Nº11 Thé Hajime | Matcha
Thé Hajime is our premium matcha, meticulously blended by our Tea Master, Mohei, from the finest matcha sourced from the renowned regions of Kawane (Shizuoka) and Yame (Fukuoka).
This matcha captures the essence of traditional Japanese tea, offering a rich umami, balanced bitterness, and astringency.
Enjoy Thé Hajime in its pure form, as Buddhist monks have for centuries during their ascetic practices, or personalize it with your favorite additions like milk and sweeteners.
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Nº11 Thé Hajime | Matcha
Preparation Guidelines
Although we always recommend using traditional matcha tools for the best experience, Thé Hajime can be prepared with utensils you already have at home. The key is to follow the instructions below for a perfect cup every time
Step Nº1
Sift Matcha
For Usucha (thin tea), use 2 grams of Thé Hajime matcha powder. For Koicha (thick tea), use 4 grams.
Use the chashaku to scoop the appropriate amount into a fine mesh strainer placed over the matcha-wan. Sift the matcha through the strainer to remove any clumps, ensuring a smooth and lump-free tea.
Step Nº2
Add Hot Water
💧 60 mL (2 oz) 🌡️ 80°C (176°F)Boil water and let it cool down to approximately 80°C. Using water that is too hot can result in a bitter taste.
Step Nº3
Whisk the Matcha
Hold the matcha-wan with one hand and the chasen with the other. Whisk the matcha briskly in a "M" motion until a thick, frothy layer forms on the surface.
This should take about 15-30 seconds. For a thicker brew (koicha), whisk more gently until the matcha is smooth and free of bubbles.
Step Nº4
Rest the Chasen
After whisking, clean the Chasen with water and then place it on the Chasen Holder to maintain its shape and prolong its life.
Be careful not to place the whisk on the holder without cleaning it first.
The Origins and Significance
Thé Hajime is a blend of two types of matcha sourced from different regions:
Yame and Kawane.
It combines the authentic aroma of Yame matcha with the exquisite sencha-like taste of Kawane matcha. This unique blend offers a premium matcha experience, bringing together the best of both regions.
Yame Matcha (Fukuoka Prefecture)
Renowned Region: Alongside Uji (Kyoto) and Okabe (Shizuoka), Yame is celebrated as one of the top regions for producing Gyokuro.
Personal Significance: Yame holds special meaning for Mohei, as he apprenticed there as a tea producer. He witnessed the passion and dedication of Yame producers in cultivating shaded teas, particularly for Gyokuro and Matcha.
Exceptional "Ooika" Technique: The technique in achieving high-quality "Ooika" (shaded aroma) is exceptional in Yame, making it ideal for obtaining the most authentic matcha flavor.
Kawane Matcha (Shizuoka Prefecture)
Recent but Remarkable: Despite its relatively recent entry into matcha production within the last decade, Kawane has always been known for its exceptional quality sencha. Kawane matcha is distinctive for its sencha-like qualities, characterized by a harmonious balance of bitterness and umami.
Distinctive Sencha-like Qualities: Kawane matcha is characterized by a bitterness that complements milk and sugar perfectly.
A Unique Alternative: We introduced the relatively unknown Kawane matcha as an alternative to the renowned Uji matcha.
Customer Reviews
This matcha lives up to its name, meaning “the beginning,” by introducing a bold bitterness that sets the stage for the entire experience. 🤍 Like the first step in a journey, this natural bitterness is purposeful and deliberate, briefly gracing your palate before giving way to a harmonious blend of mild astringency and elegant umami. 🍵
With its electric green hue and a fragrance reminiscent of roasted chestnuts 🌰 , freshly-made soy milk 🥛 , and the warmth of a fall evening 🍂 , Hajime feels like a matcha rooted in intention. 🧘🏻♀️ Its minimal yet impactful flavor profile reminds me of ikebana—focused on simplicity and balance, with every sip leaving you more captivated than the last. 🥀
Terroir: Kawane and Yame
Mouthfeel: Sharp
Best for: Usucha, Latte
Hajime Matcha feels like an intentional masterpiece—delivering precisely what it promises, with every sip carrying you through its beautifully orchestrated simplicity. I’m truly honored to have had the chance to try it. 🤍
— @matchanomichi
This matcha is a wonderful matcha with balanced taste between bitterness and sweetness. It has a briljant structure and is very good to make a wonderful matcha tea. I'll recommend this one to everybody!
Thank you, Bianca, for your lovely review of Thé Hajime! It is a relief to see that the balance between bitterness and sweetness we aimed to convey was successfuly translated in this Matcha. We truly appreciate your continuous support and will keep producing the best tea for you to enjoy with delight.