{"title":"Grands Crus Single-origin teas Japan","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"category-content\"\u003e\n                                                                                                            \u003cdiv class=\"cms-visible-lg\"\u003ePrecious, transient and handcrafted, explore our Grands Crus from Japan: Matcha, Sencha, Shincha, Ichibancha...\u003c\/div\u003e                                    \u003c\/div\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"matcha-meiju-de","title":"Matcha Meiju","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnderstanding matcha\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the 12th century, the Buddhist monk Eisai returned from a journey to China carrying tea seeds, which were subsequently cultivated across several areas of Japan. Already at that time, tea was being ground into a fine powder – matcha – and whisked into a bowl of hot water. Originally an exclusive beverage of the nobility, matcha gradually became part of ordinary life and today, through the Cha No Yu ceremony, occupies a central place in Japanese Zen philosophy and aesthetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTencha leaves are the source from which matcha is produced. Unlike Gyokuro, these leaves are not rolled into needle shapes but rather ground into a fine powder of luminous jade green.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Cha No Yu ceremony employs two matcha varieties:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e• Usucha – the more widely available type, crafted from the leaves of young tea plants, yielding a light tea.\u003cbr\u003e\n• Koicha – created from the leaves of tea plants aged 30 years or more, yielding a robust tea.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis exceptional Grand Cru matcha captivates with its silken, mellow texture and gentle, subtly sweet aroma.\u003cbr\u003e\nSource from tea bushes exceeding 30 years in age, it is expressly formulated for preparation as Koicha (the thick tea served in tea ceremony). It delivers a particularly deep, pleasing character with remarkable intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat is Koicha?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eKoicha is prepared and enjoyed nearly exclusively within the Japanese Cha No Yu ceremony. The ceremony commences with a light collation – the Kaiseki – and then, following a brief interlude, transitions to Goza Iri, its defining element: thick tea (Koicha) is offered first, then a thinner version (Usucha).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do Koicha and Usucha differ?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e• Koicha is substantially more viscous than Usucha – its body resembles liquid honey.\u003cbr\u003e\n• Its character is softer and sweeter on the tongue than Usucha.\u003cbr\u003e\n• Koicha typically employs a superior matcha grade (specifically prepared for ceremonial use) compared to Usucha.\u003cbr\u003e\n• The two brewing methods differ in matcha quantity, water quantity, and the whisking method employed (see below).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn relation to Seijo no Shiro, which is perfectly suited to Usucha preparation, Meiju represents a denser, more concentrated matcha. Its aromatic structure is more nuanced and exhibits less astringency in the mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Palais des Thés Schweiz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58204270363008,"sku":"C233","price":65.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0985\/3934\/0160\/files\/C233.jpg?v=1780530425"},{"product_id":"batabatacha-aus-itoigawa-100048-de","title":"Batabatacha from Itoigawa","description":"\u003cp\u003eA genuinely distinctive Batabatacha. In contrast to the Toyama variety, the Itoigawa version undergoes no fermentation. Blended from 40% classic Bancha, 40% Chamaecrista and 20% Daizu (soybean), this represents an exceptionally scarce tea!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePronounced roasted character marks this tea, complemented by notes of coffee beans, grain and robust liquorice, supported throughout by marked sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Palais des Thés Schweiz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58204271640960,"sku":"100048","price":35.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0985\/3934\/0160\/files\/scraped_6a1ee41a93642_100048_71f8c0f2-a83a-4d08-b188-0a812d7d1b03.jpg?v=1780530771"},{"product_id":"fumee-de-bois-de-whisky-100120","title":"Whisky Wood Smoke","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn extraordinarily rare smoked tea\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis splendid Japanese smoked tea originates from the slopes of the magnificent Mount Fuji. Rarely produced, it is made in minute quantities by Mr. Matsumoto, proprietor of a 150-year-old family estate. The smoking process extends over seven hours, utilizing wood from whisky barrels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA Japanese tea displaying robust smoky flavours, blended with peaty, woody and vanilla scents evocative of whisky. A truly distinctive culinary experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid you know?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe whisky barrels originate from the Gaiaflow Shizuoka Distillery. Established in 2016, it ranks among the most coveted producers in the Japanese craft movement. Employing both a still formerly belonging to an iconic distillery and cutting-edge modern apparatus, it embodies the same philosophy as this tea, which marries time-honoured tradition with contemporary innovation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Palais des Thés Schweiz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58204277047680,"sku":"100120","price":54.6,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0985\/3934\/0160\/files\/scraped_6a1ee437a7fbd_100120_14285be5-c558-4598-b23e-76df53dba2cc.jpg?v=1780530852"},{"product_id":"kuradashi-des-shogun-ieyasu-2025","title":"2025 Shogun Ieyasu’s Kuradashi","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAn outstanding matured hon gyokuro\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRanking among Japan's finest and most esteemed hon gyokuro selections, this tea spent 20 days in the shade beneath rice straw, then underwent maturation lasting more than six months, carefully refined within sealed jars. The location chosen is the former tea chamber of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, which infuses it with an essence deeply rooted in history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis tea rises above the passage of time, restoring spring to its full richness and depth. Its multifaceted character and its exquisite umami flavour make it a truly distinctive tea. Best savoured when prepared in a kyusu or shiboridashi, where all its subtleties can fully emerge!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA rigorous manufacturing practice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProducing a kuradashi style tea requires exacting, meticulous artistry. Shaded for 3 to 4 weeks, the tea is collected during spring. Following swift withering, steaming, and rolling, it transforms into gyokuro.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe leaves are subsequently stored in hermetically sealed containers such as jars or wooden boxes, which maintains their freshness by guarding them against external air and moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining strict humidity control is crucial to prevent leaf degradation. Consistent temperature management is similarly vital to ensure proper tea maturation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMaturation, which entails allowing the tea to rest over extended periods, facilitates its development. During this process, the tea gains considerable complexity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond its basic production, our gyokuro underwent distinctive handling: it was sanctified at the Tokugawa shrine by a Shinto priest!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA tea adorned with crystalline formations\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmall white particles visible upon the dried leaves represent a natural crystallisation of caffeine. Such crystallisation frequently occurs in exceptionally high calibre teas, particularly competition teas and notably gyokuro, especially when aged within airtight vessels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDiscernible without magnification, this occurrence reflects the substantial concentration of bioactive compounds present in these teas. Entirely benign, it does not compromise the flavour of this outstanding tea in any manner; indeed, it provides additional confirmation of its exceptional calibre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA tea requiring careful storage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen vacuum sealed, the tea remains fresh for several months, and may last up to 2 years, if the following precautions are observed:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e• Prevent exposure to elevated temperatures\u003cbr\u003e\n• Keep it in a cool, dark location\u003cbr\u003e\n• After opening, use it within a timely manner\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExploring further\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor additional information, consult the gyokuro focused articles on the \"Chercheur de Thé\" blog by François-Xavier Delmas.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Palais des Thés Schweiz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58204511535488,"sku":"100136","price":110.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0985\/3934\/0160\/files\/100136_329ea154-0920-4703-a934-ae4cbdba8417.jpg?v=1780535620"},{"product_id":"matcha-shiro-bio","title":"Organic Matcha Shiro","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn Japanese, the name « Shiro » means « white » – this Matcha bears it as a grade, signalling the tea's exceptional quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProduced in Japan, in the Shizuoka prefecture, Matcha Shiro is made from the Saemidori cultivar – a tea plant particularly renowned for shade-grown teas, obtained by covering the bushes with straw or stretched canvas three weeks before harvest. Sheltered from the light, the leaves develop fewer tannins, which gives the matcha its richly creamy texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis rare and precious grand cru is used in the Cha No Yu ceremony (Japanese tea ceremony). Rich and complex, it is equally well suited to pure tasting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Matcha :\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt was during the 12th century that the Buddhist monk Eisai returned from a journey to China carrying tea plant seeds, which were then sown in several locations across the Japanese archipelago. At that time, custom dictated that tea be ground into a fine powder and whisked in a bowl. Long reserved for the highest echelons of society, the drink gradually gained wider appeal and, thanks to the Cha No Yu ceremony, has become a central element of Japanese Zen philosophy and aesthetics.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn Japan, a distinction is drawn between shaded teas and light teas. Matcha – like Gyokuro and Kabuse Cha – is made from tea plants that are shielded from the sun before harvest. Over three weeks, the plants are progressively cut off from the light, which encourages the development of amino acids and intensifies the Umami flavour (the fifth flavour). Particularly rich in amino acids and polyphenols, this tea is well known for its health benefits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMatcha is a green tea made from leaves (tencha) that are ground in a mill to produce a very fine powder.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePreparation advice:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo preserve the quality of this fragile tea, we recommend storing it in the refrigerator once opened.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ingredients of this tea are grown organically and carry several organic certifications: AB label, EU certified organic food label, Ecocert organic certification, USDA Organic label.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Palais des Thés Schweiz","offers":[{"title":"40 g Box","offer_id":58215524401536,"sku":"C241","price":56.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0985\/3934\/0160\/files\/C241.jpg?v=1780703420"},{"product_id":"d500019am-fr","title":"Organic Matcha Kirishima","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatcha Kirishima – a ceremonial-grade matcha Grand Cru\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUpon whisking, Matcha Kirishima creates a luminous, jade-green froth and unveils a rare elegance. Its floral notes are exquisitely fine and refined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis matcha Grand Cru originates in Kagoshima from Tencha leaves that mature for six months following the spring harvest (Ichibancha), then are ground to fine powder using a stone mill. This maturation process gives the tea superior aromatic complexity and smoothness. Three premium cultivars combine to create this remarkable matcha: Okumidori, Saemidori and Asanoka.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIts striking green hue comes from the spring harvest. The leaves are ground to an especially fine consistency, with no synthetic colourings of any kind — entirely natural, as expected of premium organic matcha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout matcha\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the 12th century, Buddhist monk Eisai transported tea seeds from China to Japan. In those days, tea was made into a fine powder and whisked in a bowl. What began as an exclusive practice of the nobility gradually expanded and eventually became fundamental to Japanese Zen philosophy and aesthetics, particularly through the Cha No Yu tea ceremony.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExplore further\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDiscovery collections, coordinating accessories, matchas in different quality tiers, leaf teas blended with matcha – explore our full matcha collection!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Palais des Thés Schweiz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58215767474560,"sku":"D500019AM","price":74.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0985\/3934\/0160\/files\/scraped_6a1ee534a4ad2_500019_3.jpg?v=1780704113"},{"product_id":"bio-matcha-asanoka","title":"Organic Matcha Asanoka","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA precious ceremonial infusion\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA rare matcha, produced as a single varietal to honour the distinctive essence of this cultivar. This unconventional strategy, in contrast to the typical preference for blended teas, creates the opportunity to savour the unblended aromatic character of one tea plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis ceremonial grade matcha reveals an aromatic spectrum brimming with brightness and subtlety. Its vegetal characteristics emerge across a smooth, refined texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatcha knowledge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the 12th century, Buddhist monk Eisai returned from China carrying tea seeds, which were subsequently cultivated across various regions of Japan. In those days, the practice involved reducing tea into an exceptionally fine powder and whisking it within a bowl. Originally the domain of nobility, this custom gradually became more widespread until, via the Cha No Yu ceremony, matcha eventually came to embody the essence of Japanese Zen philosophy and aesthetic expression.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Palais des Thés Schweiz","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58215778746752,"sku":"D500052AM","price":57.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0985\/3934\/0160\/files\/500052_5.jpg?v=1780999234"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0985\/3934\/0160\/collections\/category_69caa15b8a711_GC_japon_2024.jpg?v=1780504160","url":"https:\/\/palaisdesthes.ch\/en\/collections\/alle-grands-crus-ursprungstees-japan.oembed","provider":"Palais des Thés Schweiz","version":"1.0","type":"link"}