Ippodo Tea Co. is one of the most respected and historic tea producers in Japan, known for its commitment to quality, tradition, and artistry in tea making. Founded in 1717, Ippodo has been delivering premium Japanese green tea for over 300 years. With its headquarters in Kyoto, the heart of Japan’s tea culture, Ippodo offers a wide variety of teas, including matcha, gyokuro, sencha, and bancha, each carrying the signature flavors and depth that tea enthusiasts love.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes Ippodo Green Tea so special and how you can enjoy it at home.
A Legacy of Quality and Tradition
Ippodo Tea Co. has been passed down through the generations, with each family continuing the tradition of producing the highest quality green teas. Their dedication to maintaining these traditions is evident in every aspect of the company, from how they select tea leaves to how they prepare their products for customers. By sourcing their tea leaves directly from select fields in Japan's renowned tea-growing regions, they ensure that every product offers the rich, complex flavors that have come to define their brand.
Types of Ippodo Green Tea
Ippodo offers a wide range of green teas, each designed for different occasions and tastes. Here are some of the most popular varieties:
1. Matcha
Matcha is finely ground powdered green tea that has been used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies for centuries. Ippodo's matcha is known for its bright green color, smooth texture, and deep umami flavor. Whether you’re making matcha for a ceremony or a modern-day latte, Ippodo offers different grades that cater to all needs.
Recommendation: Try Ippodo's Ummon-no-mukashi, a ceremonial-grade matcha with a rich, full-bodied flavor and velvety finish.
2. Gyokuro
Gyokuro is one of the most prized types of green tea in Japan. It’s shaded for about 20 days before harvesting, which increases the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves and gives the tea its signature sweet, rich flavor. Gyokuro has a unique balance of sweetness and umami, making it a favorite among tea connoisseurs.
Recommendation: Ippodo's Kanro Gyokuro offers a delicate, sweet taste with a lingering aftertaste that’s perfect for relaxing moments.
3. Sencha
Sencha is the most common type of green tea in Japan, offering a bright, grassy flavor that can range from slightly sweet to more astringent depending on the brewing time. Ippodo's sencha comes in a variety of grades, making it suitable for both daily drinking and special occasions.
Recommendation: Ippodo’s Shoike-no-o Sencha is a medium-bodied tea with a balance of sweet and refreshing flavors, making it a perfect introduction to high-quality sencha.
4. Bancha
Bancha is a lower-grade tea made from the same plant as sencha but is harvested later in the season. It has a more robust, earthy flavor and is often served with meals. Bancha is perfect for those looking for a strong, everyday tea without bitterness.
Recommendation: Nishio Bancha from Ippodo is a mild, well-rounded tea with a refreshing taste, ideal for daily drinking.
Why Choose Ippodo?
1. Sourcing Excellence
Ippodo sources their teas from small, carefully selected tea fields in Japan’s Uji, a region known for its exceptional tea production. By directly sourcing from Uji, Ippodo ensures that the tea leaves are of the highest quality, free from contaminants, and rich in flavor.
2. Craftsmanship
Every step of Ippodo’s tea production is handled with care, from the picking of the leaves to their careful roasting and processing. Their emphasis on craftsmanship ensures that every cup of tea offers a consistent and delightful experience.
3. Custom Blends
Unlike many other tea producers, Ippodo takes pride in creating custom blends to suit various preferences. Each blend is carefully balanced, allowing tea drinkers to enjoy a range of flavors, from robust and bold to light and sweet.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup of Ippodo Green Tea
Brewing Ippodo green tea is a meditative process that requires attention to detail but results in a deeply satisfying cup. Here are a few general tips to help you brew your Ippodo tea:
Water Temperature: Green tea is delicate and should be brewed at lower temperatures, typically between 160°F (70°C) and 180°F (80°C). Boiling water can burn the leaves and result in a bitter flavor.
Brewing Time: The steeping time for green tea is generally between 30 seconds and 1 minute. Oversteeping can lead to an overly astringent cup.
Tea-to-Water Ratio: Use about 1 teaspoon of tea leaves per cup of water for most Ippodo green teas. Matcha requires about 1/2 teaspoon of powder for 2 ounces of water.
Enjoy the Process: Brewing green tea, especially matcha, is a process to be enjoyed. Take your time to whisk the matcha properly or to let the gyokuro steep in the pot.
Experience Ippodo Tea Online
You don’t need to visit Japan to experience Ippodo’s famous teas. Their online store offers a wide selection of green teas, teaware, and accessories, making it easy for tea lovers around the world to enjoy their products. Whether you’re looking for ceremonial-grade matcha, everyday sencha, or something more adventurous like gyokuro, you’ll find it on their website.
Ippodo Tea Co. stands as a shining example of the beauty and art behind Japanese green tea. With centuries of history and an unwavering commitment to quality, they continue to produce some of the finest teas available today. Whether you're an avid tea drinker or new to the world of green tea, Ippodo offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Make your tea time more meaningful with a cup of Ippodo green tea—taste the legacy in every sip!
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