Description
Uzu no Shiro (渦の白)
Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha for Usucha with Balanced Umami and Refined Bitterness
Tea Type: Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha / Japanese Green Tea Powder
Official Quality Classification: Mid-Grade Usucha Matcha
Recommended Preparation: Usucha
Package: 30g Can with Simple Box
Recommended For: Usucha, Japanese tea ceremony, tea practice, everyday matcha, serving guests and matcha lattes
Product Overview
Uzu no Shiro is a ceremonial grade Uji matcha from Tsujiri Ichi Honten, a historic Japanese tea company founded in Uji, Kyoto. It is an expertly selected blend of high-quality tea cultivars with a well-balanced combination of umami and refined bitterness.
Tsujiri Ichi Honten officially classifies Uzu no Shiro as a mid-grade Usucha matcha. Its approachable flavor and refreshing character make it suitable for Japanese tea ceremony practice, everyday thin tea and serving guests.
Uzu no Shiro was favored by Urasenke Tantansai Soshō. Its documented connection with the Urasenke tea tradition makes it an authentic ceremonial matcha for traditional Usucha preparation.
Product Name and English Translation
Official Romanized Name: Uzu no Shiro
Japanese Name: 渦の白
Japanese Reading: うずのしろ
Literal English Meaning: Whirlpool White
The product is commonly marketed internationally by its romanized Japanese name, Uzu no Shiro. “Whirlpool White” is a literal translation rather than the established commercial product name.
Flavor Profile
- Balanced and approachable umami
- Refined, elegant bitterness
- Subtle natural sweetness
- Fresh green tea fragrance
- Smooth and refreshing mouthfeel
- Clean, well-rounded flavor
- Comfortable strength for everyday Usucha
- Pleasant and lightly crisp finish
Recommended Preparation – Usucha
Usucha is the official recommended preparation for Uzu no Shiro. This traditional thin tea method highlights its balance of umami, elegant bitterness and refreshing aroma.
- Preheat the tea bowl and chasen with hot water
- Discard the water and wipe the tea bowl completely dry
- Sift approximately 1.7g of matcha into the bowl
- Add approximately 70ml of hot water cooled to around 80°C
- Whisk briskly with a chasen using an M-shaped motion
- Continue until a fine and even layer of foam develops
- Finish by lifting the chasen gently from the center of the bowl
- Enjoy immediately while the aroma and foam are fresh
Usucha Serving Guide
- Matcha: Approximately 1.7g per bowl
- Water: Approximately 70ml
- Water Temperature: Around 80°C
- Approximate Servings: About 17 bowls per 30g can
Recommended Occasions
- Preparing traditional Usucha for a Japanese tea ceremony
- Urasenke tea ceremony practice
- Regular matcha lessons and tea preparation practice
- Serving freshly whisked matcha to guests
- Enjoying traditional Japanese matcha at home
- Morning or afternoon personal teatime
- Casual tea gatherings and seasonal occasions
- Preparing an everyday bowl of authentic Uji matcha
Recommended Pairings
Uzu no Shiro’s balanced umami and refined bitterness pair naturally with traditional Japanese sweets and lightly sweetened Western confectionery.
- Seasonal nerikiri
- Yokan
- Monaka
- Mochi and daifuku
- Higashi dry sweets
- Castella cake
- Butter cookies
- Milk or dark chocolate
Traditional Uji Matcha
Matcha is produced from tencha, tea leaves cultivated under shade to limit direct sunlight. Shading encourages the development of umami while helping to control excessive bitterness and astringency.
After harvesting, the tea leaves are steamed and dried without being rolled. Stems and veins are removed to produce tencha, which is then carefully ground into a fine Japanese matcha powder.
Tsujiri matcha continues to be stone-milled to create a fine texture, full flavor, fresh fragrance and rich green appearance. Uzu no Shiro is made from a carefully selected blend of high-quality cultivars to achieve its balanced Usucha character.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Matcha
Uzu no Shiro is a traditional tea ceremony matcha intended for Usucha. Its moderate umami and elegant bitterness make it suitable for tea ceremony lessons, casual tea gatherings and regular thin tea preparation.
The tea was favored by Urasenke Tantansai Soshō, giving it a meaningful connection to Japanese tea ceremony culture. It is especially appropriate for those seeking an accessible and authentic Uji matcha for Usucha.
Optional Matcha Latte Preparation
Although Uzu no Shiro is primarily intended for traditional Usucha, its balanced bitterness also complements milk and makes it suitable for an everyday matcha latte.
- Sift approximately 2–3g of matcha into a bowl
- Add approximately 30–40ml of hot water at around 80°C
- Whisk until completely smooth
- Add approximately 120–150ml of warm or cold milk
- Sweeten lightly if desired
- For an iced matcha latte, pour over ice before adding cold milk
Culinary Uses
Uzu no Shiro may also be used in recipes where a balanced matcha flavor and refined bitterness are desired. For the best value and flavor, reserve traditional preparation for drinking and use only small amounts in culinary applications.
- Matcha latte
- Matcha ice cream
- Matcha cookies
- Matcha cakes
- Matcha chocolate
- Yogurt and dessert toppings
Product Specifications
Brand: Tsujiri Ichi Honten
Japanese Brand Name: Tsujiri Ichi Honten (辻利一本店)
Product Name: Uzu no Shiro (渦の白)
Japanese Reading: Uzu no Shiro (うずのしろ)
Literal English Translation: Whirlpool White
Product Type: Ceremonial Grade Uji Matcha / Japanese Green Tea Powder
Official Quality Classification: Mid-Grade Usucha Matcha
Recommended Style: Usucha
Tea Blend: Carefully selected blend of high-quality tea cultivars
Ingredients: Green tea
Ingredient Origin: Japan
Production Region: Uji, Kyoto, Japan
Net Weight: 30g
Container Type: Can with simple box
Shelf Life: Approximately 5 months from manufacture; check the date printed on the package
Tea Tradition: Favored by Urasenke Tantansai Soshō
Producer: Tsujiri Ichi Honten Co., Ltd.
Producer Address: 156 Uji Myoraku, Uji-shi, Kyoto 611-0021, Japan
Storage Instructions
- Store away from high temperatures, humidity, direct sunlight and strong odors
- For long-term unopened storage, refrigeration is recommended
- Place the sealed package inside an additional odor-resistant bag when refrigerating
- Allow a refrigerated can to return completely to room temperature before opening
- Opening the can while cold may cause condensation and affect the matcha
- After opening, keep tightly sealed in a cool, dark place at room temperature
- Consume as soon as possible after opening for the best color, fragrance and flavor
Preparation Tips
- Sift the matcha immediately before preparation to remove natural clumps
- Preheat the tea bowl and soften the chasen before use
- Wipe the tea bowl completely dry before adding matcha
- Use fresh, soft water whenever possible
- Whisk briskly in an M-shaped motion rather than stirring in circles
- Keep the chasen relaxed and use the wrist rather than the entire arm
- Use slightly cooler water for a softer and more mellow flavor
- Use slightly warmer water to emphasize fragrance and refined bitterness
Why Choose Uzu no Shiro?
- Authentic ceremonial grade Uji matcha from Tsujiri Ichi Honten
- Officially classified as a mid-grade Usucha matcha
- Balanced umami and refined bitterness
- Smooth and approachable for everyday preparation
- Suitable for tea ceremony lessons and traditional Usucha
- Traditionally stone-milled into a fine Japanese green tea powder
- Favored by Urasenke Tantansai Soshō
- Versatile enough for Usucha, matcha lattes and selected desserts
- A practical introduction to authentic Japanese tea ceremony matcha
Important Notes
- Ceremonial Grade is an international market term and is not a regulated Japanese certification
- The term is used because Uzu no Shiro is officially intended for traditional Usucha and is associated with the Urasenke tea tradition
- Uzu no Shiro is not officially described as a Koicha matcha
- It should not be marketed as Premium Ceremonial Grade, Highest Grade or Koicha Grade
- Whirlpool White is a literal translation; Uzu no Shiro is the preferred product name for international listings
- Small clumps may form naturally during storage and transportation; sift before use
- Natural variations in color, fragrance and flavor may occur between production lots
- Matcha readily absorbs moisture and surrounding odors, so keep the can tightly closed