Dear Sir and Madam,
We at Hibiki-an THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your continued patronage and support.
We are pleased to offer useful information for your healthy life and continued
enjoyment of Japanese green tea. In this issue, we talk about 'HONZU traditional canopy (Efforts for Kuradashi Tea)'.
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Tea leaves for Gyokuro and Matcha are grown in the shade for 20 to 30 days before harvest. There are two ways of creating shade for growing tea trees. One of them is "Tana" and the other is "Jikagise". With the "Jikagise" method, the tea plants are directly covered with a type of black fabric. "Tana" is not covering the tea tree directly but building a canopy-like structure at the height of about 6 to 7 feet (1.8 to 2.1m) covering the whole tea growing area as in the below picture. It requires skillful technique and great care, and is managed only in the Uji region. Excellent noble aroma and elegant sweetness are created by the "Tana" technique.
"Tana" is superior to "Jikagise" for a few reasons. "Tana" is much less of a burden for tea leaves and tea trees than "Jikagise" because "Jikagise" is placed directly over the tea leaves. "Tana" is a superior way to provide protection from the heat and intense sunlight. It is not completely understood why "Tana" produces such an excellent flavor in Gyokuro and Matcha, but tea producers in Japan are currently conducting research to find an answer to this question.
If you visit a tea farm in Japan and step under the "Tana" canopy, you are immediately aware that the air under the "Tana" is quite brisk and invigorating, which refreshes your mind and body. This is due to the "breath" of the tea leaves under the canopy.
"Honzu" is a very special way of building "Tana". It is the traditional way of diffusing sunlight from long ago, and these days it is very rare to see, even in the Uji region. In the "Honzu" method, tea farmers build a structure to provide shade to the tea trees using only reeds and straw. Old-style reeds and straw provide the ideal shade for tea trees. And it is said that the constituents exuded from the straw through the rainwater exercise good effects on the tea leaves.
However, it is not easy to build this structure of reeds and straw, to gather so much reeds and straw, and to manage to keep the "Honzu" in good condition throughout the growing season. For example, if a strong wind blew just after placement of the straw, the straw would be blown away and ruined. If it rains once after the placement of the straw, the rainwater firms the structure.
As above, "Honzu" requires skillful technique and much great care, so that only less than 10 farmers in all of Japan manage "Honzu" (only in Ogura and a few other areas in the Uji region). However, the shading with reeds and straw of "Honzu" provide tea leaves with the very ideal conditions.
Our Kuradashi Gyokuro Pinnacle and Kuradashi Matcha Pinnacle are grown in diffused sunlight under the reed and straw "Honzu" which provides an ideal growing environment for top-grade Gyokuro. If you are a Japanese Tea lover, would you once enjoy the excellent and subtle flavor grown with the traditional technique and much great care?
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| "Jikagise" shading from sunlight |
"Tana" made with modern building materials |
"Honzu" made with reeds and straw is a traditional style of "Tana" |
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| Building "Honzu". Placing straws on the reed frame |
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What's Kuradashi Tea: click here
The Jidai Matsuri festival started at Kyoto city on October 15, and the main vent parade
will be held on October 22. (Detail of that is anticipated to be reported
on next issue newsletter. Please wait and see.)
At same time our Kuradashi Matcha which has been stored for over a year
was taken out from the granary. We have arranged four limited edition Kuradashi
Matcha as described below. They are limited edition of 850 packages each ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season. And Kuradashi Gyokuro and Sencha teas are still available.
(Kuradashi Matcha Refill)
We at Hibiki-an have received many requests for a value refill package of Kuradashi Matcha. We have arranged to sell Pinnacle and Super Premium grade of Kuradashi Matcha Refill. If you would like to purchase a large amount of Kuradashi Matcha in bulk, would you please take a look? The prices are actually discounted 17% or 21%.
Celebrate Kuradashi Teas and enjoy the remarkable enriched flavor and sweetness which can only be experienced once every year! We are certain that the fine enriched flavor and sweetness will captivate you.
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(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
The traditional canopy used to shade tea plants from sunlight known as "Honzu" is unique and different from others. They are also important factors in creating the noble flavor and sweetness of the highest grade enriched Matcha...
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(Now Available: As requested by many customers, this value package was newly added for the 2013 Kuradashi season.)
This Kuradashi Matcha Premium Refill package is an excellent value. The price is actually discounted 21%. The traditional canopy used to shade tea plants from sunlight known as "Honzu" is unique and different from others. They are also important factors in creating the noble flavor and sweetness of the highest grade enriched Matcha...
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(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
For this Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium, tea leaves just after harvest, are steamed and dried in a special fire pit. The smooth and mellow taste is uniquely brought out by the special drying process...
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(Now Available: As requested by many customers, this value package was newly added for the 2013 Kuradashi season.)
This Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium Refill package is an excellent value. The price is actually discounted 17%. For this Kuradashi Matcha, tea leaves just after harvest, are steamed and dried in a special fire pit. The smooth and mellow taste is uniquely brought out by the special drying process...
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Our Kuradashi Tea which has been stored for over a year was taken out from
the granary. We have arranged three limited edition Kuradashi Gyokuro teas,
one Kuradashi Sencha, and four Kuradashi Matcha, as described below. They
are limited edition of 850 packages each ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season.
Celebrate Kuradashi Tea and enjoy the remarkable enriched flavor and sweetness
which can only be experienced once every year! We are certain that the
fine enriched flavor and sweetness will captivate you.
Kuradashi Gyokuro and Sencha
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(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
Kuradashi Gyokuro is different from ordinary Gyokuro in aroma and flavor. The superb enriched and sweetened flavor and aroma lingers in the mouth for a while. The aroma is full, but not too strong. The flavor is rich and subtle. The taste is both mellow and enhanced...
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(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
All Gyokuro does not gain an enriched flavor but only specific kinds of Gyokuro. It depends on some factors. We have enriched this highest grade of trimmed Gyokuro for one and a half years...
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(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
Tea leaves for this special tea grow in the Ogura area in the Uji region, which is known as one of the foremost production centers of the highest grade of enriched Gyokuro. The Ogura area was the area in where Gyokuro and Matcha were firstly grown...
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(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
Long time ago the quality and good conditioned Sencha in Autumn season must have been similar in taste and aroma to this fine Kuradashi Sencha. And that time, only few people could enjoy the excellent flavour...
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Kuradashi Matcha
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(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
The traditional canopy used to shade tea plants from sunlight known as "Honzu" is unique and different from others. They are also important factors in creating the noble flavor and sweetness of the highest grade enriched Matcha...
|
|
|
(Now Available: As requested by many customers, this value package was newly added for the 2013 Kuradashi season.)
This Kuradashi Matcha Premium Refill package is an excellent value. The price is actually discounted 21%. The traditional canopy used to shade tea plants from sunlight known as "Honzu" is unique and different from others. They are also important factors in creating the noble flavor and sweetness of the highest grade enriched Matcha...
|
|
|
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this autumn season)
For this Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium, tea leaves just after harvest, are steamed and dried in a special fire pit. The smooth and mellow taste is uniquely brought out by the special drying process...
|
|
|
(Now Available: As requested by many customers, this value package was newly added for the 2013 Kuradashi season.)
This Kuradashi Matcha Super Premium Refill package is an excellent value. The price is actually discounted 17%. For this Kuradashi Matcha, tea leaves just after harvest, are steamed and dried in a special fire pit. The smooth and mellow taste is uniquely brought out by the special drying process...
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What's Kuradashi Tea: click here
Are you enjoying your green moments? Hibiki-an encourages those who love
to drink green tea. If you have any requests or questions regarding our
teas or services, please don't hesitate to contact us. We sincerely hope
that you enjoy genuine Hibiki-an Japanese green tea direct to you from
Kyoto, Japan.
Sincerely yours,
Atsushi Yasui
We have arranged for 6 limited edition items and 1 new tea ware items. The 6 limited edition items are all available only this autumn and winter season.The new and limited edition tea ware includes Matcha Bowls and Accessories mainly from Kyo Yaki and Yamanaka Nuri.
We have chosen items that are of exceptional quality yet reasonable in price. They will certainly enrich and enhance your green moment.
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This Matcha bowl is graceful and dignified. The combination of the paintings and the decoration of gold brings an extremely elegant atmosphere. The harmony and contrast of natural soil and the elegant decoration are very rare and unique...
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This is a unique Matcha Bowl, which is a combination of the artisan's original designs with the most traditional style of Matcha Bowl. The original designs add a moderate sophistication to traditional WABI SABI, and make viewers feel the artisan's skill and passion...
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This porcelain Matcha Bowl creates an aura of elegance and unique pleasant cooling sensation. Curious to say, HAISEI color of this Matcha Bowl weaves warmth with cool, and the harmony and contrast of cool and warmth are excellent...
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This Matcha Bowl has a tranquil and elegant atmosphere, and when held in both hands, creates a calming effect. Matcha Bowl having such character is quite rare, but sought after...
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KOGIKU of this name is wild chrysanthemum in Japanese. Wild chrysanthemum is one of the most appreciated flowers in the Japanese tea ceremony. Considering the price and quality, this Matcha bowl is an outstanding value...
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KYO of this name means KYOTO and UME means plum in Japanese. Plum is special auspicious flower in Japan because it is said that Plum is the first to bloom among all spring flowers...
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The name of this CHAZUTSU refers to a small ball. TEMARI means ball, and KO means small in Japanese. This CHAZUTSU is very beautiful and spreads gracefulness around, so this is also suitable for display in your home or office...
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Matcha Bowls / Accessories shopping category: click here
Teapots / Cups shopping page: click here
We plan to introduce one Tea Recipe each week, including sweets, ice cream, drinks, and so on - all made with Matcha or other Japanese tea - on our Newsletter. In this issue, we share with you our Matcha Marble Pound Cake recipe. Click below and take a look!
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How to make Matcha Marble Pound Cake...
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(Notice 1) Improved Customer Review Posting by Nickname and Picture
We improved our website by adding an option to use a nickname and upload a picture when you post a customer review. Now you can enter a nickname when posting a review in order to remain anonymous. Previously our customer review page requested the reviewer’s real name.
And now our customer review page also allows you to upload and add a picture to your review. Please post your candid review with a picture of our tea and your family, pet, lovely landscape, or anything meaningful to you. It surely would be a great help for other customers to enrich the enjoyment of Japanese tea!
(Notice 2) Price Reduction on All Merchandise
We reduced our prices approximately 4% to 6% on all merchandise on our website due to recent exchange rate fluctuation. The updated price was effective on and after September 1, 2013. This is the second price reduction in the past 6 months and the total reduction range is approximately 15% to 18%. We will continuously make efforts to provide genuine Japanese tea and culture to our customers.
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Or if you prefer, we are happy to update your account info for you. Just let us know. Please don't hesitate to contact us!
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Japanese Green Tea Hibiki-an
36 Shimonoto Yuyadani
Ujitawara, Kyoto 610-0221
Japan
http://www.hibiki-an.com
![[Limited] Kuradashi Gyokuro Premium (80g/2.82oz)](http://www.hibiki-an.com/images/readings/KuradashiTea/KuradashiItems/KuradashiPre.jpg)
![[Limited] KOGIKU (handcrafted Matcha Bowl): US$93.00](http://www.hibiki-an.com/images/upload/thumbnail/KOGIKU_A01.jpg)
