Article: A gentle and soothing non-alcoholic pairing
A gentle and soothing non-alcoholic pairing
For this edition, we introduce a gentle non-alcoholic pairing—perfect for those who may have enjoyed a little too much over the holiday season.
We paired Takegishi Ham Shokai’s traditionally cured wet-salt loin ham with ISSO TEA’s Yutaka Midori Sencha.
Yutaka Midori Sencha is grown in Kagoshima, and perhaps because of its terroir, it releases a delicate, sweet aroma—almost like steamed sweet potato—the moment hot water is poured.
With very little bitterness, it is easy to enjoy even for those who don’t usually drink green tea, and it is especially well-suited for food pairings.
Rather than bursting with aroma at the first sip, its flavor slowly and gently spreads across the palate, creating a calm, lingering impression. This beautifully harmonizes with the sweet, rich fat of the loin ham, leaving the finish clean and refreshing.
The dish we paired it with was “Loin Ham and Aromatic Herbs in Wasabi Marinade.”
The mellow saltiness of the ham, the umami and soft astringency of the sencha, and the fresh, bright heat of wasabi come together in perfect balance.
A clear, refreshing pairing for your winter table.
For the full recipe and video, please visit Takegishi Ham Shokai’s Instagram.
