{"product_id":"aoi-seicha-matcha-kiju-no-mukashi","title":"Matcha - Kiju no Mukashi","description":"\u003cp\u003eKijū no Mukashi is a ceremonial grade matcha crafted by AOI Seicha in Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan's principal matcha growing regions. Positioned among the upper tier of AOI Seicha's okōicha offerings within the new 2025 ceremonial lineup and comparable in standing to Mugenzo, it is a composed, full bodied expression designed for thick tea whilst remaining beautifully balanced as usucha.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for those beginning to explore okōicha or seeking a structured yet approachable thick tea, Kijū no Mukashi offers depth, sweetness and umami in a poised, refined form. It reflects AOI Seicha's enduring philosophy that great matcha should not only possess complexity, but also clarity and ease of enjoyment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe powder is a vibrant jewel toned green, fine and smooth with a warm toasted fragrance reminiscent of lightly grilled mochi, fresh mizuna and the clean sweetness of young greens. A gentle green lift in the aroma recalls snow pea and crisp Japanese mustard leaves. The character is distinctly umami forward yet bright.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhisked as usucha, it shows beautiful clarity for a deeper matcha. The first sip opens with a gentle savoury note before moving into balanced sweetness and soft floral tones reminiscent of young sakura leaf or pea blossom. Full bodied yet bright, it carries refreshing vegetal depth that lingers smoothly on the palate. The umami is present but never intrusive, giving the profile an elegant sweetness and composed green finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrepared as okōicha, Kijū no Mukashi becomes dense, smooth and richly layered. Sweetness concentrates into syrupy green depth, with toasted mochi warmth becoming more pronounced. Floral tones and rich vegetal character deepen into notes of steamed young greens. The result is a velvety, full bodied thick tea that remains clear, bright and remarkably well balanced for its weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWhilst Miou and Shiou pursue increasing levels of refinement and rarity, Kijū no Mukashi stands apart for its accessibility without compromise. It captures what many seek in quality okōicha: delivering richness and concentration whilst remaining smooth, sweet and easy to appreciate. For those curious about thick tea, it offers a solid starting point. For experienced drinkers, it provides a deeply satisfying everyday koicha with enough depth and complexity to remain engaging without becoming overly intense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith milk, Kijū no Mukashi maintains structure and depth. It tolerates a fuller milk ratio than lighter blends, delivering a classic ceremonial grade latte profile where natural sweetness and green tones remain present without heaviness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1437\" data-end=\"1456\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1437\" data-end=\"1456\"\u003eBest suited for\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1457\" data-end=\"1513\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"4ot8qq\" data-start=\"1457\" data-end=\"1466\"\u003eOkōicha\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1rmfltt\" data-start=\"1467\" data-end=\"1480\"\u003eRich usucha\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatcha latte preparation, holds structure with milk\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMatcha affagato - thick koicha over vanilla bean or hojicha gelato\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1515\" data-end=\"1539\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1515\" data-end=\"1539\"\u003eRecommended pairings\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli data-start=\"1515\" data-end=\"1539\"\u003eWarm usucha served alongside black sesame or red bean tang yuan (glutinous rice balls)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ltqtdp\" data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1571\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003ePlain scones with cream and jam\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ltqtdp\" data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1571\"\u003eDorayaki or red bean buns when available\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ltqtdp\" data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1571\"\u003eOnigiri filled with salmon, kombu or ume\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ltqtdp\" data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1571\"\u003eTamago sando\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ltqtdp\" data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1571\"\u003eSteamed prawn, vegetable or pork and chive dumplings served with minimal dipping sauce\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"ltqtdp\" data-start=\"1540\" data-end=\"1571\"\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eCold zaru soba with a light dipping sauce\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1artx38\" data-start=\"1555\" data-end=\"1588\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnigiri\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWeight | 30g Approx. 15 servings per 2g bowl\u003cbr\u003eOrigin | Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, Japan\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eSuggested preparation: 2g matcha | 60–70ml water | 75–80°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Producer\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eAOI Seicha traces its roots to Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan's most important matcha producing regions. Tea cultivation in Nishio dates back more than 800 years, while the company's founding family, the Honda family, carries a lineage associated with the Tachi Aoi crest, a symbol closely connected to the hollyhock crest of the Tokugawa shogunate and the samurai traditions of the Mikawa region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAOI's modern tea business began in 1912 during the early Taisho period, when Yasutaro Honda established tea cultivation under Shunkoen Tea Factory. Drawing upon both the tea heritage of Nishio and generations of Honda family stewardship, AOI Seicha developed into one of the region's most respected matcha specialists. In 1955, the company won the Tencha division at the National Tea Competition, helping cement its standing within Japan's tea industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, AOI Seicha continues to work with highly regarded growers and competition recognised tea farmers across Japan, refining matcha intended for both traditional tea preparation and contemporary appreciation worldwide. Its teas reflect the qualities for which Nishio has become renowned: sweetness, depth, balance and exceptional performance in both usucha and okōicha.\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStorage | Keep airtight and refrigerated. Consume within 4–6 weeks of opening.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(231, 127, 106);\"\u003eBest before dates on matcha are a guideline. When stored correctly kept airtight and refrigerated or frozen the tea maintains its quality well beyond this window. In our experience, it remains stable for up to 12 weeks. \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/easternhillgs.com\/pages\/gourmet-food\" title=\"Best Before Guidelines for Food\" style=\"color: rgb(231, 127, 106);\"\u003eRead about NSW Best Before Guidelines here\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"AOI Seicha","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47517105914086,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0170\/9420\/files\/AOI_Seicha_Matcha_Kiju_no_Mukashi_cd3e6633-4322-4e6a-b9cc-12b9fc99b69f.jpg?v=1776089133","url":"https:\/\/easternhillgs.com\/ko\/products\/aoi-seicha-matcha-kiju-no-mukashi","provider":"Eastern Hill General Supplies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}