Usucha (薄茶) means “thin tea.” In matcha, it refers to matcha prepared with more water and less powder than koicha, creating a lighter, fluid drink that is usually whisked until frothy.
What Does Usucha Mean in Japanese?
The word usucha is written 薄茶. “Usu” means thin or light, while “cha” means tea. In the matcha context, usucha describes thin matcha.
Is Usucha a Type of Matcha?
No. Usucha is a preparation style rather than a separate matcha grade. It describes how the matcha is prepared and served.
How Is Usucha Prepared?
A useful starting point is about 2 grams of matcha with 60 mL of water around 80°C, then whisk for roughly 15 seconds. The amount of water can be adjusted depending on how strong you like your matcha.
For help measuring your serving, see How Much Matcha Powder Should You Use?
What Does Usucha Taste Like?
Usucha is lighter and less concentrated than koicha. Because it is usually made with only matcha and water, the tea’s sweetness, umami, bitterness and aroma are easy to taste.
Usucha vs. Koicha
Usucha uses less matcha and more water, giving it a thin, drinkable consistency. Koicha uses much more matcha with less water and is mixed into a dense, almost syrup-like tea.
See Koicha vs. Usucha: What's the Difference? for the full comparison.
Is Usucha the Same as a Matcha Latte?
No. Traditional usucha is prepared with matcha and water. A matcha latte adds milk, so it is a different drink even if the matcha starts with a whisked water base.
A Simple Way to Think About Usucha
Usucha is the light, whisked style of matcha most people picture when they think of a traditional bowl of matcha. It is a simple way to drink matcha and taste the tea itself.
