Obukucha (Good Fortune Tea) | New Year's Genmaicha from Ippodo

Ippodo

Ippodo is another venerable company - one of the most respected tea merchants / makers in Japan - and has been producing green and matcha tea in Kyoto since 1717. They now have luxury teahouses across Japan and in New York. They don’t just sell top quality tea, but are very active in communicating narratives and ideas about tea culture and tastes around the world.

1. Put the tea leaves in a pot. For 3 servings use 2 table spoons of tea (about 7～9 g). For 5 servings use 2 full table spoons of tea (about 11～13 g). Adjust to taste.
2. Fill up a tea cup to 80% with hot water into 3 small cups for Sencha (about 60ml each) and let it cool down to a temperature of 70℃～75℃. A lower temperature will produce a milder and rounder taste, while higher temperatures will make the tea taste more sharp. If you enjoy sharp tasting teas, a temperature of 85℃～90℃ is suitable.
3. Fill up the water back into the pot from the 3 cups and wait for one minute. When a higher temperature is desired, just wait for 30 seconds.
4. Fill up the tea evenly into the 3 cups to obtain the same taste and concentration. Do not leave any tea in the pot, but fill up all out to the last drop.
5. For a second infusion, use water of a little higher temperature than for the first and let the tea draw for only 10 seconds before filling up it into the cups.