Irie 'Ceremonial' Matcha
Simply put...
Irie uses only the first harvest of matcha, covering it for at least 20 days, and grinding it in a stone mill. Whilst there is no common definition for ceremonial-grade matcha in Japan this is the standard by which they judge the tea to be 'ceremonial'
In more depth...
Origin : Toshiro Irie's Tea Farm,Yame, Fukuoka, Kyushu Island
Size : 3 hectares [over several land plots]
Harvest Time : First Harvest, covered for 20 days
Plucking standard : Young Leaves, shaded
Experience : Beautiful Umami Sweetness
Last visited by Comins : October 2025, Michelle Comins
How to prepare [Chawan]
Amount of tea per serving (80ml): 2.5g (half a tea caddy spoon / 2 Chashaku*) Sift before use to remove lumps.
Temperature of water: 70℃ / 176℉ (boil kettle, cool for 40 seconds)
Infusion time: Once water added whisk until there is a rich foam in top.
Number of infusions: 1
How to enjoy: No milk, no sugar
*A Chashaku is a traditional matcha bamboo measuring spoon. Each chashaku equals 1 teaspoon.
Tales of the Tea Trade : Irie-San
The greenest of greens
Rob meant Mr Irie on his October trip to Fukuoka and was immediately captivated by his passion for soil commitment to the land. You may remember from our social media that he even convinced Rob to taste the soil. We are delighted to welcome three of his amazing teas to Comins.
Rob : Extract from our our book Tales of the tea trade :
Rob: Mr Toshiro started out as a fruit and vegetable farmer, but after a bout of ill health, and discovering the health-giving qualities of green tea, he set out to produce the healthiest tea he could, with no chemicals to be added. For him, this started with one thing: the soil [....] He described how 1 gram of soil contains 1 billion bacteria, and that the fertilizer he makes is for these bacteria, not the tea plants. Feeding the bacteria maintains the life cycle and balance of the soil, resulting in better tea plants [...] He showed me a sign indicating that the garden is Organic JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards) certified, and tells me that his was the first tea garden in Japan to achieve this [....]
Mr Toshiro’s approach has not been the easiest path. When he started, he told me, the surrounding farmers didn’t understand about pesticides and organic cultivation, so the slopes were starting to get into bad condition. ‘Growing organically is a life choice, so we spent five years building strongly, and over the course of five more years I finally made a tea.’ [...]
Theres so much more to this story but you will have to come and see us, taste his tea or read the book
Tales of the tea trade to get further inspired by Mr Irie. In fact why not do all three at the same time!
Why not try at the Tea House? Light, refreshing & gently grassy - the best way to enjoy this tea is through our Japanese tasting experience. At the Tea House we offer you the chance to taste the tea through three infusions prepared at different temperatures - offering you the rich umami, bitterness & strength of this high grade tea. Delicious.
![2025 EXPLORE Green Tea [3 green tea gift box]](http://cominstea.com/cdn/shop/files/FullSizeRender_5989283c-b466-48fc-b925-8e4b2c546ae7_large.heic?v=1700753757)
![170ml White Porcelain Houhin [9.5cm x 7cm] with white porcelain cup [180ml 9.5 x 4.7cm]](http://cominstea.com/cdn/shop/files/2243442A-4C82-46CD-9256-D28590225E86_large.heic?v=1702583789)
![Deep Tea Infuser [Chakoshi] 8.5 x 8.5cm](http://cominstea.com/cdn/shop/files/05DD7BB7-7E3B-40DD-B2E6-B01A2628B667_large.heic?v=1702582576)
![Jun’s Jungjak Green Tea [Green / South Korea]](http://cominstea.com/cdn/shop/files/F387DB14-708E-4CD7-A58A-6271BBFA5F6C_large.jpg?v=1731861915)