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Kouno no Shiro from Nara 40g
£45.00
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Product description
In the tranquil foothills of Mt. Konoyama in Nara Prefecture, a tea of rare grace is born. This matcha was bestowed the name “Kanno no Shiro” (神野の白) by none other than the Chief Priest of Kasuga Taisha Shrine, one of Japan’s most sacred places.
The name itself is a tribute to the eternal partnership between earth and water—the fertile soils of Kanno and the rain from heaven. To savor this matcha is to sip both blessings of the land and gifts of the sky.
The Essence of Yamato Tea
Kanno no Shiro belongs to the proud tradition of Yamato tea, cultivated in high-altitude gardens (200–500m). Here, the air is cool, the growth is slow, and the leaves develop into teas of remarkable fragrance and richness. Slowly nurtured, they yield a cup with depth, subtlety, and refinement.
Origin
Yamazoe Village, Nara Prefecture
Manufacturer
The Artisans Behind the Tea
This matcha comes from Imatani Chaen, a family-run tea garden in Yamazoe Village, Nara. Once devoted to sencha, the family made history about 20 years ago by pioneering tencha cultivation in the prefecture. They even became the first in Nara to install a tencha kiln, giving them the rare ability to oversee every stage - from growing to stone-milling - in-house. The result is matcha that carries both heritage and innovation in each sip.
Best enjoyed as...
🟢 Taste: Refined and smooth - a delicate dance of umami and subtle bitterness in perfect balance.
🟢 Aroma: Softly vegetal, with whispers of sweetness and a clean, green freshness.
🟢 Mouthfeel: Gentle, silky, and light, never heavy - made to be savored with ease.
Preparation instructions
Kanno no Shiro shines brightest when prepared as usucha (thin tea). Its elegant character blossoms in a frothy, light-bodied cup, where its balance of umami and subtle sweetness can be fully appreciated. A matcha to enjoy slowly, as if in conversation with the mountains and sky.
Preparation instructions:
How to Prepare - A Tiny Ritual
Usucha (Thin tea)
Place 2g (1 tsp / 2 chashaku scoops) into a warmed tea bowl.
Add 70ml (2.4 fl oz) of 80°C (176°F) water.
Whisk briskly with a chasen (bamboo whisk) until frothy.
Koicha (Thick tea)
Place 4g (2 tsp / 4 chashaku scoops) into a warmed tea bowl.
Add 30ml (1 fl oz) of 80°C (176°F) water.
Knead gently with your chasen until smooth and lump-free.
Tips for perfection:
Always warm your tea bowl first - this coaxes out the freshest aroma.
Sift your matcha before whisking to avoid clumps (highly recommended).
Drink immediately after whisking - matcha grows more bitter as it cools.
Best enjoyed within 1 month of opening for peak freshness.
Other instructions
To maintain the freshness and quality of matcha, we recommend:
After purchase, store matcha in the fridge immediately, or in a cool, dark place.
Avoid exposing the matcha powder or container to heat, sunlight, air, and moisture.
Always use a dry chashaku or scooping utensil when scooping the matcha.
Keep the moisture removal pack inside the container to prevent condensation.
Once opened, matcha should be consumed within 1 - 2 months for the best flavour.
How should I store my matcha?
Before Best-Before-Date (BBD): Store in a cool (<25°C) and dry place, or in the fridge.
Closer to BBD (around 2 weeks before): Move to the freezer to maintain umami and greenness flavour.
After BBD: You can keep it in the freezer and enjoy for a few extra months.
Tip: Once you take it out of the freezer for use, return it immediately to avoid moisture affecting the umami.
Ingredients
Pure, simple, authentic
100% Premium Matcha green tea powder
No additives, no coloring - just nature’s finest.
Other notes
Does matcha “expire”?
Not really. Matcha doesn’t go bad in the way milk or bread does. Instead, it slowly loses its brightness and umami.
The “best before” date on the can simply marks when it will taste at its most vibrant. Shelf life depends on the producer, usually 6–10 months, but it may range from 3–12 months.
So, if you’re sipping matcha past its date, don’t worry - it may taste a little less lively, but it won’t do you any harm.
SHIPPING & RETURNS
With the nature of things worldwide right now, most international shipments have been between 3 to 4 weeks for delivery. Your matcha will still be fresh, but please keep this in mind when placing you order.
Currently, we are not accepting returns. The health concerns surrounding consumable goods like ours are such that this isn’t practical at this time. We made this choice to ensure the safety of every one of our supporters and our team, and at the end of the day this always comes first. That said, if you are anything less than satisfied with your matcha, contact us right away and we’ll make it right—that’s a promise.