Matcha Houraku

Houraku 豊楽 – Abundance and joy in a cup

'Ceremony quality' matcha tea from Uji, a special blend from the Yoshida family, exclusively for Teavolution.

Houraku豊楽 – meaning abundance, wealth, joy – is a true celebration of Japanese matcha culture. This rich, softly sweet, yet distinctive and characterful matcha comes to us from the famous Yoshida family tea garden in Uji, near Kyoto.

In 2018, Mr. Yoshida Masahiro created this unique blend at our special request, with the intention of creating a deep, fragrant, yet easy-to-drink matcha that is suitable for everyday use. The result: a harmonious, richly sweet, softly tart matcha that we enjoy drinking every day.

Detailed description

This matcha is primarily recommended for making usucha (thin tea), but it is so full and rich that it can also be tried as koicha (thick tea).

The more tart flavor notes – balanced with a subtly sweet character – indicate that the tea plant naturally produced catechins before shading. These antioxidant compounds are also responsible for matcha’s positive health benefits.

Temperature tips :

• 65–70°C water gives a softer, sweeter profile

• At 85°C , more intense, tart, and complex aromas are released.

Matcha is ground with slow-rotating granite mills to a fine 5-10 micron particle size – this allows the leaf to be enjoyed in its entirety when frothed. Unlike loose teas, with matcha we drink the nourishing power of the whole tea leaf – not just a brew.

Flavor profile

• Body : full, creamy

• Base notes : soft sweetness, toasted grain

• Additional notes : delicate tartness, marine freshness

• Finish : long lasting, balanced, calm

Preparation instructions

Usucha

– weak tea (for daily consumption)

• Matcha quantity : approx. 2g (2 cups)

• Water quantity : 60–80 ml

• Water temperature : 75–85°C

• Preparation : Sift the matcha and then foam it with water using a chasen bamboo brush in a “W” shape. The goal is a creamy, bubble-free foam layer.

Koicha

– thick tea (for ceremonial occasions)

• Matcha quantity : 3–4g (4 cups)

• Water quantity : 20–25 ml

• Preparation : do not whisk, but mix until thick, like melted chocolate.

Further advice

• Sifting : the powder clumps easily – sift through a fine tea strainer before preparing.

• Storage : Store in its own metal box in a cool place. It is practical to store in the refrigerator, but let it warm to room temperature before consumption to prevent condensation.

• Freshness : the fullest flavors develop 7–8 months after opening.

Matcha is one of the gifts of the Zen spirit: nature, attention, and presence in one sip.

We recommend it to anyone who wants to deepen their daily rituals – with a sip of joyful abundance.