Here's Why Japanese Tea Is Precious
You’re probably reading this while sipping your beloved green tea so the timing is simply perfect! Brace yourselves as TDT World takes you on a mind-blowing journey of when Japanese green tea was first discovered. In this blog, we’ll traverse through the history of these globally loved teas and delve into the most original and fascinating Japanese tea culture. Furthermore, we’ll be discussing various types of Japanese green teas and their health benefits.
So, are you ready? Sit back, sip your green tea and stay with us!
The Origin/History of Japanese Green Tea:
The introduction of green tea to Japan can be traced back to circa 1738 when Japanese monks in the Nara and Heian era studied Buddhism in China. These teas were a vital part of religious rituals in Buddhist monasteries in China way before they came to be known in Japan. What was initially savoured by the religious groups of the vast Japanese society, then became a beverage sipped and relished by the royal and elite families of Japan.
Around the 12th century, Myouan Eisai wrote about tea cultivation, the preparation of green tea and its health benefits and described them in detail in his book “Kissayojoki”. With the success of this book, the world got introduced to various Japanese green teas and their unique benefits. Soon, this healthy beverage was loved and consumed by most across the globe and currently, it has become an inevitable part of almost everyone’s daily lives.
The inception of the absolutely heart-warming and enticing Japanese tea culture, popularly known as the Japanese Tea Ceremony, can be traced back to the 9th century.
Japanese Tea Ceremony:
It was after these teas gained fame globally, that Japanese tea ceremonies came to be known as a crucial part of the Japanese tea culture. With this, the idea of consuming Japanese tea evolved gradually.
The concept of a Japanese tea ceremony mainly revolves around the idea of “Wabi” and “Sabi”. Wabi signifies inner sanctity and the spiritual experiences that humans go through as they live on Earth. Sabi indicates the materialistic desires of humans and is synonymous to decayed. It is vital for humans to introspect and identify this emptiness that often engulfs mortal life and this is what the Japanese tea culture highlights through its tea ceremonies.
Types of Japanese Green Teas:
Japanese green teas are known for their unique sweet and earthy flavour and endless health benefits. Tea leaves are achieved from a shrub named Camellia Sinensis and are processed immediately after they are harvested to prevent oxidation and retain their original flavour and aroma.
Diversity in Japanese green teas is observed due to their different cultivation methods, steaming and drying processes and growing conditions. Various types of Japanese green teas are as follows:
#1
Fukamushi
Fukamushi is deep-steamed green tea known for its very special and soothing taste. Young harvest tea leaves are steamed twice for longer durations and are then rolled dry. Unique methods to prepare the Fukamushi variety of Japanese green tea were discovered in the post-war period in Japan. Thereon, Fukamushi was found in every household of Japan.
#2
Konacha
Small bits of leaves filtered out during the processing of gyokuro and sencha tea types forms the Konacha tea. Konacha actually translates to “powder tea” but in actuality, it isn’t as powdered as matcha. When brewed, it develops an intense green colour with a strong flavour. Avoid brewing it for too long to avoid a very strong taste.
#3
Gyokuro
Gyokuro is admired by most tea connoisseurs and is obtained from shade-grown tea leaves. It has a concentrated flavour and is considered to be the green tea of highest quality. Dark green leaves, a wonderful aroma and a deep colour are its most-loved features.
#4
Houjicha
Houjicha is roasted green tea that boasts of a reddish-brown colour and a roasted aroma. Due to its colour, houjicha is often mistaken for black tea. However, it is unoxidized as it is a variation of green tea. Loose green tea leaves are roasted at 200 degrees Celsius and quickly cooled to lowers the catechin and caffeine content of this tea.
#5
Three Mini Classic Japanese Green Teas: Gyokuro – Sencha – Konacha
If you’ve just got introduced to the refreshing and aromatic world of Japanese green teas and are on a quest to try and test some varieties, TDT’s Mini Classic Japanese Green Teas are just perfect for you! This set comprises of three green tea types such as gyokuro, sencha and konacha. Packed in adorable tea tins, these teas will make your heart happy and will make you fall in love with Japanese green teas already.
#6
Six Mini Favourite Japanese Green Teas: Konacha – Sencha (Argent) – Houjicha – Sencha – Gyokuro – Kukicha
Once you’ve been introduced to the finest Japanese green teas, it’s time to pick your favourite/favourites. TDT’s Six Mini Japanese Green Teas is a whole package in itself. It comprises of Konacha, Sencha (Argent), Houjicha, Sencha, Gyokuro and Kukicha varieties. With this, you can have your very own tea ceremony with your friends!
Health Benefits of Japanese Green Teas:
The love for Japanese green teas has grown globally over time due to the diverse plethora of health benefits that they offer and ingredients that are known to increase the life span of a person. It is due to these benefits that a person who once becomes a Japanese green tea lover, is always a Japanese green tea lover.
These teas are naturally stuffed with antioxidants that help in improving one’s overall health and boost the immune system. Regular intake promotes the heart and bone health in the long run. The presence of L-theanine in these green teas has a calming effect on the nervous system which helps a person with relaxation thus reducing stress. It is a great alternative for diabetics and promotes weight loss due to its ability to quicken digestion.
Are you now a fan of Japanese green teas and the rich Japanese culture? Then you must definitely check out our Japanese exotic teas and choose from a wide range of expertly processed and packed green teas!
Disclaimer: Before you consume any of the below mentioned teas, please check and confirm whether it suits you. There is a possibility that you might be allergic to that tea. If you experience any allergies after consumption, kindly seek medical attention immediately.
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