Description
Kuon (久遠)
Special Class Matcha with Rich Umami, Refined Sweetness and a Bright Fragrance
Tea Type: Premium Japanese Matcha / Green Tea Powder
Recommended Preparation: Especially well suited to Koicha; also excellent as Usucha
Package: 20g Box
Recommended For: Koicha, Usucha, special occasions, serving guests, morning matcha and refined gifting
Product Overview
Kuon is a special class matcha from Ippodo Tea, crafted from carefully selected young tea leaves grown under deep shade. This cultivation method helps suppress excessive astringency while developing the leaves’ concentrated sweetness and umami.
Its vivid green color, rich fragrance and deep flavor reflect the delicate character of premium young tea leaves. Kuon is particularly recommended for Koicha, where its smooth texture, rounded sweetness and substantial umami can be appreciated at full strength. It may also be prepared as Usucha for a lighter expression with a crisp, refreshing finish.
Flavor Profile
- Bright and prominent fragrance
- Rich, clean umami
- Rounded natural sweetness
- Smooth and refined mouthfeel
- Deep, well-balanced flavor
- Very subtle crisp astringency
- Refreshing and clean finish
- Vivid, deep green color
Recommended Preparation – Koicha
Koicha is particularly recommended for experiencing the concentrated sweetness, smooth texture and rich umami of this special class matcha.
- Sift approximately 4g of matcha into a warmed tea bowl
- Add approximately 30ml of hot water at 80°C
- Slowly knead with a chasen for approximately 15 seconds
- Continue until the matcha becomes thick, glossy and completely smooth
- Koicha should have an even texture without a layer of foam
Preparation – Usucha
Kuon may also be prepared as Usucha, revealing its bright fragrance, clean umami and crisp, refreshing aftertaste.
- Sift approximately 2g of matcha into a warmed tea bowl
- Add approximately 60ml of hot water at 80°C
- Whisk briskly with a chasen for approximately 15 seconds
- Whisk until a fine and even foam develops across the surface
Alternative Preparation – Lower Temperature or Cold Water
Using slightly cooler water can emphasize Kuon’s mellow sweetness and umami. It may also be whisked with cold water to highlight its vivid fragrance and clean, refreshing character.
- Sift 2g of matcha into a tea bowl or glass
- Add approximately 50–60ml of cool or cold water
- Whisk thoroughly until smooth and evenly suspended
- Add ice if desired for a refreshing cold matcha
Recommended Occasions
- Preparing traditional Koicha for a special occasion
- Serving a refined bowl of matcha to important guests
- Enjoying Usucha as an invigorating morning drink
- Before an important meeting or presentation
- Quiet reading, contemplation or personal teatime
- Celebrations, seasonal occasions and premium gifting
Recommended Pairings
Kuon is best enjoyed straight to appreciate its fragrance, sweetness and crisp finish. A small serving of confectionery may be added to complement its rich flavor.
- Dark chocolate
- Marron glacé
- Nerikiri and seasonal wagashi
- Yokan, monaka and mochi
- Refined confectionery with restrained sweetness
Product Specifications
Brand: Ippodo Tea
Japanese Brand Name: Ippodo Chaho (一保堂茶舗)
Product Name: Kuon (久遠)
Japanese Reading: Kuon (くおん)
Product Type: Japanese Matcha / Green Tea Powder
Class: Ippodo Premium Select / Special Class Matcha
Recommended Style: Koicha; also suitable 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 Koicha Servings: 5 servings at approximately 4g per bowl
Approximate Usucha Servings: 10 servings at approximately 2g per bowl
Shelf Life: 120 days unopened
Official Product Code: 5030631
Manufacturer: Ippodo Tea Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Address: 52 Tokiwagi-cho, Teramachi-dori Nijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0915, Japan
Storage Instructions
- Store unopened matcha in a cool, dark and dry place
- Protect from direct sunlight, heat, humidity and strong odors
- After opening, close the package tightly after each use
- For the freshest color, fragrance and flavor, consume promptly after opening
- During hot weather, refrigeration in a low-odor vegetable compartment may be used
- When refrigerated, allow the unopened package to return to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation
Preparation Tips
- Sift the matcha immediately before preparation to remove natural clumps
- Preheat the tea bowl and wipe it dry before adding the matcha
- Use slightly cooler water to emphasize mellow sweetness and umami
- Prepare Koicha slowly and smoothly without producing foam
- For Usucha, whisk quickly to create a fine and even foam
- Natural variations in color, aroma and flavor may occur between production lots
Key Highlights
- Special class matcha from Ippodo Tea
- Particularly recommended for traditional Koicha
- May also be enjoyed as fragrant and refreshing Usucha
- Rich umami with rounded natural sweetness
- Bright fragrance and vivid green color
- Smooth, refined texture with a clean finish
- Made from carefully cultivated, deeply shaded young tea leaves
- Ideal for special occasions, important guests and premium gifting