{"product_id":"nakamura-tokichi-bessei-hatsumukashi-no-3-matcha-20g","title":"Nakamura Tokichi Bessei Hatsumukashi No. 3 Matcha 20g（別製初昔 参號）","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBessei Hatsumukashi No. 3\u003c\/strong\u003e is the third expression in the Bessei Hatsumukashi series. While No. 1 and No. 2 explore the layered umami of Asahi grown in Shirakawa, No. 3 focuses on the vivid aroma and lingering finish of Asahi cultivated in Gokasho, central Uji.\u003cbr\u003eTwo Asahi teas, highly regarded at the 2025 National Tea Competition, are carefully blended, matured, and slowly stone-milled. Rather than emphasizing sheer volume of umami, this matcha is crafted to bring forward the depth of its aroma and the beauty of its finish.\u003cbr\u003eOn the palate, moderately full umami spreads first, followed by a delicate bitterness that gives the flavor definition. This progression resolves into a clean, swift finish and leaves a vivid impression.\u003cbr\u003eAsahi’s strong, rich fragrance becomes deeper through maturation, with layered covered-tea aroma and umami aroma. Its complex dimensionality reflects the terroir of Gokasho in Uji.\u003cbr\u003ePrepared as koicha, it reveals a lustrous, vivid green. The color changes with the angle of the light and, together with the taste and aroma, forms an essential part of this matcha’s appeal.\u003cbr\u003eNo. 3 is a bowl of matcha for those who wish to experience the essence of matcha’s aroma and lingering finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProduct details\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eContents\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e20g tin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eBest before\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3 months unopened\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eIngredients\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGreen tea (Japan)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNutrition facts\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePer 20g: Energy 47.4kcal; Protein 5.9g; Fat 1.1g; Carbohydrate 7.9g; Salt equivalent 0g.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTin: 5.9 × 5.9 × 6.8 cm; box: 7.2 × 7.2 × 7.6 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eStorage\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStore in a cool, dry place away from heat, humidity, and strong odors.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShirakawa, Uji, Kyoto, Japan. Cultivar: Asahi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eRecommended preparation\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest enjoyed as koicha (thick matcha).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to prepare koicha\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlace 4 chashaku scoops (4 g) of matcha in a tea bowl.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd 40 ml of water at 80°C (176°F), a little at a time in several additions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUsing a chasen (bamboo whisk), knead until smooth. If it is too thick, add a small amount of hot water.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePreparation notes\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd the matcha and hot water, then whisk (or knead) thoroughly with a chasen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatcha can form clumps. Before adding hot water, sift the powder or gently loosen any clumps with a dry chasen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor characteristics\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first impression is a vivid sweetness wrapped in aroma. An elegant, transparent palate fills the mouth, then a gentle sweetness gives way to a quiet but definite richness. The finish is light and smooth, slipping away cleanly.\u003cbr\u003eA poised, refreshing aroma rises from the bowl—like the distinctive fragrance of Ujihikari held directly from the tea garden. It is an unforgettable scent.\u003cbr\u003eTrue to the name Ujihikari, the color is a bright, vivid green that seems to hold light. In the tea bowl, its hue shifts with the light like the very glow of Uji.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFlavor profile\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/7242\/8801\/files\/nakamura-tokichi-bessei-hatsumukashi-no-3-flavor-profile-final.png?v=1789616310\" alt=\"Nakamura Tokichi Bessei Hatsumukashi No. 3 Matcha 20g（別製初昔 参號） flavor profile\" style=\"display: block; max-width: 100%; height: auto; margin: 0 auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nakamura Tokichi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50336879083777,"sku":"NAKAMURA-TOKICHI-mc19","price":480.77,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/7242\/8801\/files\/nakamura-tokichi-mc19.jpg?v=1789612934","url":"https:\/\/japaneseselect.com\/products\/nakamura-tokichi-bessei-hatsumukashi-no-3-matcha-20g","provider":"Japanese Select","version":"1.0","type":"link"}