Hana Matcha 花 - a floral delight
At Hvala, we hold close the belief that every moment is unique and precious—a fleeting gift to be cherished deeply. This philosophy, rooted in the Japanese concept of 'ichi-go ichi-e', guides everything we do. It reminds us that each encounter is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, unrepeatable and to be savoured. Nowhere is this more evident than in our exclusive house selection matcha powders, curated to express our love for matcha in four flavour profiles.
In this article, we will be sharing more about Hana, a ceremonial grade matcha powder that is named after the Japanese word for "flower". Hana captures the essence of spring—its renewal, its beauty, and its vitality. But Hana is more than just a blend; it’s a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to nature.
The Origins: Kyoto’s Wazuka Region
Hana's journey begins in the lush, rolling hills of Wazuka, a small town nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. For over 800 years, Wazuka has been renowned for its tea cultivation, and today, it remains one of the most prestigious regions for matcha production. The town's unique climate, with misty mornings and cool, shaded hillsides, creates the perfect environment for growing tea leaves of unparalleled quality.
The tea farmers of Wazuka are true artisans, passing down their knowledge and skills through generations. They cultivate the tea plants with care, shading them from the sun for weeks before harvest to enhance their chlorophyll content, giving the matcha its vibrant green colour and rich flavour. The leaves are then harvested, and goes through thorough sorting, ensuring only the best are selected for the stone-grinding process that transforms them into the fine powder that becomes Hana.
The Essence of Spring
Hana is a celebration of Wazuka's centuries-old tea culture and the spirit of spring itself. Each sip is a reminder of the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms and the sense of renewal that comes with the changing seasons. Hana matcha’s smooth, floral aroma evokes the first blooms of spring, while its rich umami profile adds depth and complexity, creating a balance that is both invigorating and calming.
This ceremonial-grade matcha is designed to be more than just a beverage. It’s an experience—an invitation to slow down and savour the moment. At Hvala, we prepare Hana with the same care and attention that went into its creation, ensuring that every cup is a true reflection of its origins.