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| Production Process of KORO GAKI vol.2 |
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| -Traditional Dried Persimmon |
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| Main Topic |
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| Seasonal Topics & Items |
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| Dear Sir and Madam, |
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| We at Hibiki-an THANK YOU VERY MUCH for your continued patronage and support.
We are pleased to offer useful information for your healthy life and continued
enjoyment of Japanese green tea. In this issue, we talk about 'Production Process of KORO GAKI'. |
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Production Process (4) Drying
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After the persimmons are peeled, they are carefully arranged on KAKIYA shelves and dried under the sun. A lift is used to line up the upper level. Approximately 1 ton of persimmons are placed on each layer.
The most important part of this process is to keep the persimmons dry. It is extremely important to avoid getting them wet in the rain. The persimmons are checked frequently while they are drying. This requires practiced skill to know how each persimmon should look and feel during each stage of the drying process.This is very difficult work, which involves climbing a high KAKIYA and bending over for long periods of time.
The persimmons are dried for about 2 to 3 weeks. After they are dried to a certain degree, they are put in wooden boxes and taken down from the KAKIYA shelves mainly by lift.
They used to be taken down from the KAKIYA using pulleys, which took 8 to 10 times longer. |
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| Approximately 1 ton of persimmons are placed on each layer. |
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| Touch persimmons with hands to check for dryness. |
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| Bamboo and netting for excellent ventilation |
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| Bending over for long periods of time. |
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| Work in high places with care. |
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| In the old days, pulleys was used to unload persimmons. |
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Production Process (5) Rolling
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The persimmons are spread out on a straw mat. They are then rolled to make them dry evenly and soften.
In the past, persimmons were winnowed and rolled around 100 times per batch by hand every day. With 40 to 50 batches per day, it was quite an arduous task.
Today, the persimmons are rolled by machine. Approximately 6kg (13.23lb) of persimmons are rolled at a time, taking 3 to 5 minutes. This machine was developed about 30 years ago, around 1990, and has led to a significant reduction in the burden on farmers.
If the persimmons are rolled too much, they will be damaged. On the other hand, if they are rolled too little, the white powder, which is the persimmon's natural fructose, will not crystallize on the surface. This can cause the persimmons to be less sweet. Farmers carefully watch the condition of the persimmons while rolling. The moment the rolling is finished and the persimmons are removed from the machine, there is a unique pleasant aroma created by the harmony of sun, straw and fruit.
At night, the temperature drops and frost forms easily, so this process is finished in the evening and the persimmons are covered with a straw mat. By covering with a straw mat, the moisture containing natural fructose inside the persimmon is released during the night. This process further dries the persimmons.
This process continues for about 1 to 2 weeks. As the drying process progresses, the size of the persimmon is reduced to 1/4 to 1/5 of what it was before drying. When the white fructose powder begins to appear on the surface of the persimmon, the KORO GAKI are finished. The final weight is only 20-25% of the original weight. |
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| Spread out on a straw mat.(Pictures from the sky) |
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| Gather persimmons in the same dry state. |
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| Put persimmons into a machine in order. |
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| A simple but innovative machine that have helped farmers. |
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| A unique and pleasant aroma spreads around. |
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| Repeating the process produces white powder. |
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| Persimmons are brought indoors before it gets cold. |
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| Persimmons are covered with a straw mat. |
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Farmer - Masashi Moriguchi
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Masashi Moriguchi was born in 1983. He comes from a tea farming family that has been in existence for generations.
After graduating from high school in Kyoto, he worked for a year at the Tea Industry Research Division and studied at the National Farmers Academy in Tokyo.
He has won numerous awards at tea competitions. Along with tea, he has mastered the traditional method of KORO GAKI making. The KORO GAKI that he produces have won awards for many years, so he is known as a KORO GAKI master.
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| Persimmons are planted near these tea farms. |
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| He can tell how dry the persimmons are by the surface temperature. |
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| Awarded at competitions. |
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| His father is still active. |
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| It's been going on for generations. |
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[Limited] KORO GAKI - Dried Persimmon |
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| KORO GAKI is a confection made from persimmon, a beautiful orange fruit harvested in autumn and winter in Japan. What makes this confection unique is the fact that it is made using only persimmon, and no other ingredients. The texture is plump and just a little bit tough. As you chew, the natural, elegant sweetness gradually increases. The flavor and texture are completely different from non-dried persimmon. (Please note that there are small seeds inside.)
Surprisingly, before drying, the breed of persimmons used for KORO GAKI are inedible as they are too astringent. However, through the process of drying, the astringent Tannins are removed and the sweetness is strongly brought out. The white powder on the surface is the persimmon's natural fructose, which has crystallized during drying.
Drying not only eliminates bitterness, but also greatly increases dietary fiber, β-carotene, and minerals such as potassium and manganese compared to raw persimmon.
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KORO GAKI |
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[Limited] KORO GAKI (dried persimmon): US$20.00
KORO GAKI is one of the oldest preserved foods that have been made and eaten for a long time in Japan. It is a confection made from persimmon, a beautiful orange fruit harvested in autumn and winter. |
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| Are you enjoying your green moments? Hibiki-an encourages those who love to drink green tea. If you have any requests or questions regarding our teas or services, please don't hesitate to contact us. We sincerely hope that you enjoy genuine Hibiki-an Japanese green tea direct to you from Kyoto, Japan. |
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| Sincerely yours, |
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| Atsushi Yasui |
Seasonal Topics & Items
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[Limited] Competition Grade Tea / Blended Sencha Items |
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| Competition Grade Tea is limited edition of just 650 packages each and Blended Sencha is limited edition of just 850 packages each ONLY AVAILABLE this winter season.
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Competition Grade Tea |
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[Limited] Competition Grade Gyokuro Pinnacle (30g/1.06oz): US$36.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 650 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this winter season)
This Competition Grade Gyokuro Pinnacle has an excellent, deeply mellow taste. The National Tea Competition is held in order to improve Japanese tea agricultural and manufacturing techniques, and to congratulate and encourage those that have produced outstanding tea... |
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[Limited] Competition Grade Sencha Pinnacle (40g/1.41oz): US$29.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 650 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this winter season)
Competition Grade Sencha Pinnacle is available only at the National Tea Fair, attended by tea connoisseurs and those within the Japanese green tea industry. This fine green tea has an excellent, deeply mellow taste... |
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[Limited] Competition Grade Matcha Pinnacle (20g/0.71oz): US$43.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 650 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this winter season)
This Competition Grade Matcha Pinnacle has an excellent, deeply mellow taste. The National Tea Competition is held several times a year in Japan. Sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and attended by executives of the Japanese tea industry... |
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[Limited] Competition Grade Matcha Pinnacle Refill (60g/2.12oz): US$108.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 650 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this winter season)
This Competition Grade Matcha Premium Refill package is an excellent value. The price is actually discounted 17%. This has an excellent, deeply mellow taste. The National Tea Competition is held several times a year in Japan. Sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries... |
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Blended Sencha |
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[Limited] Blended Sencha Premium (80g/2.82oz): US$20.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 850 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this winter season)
Blended Sencha Premium is a blend of Sencha and Gyokuro. This tea is composed of four breeds of green tea: Kanayamidori, Sayamakaori, Yabukita, and Okumidori... |
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Special Houjicha Teas (Limited / Now Available!)
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In Japan, Houjicha is considered a good everyday tea. It is one of the most popular everyday teas, along with Sencha. So, it has been enjoyed in various ways: brewed in Kyusu, Iced Tea, decocted (boiled), and so on. And it is usually relatively affordable and quite healthy drink which contains much Catechin and Vitamin C and only a small amount of Caffeine. Because of the low Caffeine and soothing properties, Houjicha is suitable to drink near bedtime and can be given to very young children, even babies.
We arranged two special Houjicha items, Houjicha Super Premium and Houjicha Karigane Super Premium. Each item is the limited edition of 450 packages only available this winter season.
For Houjicha Super Premium, we use only young tea sprouts and add a small quantity of stems from highest grade Matcha to create the unique and excellent smooth and mellow roasted nut aroma.
For Houjicha Karigane Super Premium, we use only stems from highest grade Sencha and add a small quantity of stems from highest grade Matcha to create the unique and excellent sweet and roasted flavor.
Both teas are brighter in color and the rich flavor goes far beyond regular Houjicha and Houjicha Karigane. You are sure to delight in the extraordinary rich roasted flavor that lingers nicely in the mouth for a while. |
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Limited Edition Special Houjicha Teas |
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[Limited] Houjicha Super Premium (100g/3.53oz): US$16.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 450 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this winter season)
To make this Houjicha Super Premium, we use only young sprouts. And a small amount of stems from the highest grade Matcha are added in order to create the unique noble aroma... |
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[Limited] Houjicha Karigane Super Premium (100g/3.53oz): US$16.00
(Now Available: limited edition of 450 packages ONLY AVAILABLE this winter season)
The stems contained in this tea are usually used for Sencha Karigane, not Houjicha Karigane. Stems from the highest grade Matcha are added in order to create the unique noble aroma... |
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[Limited] Snacks and Candy (Winter) |
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We at Hibiki-an added nine Japanese modern confectioneries which are all
only available in autumn. Our carefully selected items for autumn confections
amuse our mouth very much, and perfectly match with Japanese green tea.
MOCHI and MAME are unique texture, traditonal and modern snacks are so
crispy. YUZU Peel also provide their original flavor.
We are certain that they will all completely please your taste bud. Please take a look! |
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Highly Recommended Featured item |
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Premium YATSUHASHI are a type of traditional Japanese snack made with cinnamon. Our YATSUHASHI are savory baked almonds wrapped in delightful cinnamon.
When you take a bite, the unique cinnamon flavor spreads in your mouth. They have such a simple, wholesome taste, enjoyed by people of all ages in Japan.
It is a premium flavor that goes well not only with Japanese tea, but also with Sake and other alcoholic beverages.
We cannot fully express how amazing YATSUHASHI Almonds are, with only words and pictures, but we hope you will try these firsthand and enjoy their unique deliciousness and health benefits, too..... (more info: click here)
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| It is a lovely confection that looks as if it is covered with snow. |
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| Well-balanced taste of cinnamon and almonds. |
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| We recommend it as a winter gift. |
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| Japanese Snacks / Candy Shopping category: click here |
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[Valentine's Day Gifts] How About Hibiki-an's Gifts? |
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| Have you chosen a Valentine's Day gift for your loved ones? In Japan, green tea is often presented as a gift because it symbolizes a wish of good health and longevity. This tradition of giving green tea as a gift is as popular today as it has been throughout history. We give the gift of green tea for good health and long life of friends, family, and loved ones. A gift of genuine Japanese tea would make a perfect gift this Valentine's Day.
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Hibiki-an's Gifts
We have chosen and combined some of our most popular items which would make perfect gifts for friends, family, and professional colleagues, or any special or romantic occasion such as holidays, birthdays, Valentine's Day, weddings, or the purchase of a new home... |
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[Recommended] HIBIKI-AN Gift Card / Wish List
HIBIKI-AN Gift Card (email delivery):
Once you place an order, the Gift Card email including the claim code will be sent to your recipient directly. The recipient can spend their Gift Card right away...
Wish List:
You can share your Wish List with your family and friends by email, Facebook or Twitter. Of course, it is useful just to keep track of items you are interested in or want to order in the future... |
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FUROSHIKI Gift / FUROSHIKI Wrapping Fabric items
FUROSHIKI Wrapping Fabric items are suitable to wrap tea or snacks / candy purchased on our website for gift. It can also be used as a decorative wall hanging, table cloth, scarf, and so on.
FUROSHIKI Gift Items, which are carefully wrapped with the FUROSHIKI Japanese wrapping fabric, are available too... |
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[Gift Idea] Tea Ware, Hibiki-an's Teabag, or Japanese Snacks/Candy
Japanese tea combined with traditional tea ware or with Japanese Snacks/Candy makes a wonderful gift. Atmospheric handcrafted tea ware enhances the green moment. Traditional Japanese Snacks/Candy pair beautifully with any kind of Japanese tea. Like the French "Amuse-Bouche" their purpose is to amuse the mouth or palate, in this case, while drinking green tea... |
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[New & Limited] Teapots / Cups, Matcha Bowls / Accessories |
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| We have arranged for 19 limited edition tea ware items, and 16 limited edition new Matcha Bowls / Accessories. The 35 limited
edition items are all available only this autumn and winter season. |
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| Teapots / Cups shopping category: click here |
| Matcha Bowls / Accessories shopping category: click here |
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(Notice 1) Delivery Discount
Orders of under US$150 get Express International delivery (both of DHL and Postal) for only US$8.50 ( US$11.50).
This delivery discount is only for a limited time until April 30th.
(more info; click here)
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(Notice 2) Update of International Delivery Status
Here is an update of the International Delivery Status. To learn more, please visit the links below.
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Or if you prefer, we are happy to update your account info for you. Just let us know. Please don't hesitate to contact us!
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