usucha
- Sift approximately 2g of matcha into a tea bowl.
- Add approximately 60ml of hot water.
- Use water at approximately 80°C.
- Whisk briskly with a chasen for approximately 15 seconds.
- Whisk quickly to bring out the matcha’s natural fragrance.
- Lift the whisk gently from the center to finish.
Preparation Instructions – Matcha Latte
- Sift approximately 2–3g of matcha into a bowl or cup.
- Add approximately 30–40ml of hot or chilled water.
- Whisk until the matcha is completely dispersed.
- Add approximately 120–150ml of warm or cold milk.
- Add sweetener according to preference.
- For an iced latte, pour the prepared matcha over ice before adding cold milk.
Preparation Tips
- Sift the matcha immediately before preparation to reduce clumps.
- Use freshly boiled soft water and allow it to cool to approximately 80°C.
- Preheat the tea bowl and soften the chasen in warm water.
- Whisk the matcha quickly for approximately 15 seconds to preserve its fragrance.
- Use slightly less water for a stronger and more concentrated matcha flavor.
- Adjust the amount of matcha, water, milk, and sweetener according to preference.
Enjoy with Confectionery
Hatsu-mukashi’s pleasant astringency and bittersweet character help balance the richness and sweetness of confectionery.
It pairs especially well with baked cheesecake and other rich desserts. It may also be enjoyed with cookies, cakes, chocolate, mochi, yokan, and traditional Japanese wagashi.
Hatsu-mukashi can also be sprinkled directly over vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or other desserts to add a refreshing matcha flavor.
Product Specifications
Brand: Ippodo Tea
Japanese Brand Name: Ippodo Tea Co. / Ippodo Chaho (一保堂茶舗)
Product Name: Hatsu-mukashi (初昔)
Product Type: Japanese Matcha / Green Tea Powder
Tea Type: Primarily recommended for Usucha
Ingredients: Green tea (Japan)
Country of Origin: Japan
Net Weight: 20g
Package Type: Box
Package Dimensions: W5.2 × D5.0 × H6.5cm
Approximate Servings: 10 servings when using approximately 2g per serving
Shelf Life: 120 days unopened
Official Product Code: 5010931
Manufacturer: Ippodo Tea Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Address: 52 Tokiwagi-cho, Teramachi-dori Nijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0915, Japan
Size Option
20g Box: A compact format containing approximately ten bowls of Usucha when using about 2g per serving. It is suitable for sampling Hatsu-mukashi, casual everyday preparation, travel, or enjoying the matcha while it is fresh.
Storage and Handling
Store unopened matcha in a cool, dark, and dry place. Protect it from heat, humidity, direct sunlight, and strong odors.
If refrigerated, allow the unopened package to return close to room temperature before opening. This helps prevent condensation from affecting the powder.
After opening, close the package securely and refrigerate. Use as soon as possible to enjoy its natural color, aroma, and flavor.
Key Highlights
Refreshingly Sharp Flavor: Hatsu-mukashi offers a crisp and lively taste that helps refresh the palate.
Characteristic Matcha Bitterness: Its pleasant astringency and bittersweet notes provide a clearly defined traditional matcha character.
Ideal for Usucha: Prepare 2g with 60ml of water at approximately 80°C and whisk briskly for around 15 seconds.
Suitable for Matcha Lattes: Its distinctive bitterness remains noticeable when combined with milk and sweetener.
Excellent with Rich Desserts: The refreshing astringency helps balance baked cheesecake, ice cream, cakes, and other sweet foods.
Compact 20g Box: The package contains approximately ten servings and is convenient for casual enjoyment and maintaining freshness.
Notes and Precautions
- Hatsu-mukashi is primarily recommended for Usucha, matcha latte, and casual dessert applications.
- This product is supplied in a 20g box.
- Matcha may naturally form small clumps during transportation or storage; this does not indicate a quality problem.
- Sift the powder before preparation for a smoother texture.
- Natural color, aroma, and flavor may vary slightly between production lots.
- Keep the product away from heat, moisture, direct sunlight, and strong odors.
- Consume promptly after opening.