The Origin of Tea Production
The tea plant is sensitive to cold and is therefore grown in regions with relatively mild temperatures and adequate rainfall. Across Japan’s tea-producing areas, there are various regional tea brands. The flavor and taste of the tea vary depending on the region and climate. Culinary expert YUCa has traveled across Japan’s regions to carefully select the finest Japanese teas.
Chiran Cha (Kagoshima)
Kagoshima benefits from conditions such as fertile soil created by volcanic ash from Sakurajima, a warm climate, and abundant sunshine, all of which contribute to the production of delicious Chiran-cha.
Uji Cha (Kyoto and its surrounding areas)
Kyoto’s Uji region is renowned for producing high-quality tea. Uji-cha is known as one of Japan’s three great teas, alongside Shizuoka-cha and Sayama-cha (Saitama). Cultivation began in the early 13th century, and the region benefits from favorable natural conditions, such as soil quality and terrain.
Tosa Cha (Kochi)
Much of Tosa-cha is grown in the Niyodo River’s mountainous areas, where steep slopes delay sunrise and hasten sunset. The wide temperature fluctuations create frequent fog, which envelops the tea leaves. This environment produces tea with less bitterness and a rich, high-quality flavor.
Introducing the Seasonal Tea
Japan has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. There is a culture of enjoying different Japanese teas according to the season.
In spring, the most popular tea is “shincha” (new tea). Tea can be harvested multiple times from spring to autumn, but the first harvest of the year is called shincha. Since it is the very first tea picked, it is also known as “ichibancha” (first flush). The quality of tea is determined by its umami (richness of flavor). The earlier the harvest, the stronger the umami.
During the hot summer months, cold tea becomes very popular. We recommend using cold-brew tea bags, which can be steeped in a water bottle or pot for a refreshing drink.
Introducing the Taste of Tea
The brewing methods introduced here are just guidelines. There are no strict rules when it comes to making tea. Whether you brew it strong and astringent, or light and mild, or even create a blend, the difference in flavor depending on how you brew it is one of the joys of tea. Feel free to enjoy your tea however you like, according to your mood when brewing.
Enjoying the Aroma and Color
While brewing Japanese tea, let’s enjoy the aroma and color with all five senses.
Savor the Moment
After enjoying the aroma and color, take your time to relax and savor the umami, astringency, and sweetness of the tea.
Enjoying Tea Pairing
The pairing of tea with meals and sweets offers endless possibilities. Let’s enjoy tea with a variety of combinations.
How to Enjoy and Store Tea
How to Make Delicious Tea
When brewing with loose leaf tea, the key is to not be stingy with the tea leaves. Using a little extra tea will result in a more flavorful cup. If the tea turns out too strong, you can dilute it with hot water, but if it’s too weak, you can’t make it stronger.
Tea bags are designed for those who don’t have a teapot or want a convenient way to enjoy tea. Since the optimal amount of tea leaves that greatly influences the flavor is already pre-measured, tea bags allow for easy portability and the enjoyment of high-quality tea anytime. By setting standards for water quantity, extraction temperature, and steeping time for each product, we minimize the variation in taste depending on different conditions.
The flavor of tea is very delicate. The key to its deliciousness lies in its aroma and sweetness. When brewed with boiling water, the sweetness of the tea is often hidden. If you pour the boiling water into a cooling pot, tea cup, or mug, the temperature will drop by about 10°C. This is a convenient way to lower the water temperature when needed.
When pouring tea from a teapot, pour it evenly into each teacup, from the first to the last drop. This ensures the tea’s strength is consistent across all cups. It’s best to brew just enough for the number of people you’re serving. Also, the flavor and mouthfeel will change between the first and second infusions.
Before pouring the water, after pouring the water, before drinking the tea, and while drinking. At each stage, enjoy the aroma, color, and taste.
How to Make Cold-brewed Tea
Cold-brewed tea is extracted at low temperatures, which makes it less likely to develop bitterness or astringency, allowing you to enjoy its sweetness and smoothness more fully. It’s perfect for cooling off in the summer or for those who are sensitive to bitterness.
For every 1 liter of water, use about 10g of tea leaves, and by leaving it in the refrigerator for a while, you can enjoy a refreshing flavor. You can start drinking it as early as 15 minutes after placing it in the refrigerator. Depending on the type of tea, you might leave it in the fridge for 2 to 5 hours.
The Benefits of Japanese tea
Tea contains numerous vitamins, fluoride, amino acids, and other compounds that help activate mental function and offer various health benefits.
・Improves skin health
・Helps prevent cancer
・Reduces the risk of stroke
・Prevents cavities and bad breath
・Helps prevent the body from becoming overly acidic
・Aids in preventing food poisoning
Tea Storage Tips
It is important to store tea in a place where it is protected from high temperatures, humidity, light, odors, and oxygen. After opening, it is recommended to seal the tea bag tightly and store it at room temperature, consuming it within about three weeks.
Please avoid storing tea in the refrigerator, as it can absorb odors from other foods. For long-term storage, keep the tea unopened and freeze it. When you’re ready to use it, return it to room temperature before opening.
