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What’s the difference between strong tea and weak tea?

Matcha is popular both domestically and internationally. Matcha lattes have become a staple drink rather than just a fleeting trend.

Today, let’s talk about traditional “matcha” rather than lattes.

Do you know the difference between thick tea ( koicha) and thin tea ( usucha)? The difference is essentially one of concentration. Thin tea is whisked (tateru), while thick tea is kneaded (neru), which makes the difference in thickness more apparent.

Thin Tea (usucha)

Thin Tea (usucha)

Matcha: 2g
Hot Water: 60ml

Also known as “usucha.” You can use your preferred type of matcha. It has a vibrant yellow-green color, is smooth, easy to drink, and has a lighter aroma and taste. It is commonly served at tea ceremonies as well as in tea cafes and hotel lounges. At tea ceremonies, it is served individually and can be refilled. Dry sweets (干菓子, higashi) are typically paired with it.

Thick Tea ( koicha)

Thick Tea ( koicha)

Matcha: 4g
Hot Water: 30ml

Also known as “koicha.” Compared to thin tea, the amount of hot water is half, but the amount of matcha is doubled. Due to the higher concentration, the quality of the matcha has a greater impact on the flavor, and high-grade matcha is used. The tea is thick, with a deeper color and shine compared to thin tea. The flavor is rich and robust, with a noticeable bitterness followed by a subtle sweetness.

Thick tea is served at particularly formal tea ceremonies, and during these ceremonies, the tea is shared among participants from a single bowl (refills are not allowed). Fresh Japanese sweets (生和菓子, namagashi) are paired with it. Recently, it is also enjoyed as a matcha affogato when poured over ice cream.

That concludes the differences between thin tea and thick tea!