{"product_id":"iwai-no-shiro","title":"Iwai No Shiro - Yabukita Okumidori Ceremonial Matcha from Uji, Kyoto","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eIwai No Shiro - Yabukita Okumidori Ceremonial Matcha from Uji, Kyoto\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIwai No Shiro is a ceremonial matcha blend from Uji, Kyoto, crafted by Shogyokuen - a family-run tea factory established in 1827. Combining Yabukita and Okumidori cultivars, it sits one step above Izumi No Shiro in the Shogyokuen range - a matcha that is clean and fresh at the entry, then rounds into a gentle creaminess and natural sweetness on the finish. It is a well-balanced ceremonial option for home preparation, usucha, and iced preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAbout Iwai No Shiro\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIwai No Shiro is part of our Ceremonial Matcha collection and is produced from a blend of two cultivars: Yabukita and Okumidori. Each brings a distinct quality to the cup. Yabukita contributes freshness, bright green character, and structural clarity. Okumidori adds clean vegetal depth, a gentle creaminess, and a slightly fuller mouthfeel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result is a matcha that is more rounded than a single-cultivar Okumidori and more interesting than a straight Yabukita - a blend designed to sit comfortably across multiple preparation styles without demanding specific technique or equipment. Its slight astringency resolves cleanly into sweetness, making it forgiving and consistent in the bowl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTaste Profile\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMouthfeel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Light to medium, creamy\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium, clean\n\u003cstrong\u003eUmami:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\n\u003cstrong\u003eAstringency:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slight, resolves into sweetness\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlavor Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIwai No Shiro opens with a light to medium body and a clean, medium finish. Fresh-cut grass leads the entry note, bright and immediate, followed by the gentle sweetness of young green pea. A light creaminess develops across the mid-palate, smoothing the slight astringency and carrying it into a clean, naturally sweet finish. The overall profile is uncluttered - fresh, a little creamy, and gently sweet without bitterness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use Iwai No Shiro\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest suited for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUsucha\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLatte (hot and iced)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIced matcha and clear-style preparations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIwai No Shiro's clean, creamy profile works well across both traditional and café-style preparations. In usucha, it produces a smooth, approachable bowl. Iced, its freshness and light creaminess stay vivid and bright. In lattes, it contributes a clean matcha character without dominating the drink. For those ready to step deeper into the ceremonial range with more umami and body, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toyo-mukashi\"\u003eToyo Mukashi\u003c\/a\u003e is the natural next step.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow Iwai No Shiro Compares\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompared to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/izumi-no-shiro\"\u003eIzumi No Shiro\u003c\/a\u003e (single-cultivar Okumidori), Iwai No Shiro is rounder and slightly fuller - the Yabukita softens Okumidori's mineral edge and adds creaminess. Compared to \u003ca href=\"\/products\/toyo-mukashi\"\u003eToyo Mukashi\u003c\/a\u003e (Samidori), it is lighter and more delicate - less umami, more freshness. It sits cleanly between the two: a ceremonial blend for those who want more than clean grass but aren't yet drawn to deep, savory umami.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Sourcing\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIwai No Shiro is produced by Shogyokuen, a family-run tea factory established in 1827 and led today by master blender Hiroshi Kobayashi. The Yabukita and Okumidori tencha originates from Uji, Kyoto, and is refined in Kyotanabe, Kyoto, where generations of blending expertise shape every batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChaseki holds exclusive Thailand distribution rights for Shogyokuen's full matcha range - a direct relationship that means transparent cultivar information, consistent harvest quality, and no intermediaries between the source and your cup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTrusted by Thailand's Matcha Community\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChaseki has specialized in Japanese matcha since November 2018 and has supplied Thailand's professional tea industry since 2020, training more than 2,500 students through workshops on matcha preparation, sourcing, and business. Iwai No Shiro is a steady part of our ceremonial range, regularly recommended to customers moving up from entry-level matchas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSizes \u0026amp; Packaging\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIwai No Shiro is available in multiple formats:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40g can for home preparation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e100g, 250g, 500g, and 1,000g pouches for cafés and professional kitchens\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarting at THB 1,440 for the 40g can. Wholesale pricing available for verified B2B accounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Store Matcha\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStore Iwai No Shiro in the fridge or freezer, sealed in its original packaging or an airtight container. Keep away from strong-smelling foods. Return to room temperature before opening. See FAQ 4 below for full storage guidance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLearn More\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWant to understand how blended and single-cultivar matchas differ in the cup? Visit our \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/learn\"\u003eeducational library and video tutorials\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow does Iwai No Shiro compare to Izumi No Shiro?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth are Shogyokuen ceremonial matchas sharing Okumidori as a base cultivar. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/izumi-no-shiro\"\u003eIzumi No Shiro\u003c\/a\u003e is a single-cultivar Okumidori - clean, precise, and slightly saline. Iwai No Shiro blends Yabukita with Okumidori, adding freshness and creaminess that softens Okumidori's edge into a rounder, more approachable profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat does the Yabukita and Okumidori blend contribute to Iwai No Shiro?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYabukita brings freshness, bright green character, and clarity. Okumidori adds clean vegetal sweetness and slight creaminess. Together they produce a matcha that is more rounded than either cultivar alone - fresh and clean on entry, with a gentle creamy sweetness on the finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs Iwai No Shiro good for usucha?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Its clean, creamy character and slight astringency that resolves into sweetness make it a pleasant bowl for usucha. Approachable for beginners and satisfying for experienced matcha drinkers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is the price difference between Iwai No Shiro and Izumi No Shiro?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIwai No Shiro starts at THB 1,440 for a 40g can. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/izumi-no-shiro\"\u003eIzumi No Shiro\u003c\/a\u003e starts at THB 1,070. The difference reflects Iwai No Shiro's position one step higher in the range, offering a fuller, more rounded profile through its two-cultivar blend.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is the difference between Ceremonial, Daily, and Latte Matcha?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt Chaseki, matcha is categorized by intended use rather than by a single quality label. Ceremonial Matcha is crafted for traditional preparation such as usucha and koicha, offering depth, balance, and refined structure. Daily Matcha is designed for regular enjoyment. Latte Matcha is selected for milk-based and cold preparations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs this matcha suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. All Chaseki matcha is suitable for beginners. Ceremonial Matcha offers a deeper experience for those interested in traditional preparation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow should I choose the right matcha for my use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you enjoy traditional preparation with water, start with Ceremonial or Daily Matcha. If you plan to prepare lattes or mixed drinks, Latte Matcha or Daily Matcha is the best choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow should I store matcha properly?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStore in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container. In the fridge, fresh for up to four months after opening. In the freezer, quality maintained over one year if unopened or well sealed. Return to room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDoes matcha contain caffeine?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Matcha naturally contains caffeine as well as L-theanine, contributing to a calmer, more sustained energy compared to coffee.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs Chaseki matcha sourced directly from Japan?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. All Chaseki matcha is sourced from established tea producers in Japan, with a focus on transparency and long-term relationships.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eIs this matcha suitable for cafes and professional use?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Available in larger formats used daily by cafes, restaurants, and professional kitchens across Thailand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhat is the difference between single-cultivar and blended matcha?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSingle-cultivar matcha highlights one cultivar's characteristics. Blended matcha combines cultivars to achieve balance, consistency, or a specific flavor profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRelated Products\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/izumi-no-shiro\"\u003eIzumi No Shiro\u003c\/a\u003e - the single-cultivar Okumidori below, cleaner and more mineral\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/toyo-mukashi\"\u003eToyo Mukashi\u003c\/a\u003e - the natural step up for more umami and a richer mouthfeel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/hatsu-mukashi\"\u003eHatsu Mukashi\u003c\/a\u003e - a Samidori + Saemidori blend with greater body and cooked-pea depth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/pages\/how-to-prepare-usucha\"\u003eHow to Prepare Usucha\u003c\/a\u003e - our full preparation guide\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Shogyokuen","offers":[{"title":"40g","offer_id":47868855648413,"sku":"SHO-MAT-IWS-40S","price":1440.0,"currency_code":"THB","in_stock":false},{"title":"100g","offer_id":47868855681181,"sku":"SHO-MAT-IWS-100P","price":2826.0,"currency_code":"THB","in_stock":false},{"title":"250g","offer_id":47868855713949,"sku":"SHO-MAT-IWS-250P","price":6281.0,"currency_code":"THB","in_stock":false},{"title":"500g","offer_id":47868855746717,"sku":"SHO-MAT-IWS-500P","price":11166.0,"currency_code":"THB","in_stock":false},{"title":"1000g","offer_id":47868855779485,"sku":"SHO-MAT-IWS-1000S","price":19850.0,"currency_code":"THB","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0347\/1228\/9412\/files\/iwai-no-shiro-40g.jpg?v=1777113002","url":"https:\/\/store.chaseki.com\/products\/iwai-no-shiro","provider":"Chaseki Specialty Matcha","version":"1.0","type":"link"}