https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india.atomJapaneseGreenTea.in - Japanese Green Tea Lovers in India2022-06-30T07:35:18-12:00JapaneseGreenTea.inhttps://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/matcha-vs-sencha-loose-leaf-green-tea-what-are-the-differences2022-06-30T07:35:18-12:002022-06-30T07:36:19-12:00TYPES OF TEA: MATCHA VS SENCHA GREEN TEA: WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?Kei Nishida
When it comes to different types of tea, matcha and sencha green tea are two many people have questions about! Get answers in this post.
This article about different types of tea was posted back in 2018, but since it was popular, we made videos out of them. Watch the video and enjoy the original article below!
Video Length: Part 1 - 3 minutes 54 seconds, Part 2 - 3 minutes 46 seconds
LEARN MORE ABOUT THESE DIFFERENT TYPES OF TEA
So, you love green tea. But you’re not quite sure about this matcha versus sencha business and these different types of tea. Maybe you’ve seen matcha at your local market, but you’ve been hesitant to try it because, well, you have no idea what it is. Or, perhaps you’ve only ever steeped your tea and are looking for something new and different to try. Regardless of your motives, the following will clear up any confusion you may have about the differences between matcha and loose-leaf green tea. We’ll cover variations in texture, growing conditions, processing techniques, consumption methods, and price.
A WHOLE NEW WORLD: THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MATCHA AND SENCHA (LOOSE-LEAF GREEN TEA)
China is credited for introducing tea to Japan in the 7th century. Since then, a unique tea culture has evolved. A variety of different cultivation methods have matured and expanded over time to provide consumers with the best tea available. Two of the most well-known examples of this are matcha and sencha.
7 Ways These Two Types of Teas Differ
Below, you’ll discover seven ways these two types of tea vary.
MATCHA IS A POWDER AND LOOSE-LEAF IS NOT.
Whileloose-leaf sencha andmatcha are both derived from the same plant species — camellia sinensis — the end texture, shape, and consistency are completely different. Matcha is a very fine, stone-ground powder. On the other hand, sencha comes in rolled loose-leaf form.
We’ll go more into detail about the processing procedure that defines these types of tea soon.
MATCHA AND SENCHA ARE GROWN IN DIFFERENT CONDITIONS.
Texture is not the only thing distinguishing matcha from sencha green tea. Another stark contrast between the two teas is the conditions in which they’re grown.
Green tea plants cultivated for loose-leaf steeping purposes are grown in direct sunlight. On the other hand, plants grown for matcha are grown in the shade just before they are harvested. Interestingly enough, this method is believed to have been discovered by accident when Japanese tea farmers covered up the tea leaves to prevent them from freezing in the winter. High-grade matcha is grown in almost complete darkness.
Image of covering green tea to block sunlight before harvesting
Covering matcha plants with straw, bamboo mats, or vinyl tarps increases the amount of chlorophyll in the leaves, giving them their deep, green color. Not only does this method of slowing down photosynthesis increase the chlorophyll content, it also increases the amino acid content, giving quality matcha its distinct umami flavor. The idea behind this is to starve the plants so they crave more sunlight.
THESE TYPES OF TEA ARE HARVESTED AND PROCESSED DIFFERENTLY.
Although both matcha and sencha leaves must first be steamed to prevent oxidation, they are harvested and processed very differently.
Usually, sencha tea is picked with the stem, shoot, and two or three opened leaves intact (more leaves are intact if picked by machine). Sencha leaves are fanned with damp air to maintain freshness, and then steamed to prevent oxidation. After cooling, the leaves are pressed, dried, and made ready for distribution. The leaves may be rolled depending on the specific processing techniques of the region from which they’re grown. Rolling the leaves produces a needle-like shape which intensifies the flavors when steeped and is usually seen in Chinese tea. (Read my other article comparing Japanese Tea and Chinese Tea here.)
Unlike sencha, only the youngest parts of the plant are picked when harvesting matcha. More specifically: The two leaves at the very tip of the shoot. Similar to sencha, the soon-to-be-matcha leaves are also steamed to preserve color and nutrients. Thus begins the long and laborious process of removing stems and veins. The leaves that make it through quality control are called tencha.
These leaves are then ground by specialized granite grinding wheels. And voilà! You’ve got matcha!
MATCHA AND POWDERED KONACHA TEA ARE NOT THE SAME TYPE OF TEA
Although konacha literally means “powder tea”, it shouldn’t be confused with matcha. As mentioned above, matcha tea is ground using granite-grinding wheels. Konacha is actually just made up of the dust, and small bits of leaves and buds that are left behind after the processing of sencha.
Stone Grind of Matcha
MATCHA IS CONSUMED DIFFERENTLY, MAKING IT HEALTHIER COMPARED TO LOOSE-LEAF GREEN TEA.
Matcha and loose-leaf sencha have a plethora of health benefits that attract tea drinkers; but because they are consumed differently, one is inherently better for you than the other.
Here’s why…
When we steep loose sencha leaves, we are not getting all of the antioxidants and nutrients we could be getting if we were to consume the entire leaf — ergo, matcha.
To drink matcha tea means to ingest the entire leaf. By doing so, we get more of the health benefits the plant has to offer.
WHY IS MATCHA MORE EXPENSIVE THAN SENCHA?
As we’ve discovered, the process of producing matcha tea requires more labor than producing sencha tea. Here are two key reasons why matcha tea is more expensive:
It requires more involvement, care, and skill to produce
Quality matcha is only grown in specific geographic regions
FAKE MATCHA VS. REAL MATCHA: HOW TO SPOT GOOD QUALITY MATCHA
As with most things in life, all matcha is not created equal. There are some things you should keep in mind when venturing into the land of matcha. Here’s what to watch out for:
YOU WANT IT TO LOOK LIKE BRIGHT-GREEN GRASS, NOT TASTE LIKE IT.
Don’t be fooled by fancy packaging. While location is crucial, so is the color of your matcha. If you find yourself with a can of matcha that’s dull in color, chances are the quality is not what you’re looking for. Now, if you open up the can and are delighted to find a bright, vibrant shade of green (almost neon), then congratulations! You’ve got yourself a high-grade batch of matcha.
Similarly, if you open up the package and an overwhelmingly gross scent of grass tickles your nose, you may have been misled. High-grade matcha should have a sweet smell to it.
NO STEMS OR CLUMPS HERE!
Another thing you want to see in your matcha is that it’s been properly de-stemmed/de-veined and thoroughly ground. You don’t want to find any clumps or pieces of vein and stem lurking in your fresh can of matcha!
LAST, BUT CERTAINLY NOT LEAST — TASTE!
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, matcha should be sweet with earthy, savory, and sweet whispers of flavor.
NOW GO RELAX AND MAKE YOURSELF A CUP OF TEA!
We’ve certainly covered a lot of ground. Much of what you need to know about the two kinds of teas–from how they’re made to how they’re consumed–has been neatly laid out for you. Now you can relax and make yourself a cup of matcha (or sencha) tea, and reminisce about the journey it made from the fields to your lips.
Did you learn a lot about different types of tea in this post?
If you have ever thought that Green Tea is an ìacquired tasteî or that it is ìtoo bitterî to enjoy, weíre here to change your mind! We want everyone to experience the health benefits of Green Tea and show you that this can be an amazing, refreshing, and delicious drink when made correctly. With just a few tips on how to brew this powerful leaf, we can change your mind about the taste and enjoyment of drinking Green Tea.
Donít miss out on the health benefits of tea!
Improve health
Increase brain function
Regulate weight
Lower your risk of cancers
Reduce risk of heart disease
Lowers risk of diabetes
We know that you will love this tips to brewing tea and getting the most flavor and elegance out of every cup. Sign up for our newsletterand get this great informative manual on brewing green tea. You will learn what it is that makes it one of the most popular beverages in the world.
The E-Book also includes the chapter ofKei Nishida's book, "Art of Brewing Japanese Green Tea" where he teaches you how to brew hot and cold Japanese Green Tea.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/is-green-tea-good-for-depression2022-05-16T00:00:00-12:002022-05-16T07:12:56-12:00Is Green Tea Good Against Depression?Kei Nishida
Depression is a serious condition and it seems that more people are now being vocal about this. If you know a loved one who is suffering from depression, then this article can help introduce green tea as an aid in reducing the symptoms of depression. Check the article further to know more.
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Depression is incredibly common, yet it is a serious condition that can affect all aspects of your life, including your mental, physical, and emotional health.
There are, however, a number of different strategies for overcoming or managing depression, including lifestyle changes or medication. For those suffering from depression, increasing the intake of vitamin-rich foods can also be beneficial. Foods rich in antioxidants, such asgreen tea, can play an important role in improving your condition and helping you lead a healthier and better life.
On that note, let's talk more about green tea vs. depression and how it can help.
Green Tea, Antioxidants & Depression
Green tea is rich in antioxidants that strengthen the immune system and help fight diseases. It can also help reduce cell damage from free radicals. Interestingly, this tea is among the most researched teas in existence.
Green tea has a unique amino acid called L-Theanine. Researchers have found it to be the key player in helping fight depression:
L-Theanine has a natural calming or soothing effect
It also slows down caffeine absorption
Research studies have also indicated natural anti-anxiety properties
Studies show green tea has a direct influence on the nervous system, inducing promoting calmness
It's capable of inhibiting a-amylase activity, an activity that has been associated with stress.
Feeling depressed? Consider Trading Your Coffee for Green Tea.
If you think your morning cup of coffee is giving you a great start to a day, you should consider switching to premium green tea for greater and healthier reasons. A research study covered by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that regularly drinking this tea can reduce the symptoms of depression in older adults.
Some of the findings related to the study are as follows:
The participants' average age was 76 years
Those who took higher levels of green tea showed the tendency to be nonsmokers and highly socially active
The difference in impact on mild and severe depressive symptoms was significant between those taking less than one cup and four or more cups of green tea with lemon per day
Taking high amounts of green tea reduced reliance on antidepressants or the risk of depression
The antidepressant benefits of premium green tea were the same for both genders
The same level of association could not be found when green tea was replaced with other forms of tea and coffee
New studies have concluded that the benefits eventually trickle down to the presence of L-Theanine. It has further been found to help fight off stress and anxiety in people suffering from these conditions. Stress, anxiety, and feelings of depression commonly occur in older adults.
However, the symptoms are now also common among younger adults due to changing lifestyles.
The subjects included men and women of age 19 years and older. Those who took more than three cups of tea experienced 21% lower levels of depression. The findings were dramatic even when the amount of tea taken was far less compared to the dose given in the study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Improvement in Depression & Learning Abilities
There is another noteworthy 2013 study published in the American Botanical Council that demonstrates the benefits of drinking green tea for fighting depression. This study also showed how consuming green tea also improved the subject's learning abilities. The focus of this study was to see if the tea helped in restoring the Reward System in the brain and curing anhedonia.
Anhedonia is the root cause of the issue. Depression causes an inability of the patient to experience pleasure. This has been connected to the dysfunction of the Reward System. Some of the interesting findings of this study were as follows:
One set of participants was given green tea three times daily for five weeks
Another set was given a placebo, a cellulose
The subjects had to play a game that offered a small financial reward
The green tea group showed a dramatic increase in reward learning
The researchers concluded that drinking the tea helped repair the Reward System and cured depression and anhedonia.
Adding lemon to green tea can help with anxiety
While green tea is an 'elixir' in itself, when taken with lemon, the health benefits become even more profound.
Drinking green tea with lemon helps in bringing out more of the antioxidants present in the tea. This was published in the November 2014 edition of the Journal of Food Processing and Technology. The lemon also makes the antioxidants readily absorbable for your body. The citrus juice works by increasing the extraction of catechins present in green tea.
In fact, the increase is by up to six times compared to drinking tea without lemon. According to one study, an increased presence of catechins in the body has been found to decrease both depression and anxiety.
Studies involving oil extracted from a lemon show that it has powerful antidepressant properties. So, when you drink green tea with lemon, the combination of the two elements significantly increases the benefits against depression. Lemon works by modulating the levels of various hormones in the body. Most notably, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Research Study Findings
There are many studies showing the benefits of inhaling the oil on depression. Then, there are a few sets of studies that have shown its benefits when taken orally as well.
One such study involved animal subjects using the Tail Suspension Test (TST). Researchers studied the effect of the oil on monoamines present in the brain. The study found the subjects who received the lemon extracted oil showed a significant increase in the concentration of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the following parts of the brain:
Striatum
Prefrontal cortex
Hippocampus
These findings have been associated with the antidepressant benefits of lemon. Thus, drinking premium green tea along with lemon can further enhance the antidepressant benefits of the beverage.
Thus, there are clear scientific reasons for drinking green tea with lemon to achieve optimal antidepressant benefits. Drinking the beverage regularly can bring about significant improvements in your health and life.
If you find that you are still struggling with depression, consider reaching out to a licensed mental health professional at BetterHelp.
Did you learn a lot from this post about green tea vs. depression?
This post about green tea vs. depression was first published in 2020. It was updated in 2022 just for you.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/what-is-the-best-way-to-store-your-matcha-japanese-green-tea2021-03-06T07:13:08-12:002021-09-11T17:10:40-12:00What is the best way to store your matcha & Japanese green tea?Kei Nishida
5 Essential Storage Rules for Matcha and Japanese Green Tea
Read on to learn how to store matcha the proper way to ensure that you get the most out of this ancient elixir.
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This article was posted back in 2018, but since it was popular, we made videos out of them. Check out the video and enjoy the original article below! If you like this video, please click here to subscribe to our YouTube Channel so that you don't miss future videos from us. Subscribe to YouTube Channel
Video Length: - 6 minutes 4 seconds
5 Essential Storage Rules for Matcha and Japanese Green Tea
Matcha, an ancient Japanese green tea, that has become widespread due to its countless health benefits, antioxidant properties, and similar-to-coffee caffeine content. Before you run to the store and stock up on this vibrant green powder, however, you must know how to care for it.
Matcha is delicate, like a newborn baby. You simply cannot leave an open jar of matcha powder on your kitchen counter – when exposed to elements such as heat and air, matcha will lose its flavor, freshness, and antioxidants within days.
Read on to learn how to store matcha the proper way to ensure that you get the most out of this ancient elixir.
Rule #1 - Oxygen Robs Matcha Tea of Life-Preserving Catechins and Vitamins
Catechins are a type of antioxidant found in matcha tea. In fact, this is probably one of the reasons you began drinking matcha in the first place – you heard of its abundant health benefits. However, you must take proper care of your tea to ensure that it retains those benefits.
Matcha tea’s number-one threat is oxygen. Oxidization deteriorates the tea’s nutrients such as catechins and vitamins. Therefore, your matcha must be stored in an airtight container.
There are numerous airtight containers on the market, many of them created specifically for tea storage. Make sure not to store your tea in a simple Ziploc bag or plastic kitchen container, however, because your matcha will still be exposed to the air that is inside the container, and thus, it will oxidize.
You need a container which squeezes the air out, leaving the tea in a vacuum. One strategy is to put matcha into a Ziploc bag, squeeze all of the air out, and then store that bag inside a matcha-specific airtight container such as DICTEA – Airtight Small Storage Jar Porcelain Container for Matcha Powder and Loose Leaf Tea. Keep reading for more top-notch oxygen-proof storage options.
DICTEA – Airtight Small Storage Jar Porcelain Container for Matcha Powder and Loose Leaf Tea.
Rule #2 - Storing in the Fridge Prevents Heat Damage, but, it May Make Your Tea Taste Funny
You may also know that heat and humidity can turn matcha tea stale. If you live in a hot and humid place, you may be tempted to throw your jar of matcha in the fridge. Before you do so, however, we suggest you consider these additional points. Firstly, tea (especially matcha tea) will quickly absorb strong odors including that leftover plate of chicken wings sitting in your fridge covered in tinfoil. Without proper precautions, your precious matcha could end up tasting like leftover chicken wings. To prevent this fate, we once again recommend storing matcha in multiple layers of airtight protection. A good method is to use the Ziploc bag inside of an airtight container, as described above.
Rule #3 - Don’t Prepare Cold Matcha Straight Out of the Fridge
Furthermore, storing tea in the fridge may, in fact, create the humidity-damaging effects that you intended to prevent.
When you remove the tea from the fridge, the tea is cold. It then comes into contact with warmer air in your house, producing condensation and therefore introducing the tea to freshness-damaging moisture.
A solution is to take out the tea storage container, keep the lid closed, and let it warm up for several hours on the counter. After the tea has been allowed to warm up for at least half a day, then you may open the container and prepare delicious matcha.
In short, storing matcha in the fridge (not in the freezer) is fine if you care for your tea properly.
Rule #4 - Store Matcha in The Dark: Light Will Eat Away its Abundant Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is a chemical which gives plants their green color. Because matcha is a special variety of shade-grown green tea, it takes much longer for the plant to mature, and thus, the tea leaves produce higher levels of chlorophyll – this is what makes matcha distinct from other green teas and what gives it its electric green color.
The drawback is that as light helps matcha plants produce chlorophyll, it also destroys chlorophyll once the matcha is processed. Therefore, tea experts suggest storing matcha in a dark place or a dark (not clear) container. Exposing matcha to light, they say, may give the tea a metallic taste.
Rule #5 - If I Leave Matcha in the Cabinet for 10 Years, will it Taste Better?
Some people may tell you that “aged matcha” is even more flavorful than fresh matcha, and you may even see aged matcha on store shelves. You may be tempted to try aging your own matcha to see what happens. However, we advise against it.
Tea experts can create aged matcha in heat, light, and humidity-controlled environments. As we’ve explained, matcha is a fragile beverage, and aging such a finicky tea takes extreme oversight and care.
However, leaving matcha in your cabinet for several years will ruin its freshness and may even make you sick. Even with the best care, matcha has a shelf life of about 1 year, and most recommend consuming it within 60 days of opening.
AirScape: A Safe, Convenient Way to Store Matcha
AirScape containers are popular among coffee drinkers… and they should be popular with matcha drinkers, too. Why? Because coffee and tea share the same threats to their freshness: oxygen, heat, light, moisture, and strong odors.
Due to the AirScape container’s one-way air valve, it ensures that whatever you put in it has a completely air-free home. If you have a lot of matcha to store, or even just a little, it’ll be safe and free from oxidation in one of these containers.
Additionally, the container is opaque, which prevents light damage. This feature will also prevent strong kitchen odors from damaging your tea’s vibrant taste. While a bit pricier than a basic matcha jar, this container will ensure that your delicious matcha loses none of its flavors. See price and product description here.
Airscape Container
What’s the Bottom Line?
Use an AirScape container, or at least an airtight, opaque matcha container. If you live in a hot place, store the matcha container in the fridge; however, be sure to let it come to room temperature before opening the container. Lastly, prepare matcha within two months of opening, and keep unopened containers for no longer than one year.
If you have ever thought that Green Tea is an ìacquired tasteî or that it is ìtoo bitterî to enjoy, weíre here to change your mind! We want everyone to experience the health benefits of Green Tea and show you that this can be an amazing, refreshing, and delicious drink when made correctly. With just a few tips on how to brew this powerful leaf, we can change your mind about the taste and enjoyment of drinking Green Tea.
Donít miss out on the health benefits of tea!
Improve health
Increase brain function
Regulate weight
Lower your risk of cancers
Reduce risk of heart disease
Lowers risk of diabetes
We know that you will love this tips to brewing tea and getting the most flavor and elegance out of every cup. Sign up for our newsletterand get this great informative manual on brewing green tea. You will learn what it is that makes it one of the most popular beverages in the world.
The E-Book also includes the chapter ofKei Nishida's book, "Art of Brewing Japanese Green Tea" where he teaches you how to brew hot and cold Japanese Green Tea.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/japanese-green-tea-co-acquires-shizuokatea-com-kagoshimatea-com-green-tea-merchant2021-01-17T12:26:28-12:002021-01-17T12:26:28-12:00Japanese Green Tea Co. Acquires ShizuokaTea.com, KagoshimaTea.com & Green Tea MerchantKei Nishida
In 2020, Japanese Green Tea Co. officially acquired ShizuokaTea.com, KagoshimaTea.com, and Green Team Merchant.
Green Tea Merchant, who has been operating ShizuokaTea.com, KagoshimaTea.com, has been the pioneer of online Japanese tea sales ran by Kent Rhoads since 2000.
Green Tea Merchant has been operating ShizuokaTea.com, KagoshimaTea.com, and is the pioneer of online Japanese tea sales lead and ran by Kent Rhoads since 2000.
Green Tea Merchant was the first company to put Japanese green tea on the internet before anyone else in the industry.
We are very honored to continue his legacy to the new generation.
ShizuokaTea.com carries variety of organic and non-organic high-quality tea from Shizuoka, Japan.
KagoshimaTea.com carries unique lines of high-quality organic and non-organic tea harvested from Kagoshima, Japan.
Since we acquired the business, we have updated KagoshimaTea.com to the latest technology and platform that the audience of Japanese Green Tea Co. is used to. (We have not done so for Shiauokatea.com yet.)
Green Tea Merchant has been offering large wholesale operations throughout the world since 2020.
There are a variety of organic products and lines that we had not carried. We moved forward, mainly thinking that this acquisition will benefit you to choose more variety of high-end products.
You now have access to our award-winning tea and organic and variety tea all over from Japan.
Better Wholesale Operation
The Green Tea Merchant business also carries large wholesale operations. As you may know, Japanese Green Tea Co.'s wholesale operation was one of the weaker points.
Since we acquired Green Tea Merchant, we learned quite a bit from the 20 years of knowledge, know-how, business relationships, and partnerships.
We can expand our wholesale operation to the next level to serve our clients even better.
No. You will be able to continue enjoining all of our quality tea as you have been doing. At the same time, you have been seeing us continue to try innovations and to serve you better in different ways.
That "spirit of change" will never change. : )
You are the reason we are growing, and we want to provide the best to you.
I cannot thank you enough; thank you so much for loving our tea.
We hope this will bring even more value to you.
With love and gratitude,
Kei Nishida And the team from Japanese Green Tea Co.
How To Try the New Tea (Limited Time Offer by January 29, 2021)
We are making a first cloud funding attempt from KagoshimaTea.com through partnership with Japan Tomorrow.
Japan Tomorrow is a new crowdfunding platform offered by Matcha JP. Match JP is a well-established tour website about Japan, but as you know, the tour industry is having a challenge due to the pandemic.
Utilizing their strength of world-wide audience, they launched a new platform to support Japanese businesses.
They approached us, and we are honored to be one of the first companies to provide a project through their new platform.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/japanese-university-confirms-tea-kills-covid192020-11-28T20:42:57-12:002020-11-28T20:42:57-12:00Japanese University Confirms Tea Kills COVID19Kei Nishida
Nara Medical University (奈良県立医科大学, Nara Kenritsu Ika Daigaku) reported on November 27th, 2020 that their research confirms that green tea sold in the market can kill or make the virus harmless in their study.
The research is the first stage of the study, and they have not tested with the human body yet; however, adding COVID virus in green tea for one minute reduced their Infectious by 99%. Click here to read more.
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Nara Medical University (奈良県立医科大学, Nara Kenritsu Ika Daigaku) reported on November 27th, 2020 that their research confirms that green tea sold in the market can kill or make the virus harmless in their study.
The research is the first stage of the study, and they have not tested with the human body yet; however, adding COVID virus in green tea for one minute reduced their Infectious by 99%.
They said that the test results differ from a different brand of tea. The university is considering publicizing the brand name after contacting the tea manufactures.
The team used ten types of bottled green tea and black tea; they mixed the virus with tea and tested their Infectious over time.
The most effective tea was loose leaf black tea, and the virus lost 1/100 of Infectious power in one minute; after 10 minutes, it lost its Infectious by 1/1000.
Dr. Yano mentions that "there is a possibility of effectiveness in the human body since catechin's
effectiveness to influenza has already been proven in the human body by consuming tea."
Dr. Yano also mentions that tea's catechin attaches itself to protruding protein, which reduces the Infectious of influenza, and he hypothesizes that the same is happening with COVID19.
--
The image is from November 27th edition of Sakei Newspaper in Osaka.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/where-to-buy-quality-matcha-and-japanese-tea-outside-japan2020-10-03T04:23:53-12:002020-10-03T04:24:22-12:00Where to Buy Quality Matcha and Japanese Tea Outside JapanKei Nishida
I have been doing some research to uncover some purveyors who may offer good green tea options in countries outside Japan and the United States. I want my customers to have an alternative to our premium tasty Japanese green tea matcha and sencha if shipping costs from our company to their country would be prohibitive. Click here to see my list.
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I oftentimes receive inquiries from our Japanese green tea followers, asking whether the Japanese Green Tea Co. offers shipments to other countries. To answer the questions simply, Yes.
The Japanese Green Tea Company does ship worldwide. Unfortunately for many, the international shipping costs to foreign countries can be very expensive. So, I came up with what I hope is a helpful solution.
I have been doing some research to uncover some purveyors who may offer good green tea options in countries outside Japan and the United States. I want my customers to have an alternative to our premium tasty Japanese green tea matcha and sencha if shipping costs from our company to their country would be prohibitive.
The following list has been compiled from my research. Many companies in the following list I have had a personal and positive experience.
Demmers TeeHaus (https://www.demmersteahouse.com) The proprietor of Demmers Teehaus is London-born Andrew Demmer. He opened his first tea shop in Vienna and now owns 10 chain shops throughout Austria. Demmers Teehaus has a membership in the Austrian Coffee and Tea Association and the Austrian Tea Institute. With its exceptional focus on quality and variety, this company has expanded beyond just private sales to also include a purveyor to Vienna coffee houses and restaurants and hotels throughout Austria. In its product line-up, Demmers Teehaus offers 300+ teas, tea blends, and accessories, including Japanese green teas and matcha powder. Its varietal selection of green tea includes Gyokuro, Sencha, and Matcha. Demmers Teehaus is committed to quality assurance from its producing countries. Environmentally friendly and controlled tea farms. Click here to visit Demmers Teehaus
Ocha (https://ocha.bg/en/) Ocha or Fujiyama Trading Ltd. is the first Bulgarian company that brought premium grade green tea from Japan in Bulgaria. The company aims to educate the Bulgarian market about the amazing health benefits that authentic and high-quality green tea has.
They source their green teas in different parts of Japan. Sencha is famous for its anti-aging and anti-cancer properties are directly sourced in Shizuoka. Gokuro and Matcha which are known for its weight loss and energy-boosting benefits are sourced in Uji, a small town in Kyoto, Japan.
The company also sells different types of tea accessories that are designed to go hand in hand in crafting gokuro, matcha, and sencha tea. Click here to visit Ocha
Ocha Tea House (https://www.teahousecy.com/) Ocha Tea House is a Cyprus-based tea company that sells premium quality stone-ground matcha which is directly sourced in Japan. Stoneground matcha is a meticulous step in increasing chlorophyll which turns the green tea leaf dark green which also gives the rich taste and aroma.
Teepolku (https://teepolku.fi/) TEEPOLKU is a Finland-based company that brought a wide range of tea varieties into the Finnish market. From green tea to spicy tea, this Finnish company offers teawares too! The company is a one-stop-shop for all the tea lovers, out there. The brand also creates informative courses and videos that educate their consumer on the process which these premium quality teas went through to achieve their good yet distinct taste and aroma. They also educate their consumers on how to properly prepare and enjoy the different tea variants. Drinking a cup of tea is an artistic process and it requires patience to be able to fully enjoy its flavor and health benefits. Click here to visit Teepolku
Kumiko Matcha (https://kumikomatcha.fr/) Kumiko Matcha is a French company that sells premium grade matcha powder, ceremonial matcha accessories, tea sets, and matcha-based treats. Kumiko is a Japanese term which means “eternal beauty” and we all want to be eternally beautiful, right?
From its humble and inspiring beginnings, Kumiko Matcha grew into a sustainable company that strives to give its consumers authentic and high-quality ceremonial matcha. The company aims to give its customers a better quality of life and a healthier lifestyle.
Plus they sell books that will educate you in incorporating matcha into your lifestyle. Which can be a great coffee table book! And, did I mention their delicious organic vegan truffles with dark chocolate and matcha? It is a MUST try for every matcha lovers out there. Click here to visit Kumiko Matcha
Teekenner (https://www.teekenner.de/) If you’re looking for organic and sustainable grown tea, then Teekenner has al the things that your tea-loving heart needs. Teekenner ensures their customer that they source all their tea in family-owned organic tea farms in China, Taiwan, and Japan, which follows the traditional way of cultivating, harvesting, and brewing tea leaves. The company prides themselves that their teas are grown and carefully cultivated in farms and not in factories. The brand also ensures fair trade. They make sure that tea farmers and employees are paid justly while reassuring their consumers that they get the best bang for their buck in terms of quality and quantity. Teekenner’s tea varieties with the exception of traditional Pu Erh Teas are 100% pesticide-free Click here to visit Teekenner
Manutea (https://www.manutea.hu/) If you’re looking to try a wide variety of tea and tea fusions, Manutea is the store for you! This awesome Hungarian company offers high-quality and delicious tea to their customers. From the usual green, black, yellow, or white tea to tea fusions and coffee, the company is basically the tea paradise in Hungary.
The awesome thing about Manutea is that they offer a wide range of tea and they classify which will be helpful for your health problem or needs. Whether you are suffering from insomnia, stress, skin problems, joint pains, diabetes, and menopause, they have teas that will relieve your condition. Click here to visit Manutea
Tealyra (https://www.tealyra.com/) Tealyra is an Icelandic company that sells premium quality lose, bagged, matcha, and blooming teas, that cater to every person’s daily tea cravings and needs. They also offer teawares and dried fruits and candies which pairs well with their selection of teas.
The company is also famous for its often difficult to find moringa tea, which has amazing weight loss and health benefits. And not to mention they sell delicious tea blends that will help jumpstarts your day. Their Cinnamon Sweet Apricot Chai, Chocolate Chai, Honey Peach Blossom, Nirvana Calm Down, and Orange Lemonade are the absolute crowd favorite. Not only because they taste good, but they also offer amazing health benefits! Click here to visit Tealyra
Tea and Coffee Suppliers (https://tea-coffee.ie/type/green-tea/) Tea and Coffee Suppliers is an online premium loose tea and coffee retail store in Ireland. They offer the finest coffee beans and flavorful and high-grade loose white tea, black tea, green tea, fruit tea, mate tea, oolong tea, herbal tea, and flavored tea. The company offers 185 tea and 75 coffee varieties which their customer can choose from! They source it on sustainable tea farms from all over the world. Tea and coffee have been a staple for every household, restaurant, spa, salon, and cafes. Which is why the company aims to give its consumers a flavorful journey in a cup. As for tea lovers, drinking tea is a ritual and a relaxing experience. It helps them reset and refresh their mind and body. Click here to visit Tea and Coffee Suppliers
House of Tea (https://www.houseoftea.se/) House of Tea is a Swedish company that offers a wide range of high-grade tea leaves. They offer organic white, yellow, green, oolong, black, rooibos, Vitt, Pu-Erh, Darjeeling, flowering, jasmine, and flavored teas. They also offer yerba mate, herbs, tea-infused candies, teawares, and accessories. This brand is truly a one-stop-shop for tea lovers out there! Tea has been part of most people’s daily lives. It’s delicious, relaxing, revitalizing, and it’s packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that are essential to keep our mind and body strong and free from toxins. House of Tea source their products in ethically cultivated tea farms in Japan, Taiwan, the Himalayas, South Korea, and China. Click here to visit House of Tea
Teaura (https://teaura.ch) Tèaura is a European-based artisanal tea brand that blends expertise and premium quality tea to give consumers who are looking to elevate their daily lives through holistic relaxation. They have been awarded the EcoCert for their efforts in improving and promoting good environmental and societal practices. The brand is also promoting a lifestyle that focuses on reflection, relaxation and savoring the moment. They offer a wide range of tea varieties that are sourced in sustainable estates in China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Africa and have gone through a meticulous and artistic process to ensure its quality. And, to complete the whole experience, Tèaura offers teawares, recipes, and instructions on how to properly craft and enjoy a certain type of tea. The process of brewing and drinking tea is a ritualistic process that helps us dig deeper into our spiritual, emotional, and psychological core. Click here to visit Teaura
Matcha Kineta (https://www.ilovematchatea.co.uk/) Matcha Kineta is an awesome tea company that sells organic and high-grade matcha green tea, matcha infused energy bars and tea sets. Matcha has now been a great alternative for coffee drinkers who are looking to be energized but without a sudden spike or crash. Green tea is known to have levels of caffeine. However, unlike coffee, it gives drinkers a gradual boost and a gradual decrease in energy. It also helps with focus, memory retention, and it’ also rich in antioxidants which makes you feel and look young! Kineta strives to give its customers high-quality shade-grown green tea that is specifically sourced in a family-owned and organic tea farm in Nishio, Japan. The brand encourages its customers to live a healthy lifestyle full of energy and vibrancy. Click here to visit Matcha Kineta
Zen Green Tea (https://zengreentea.com.au) Founded in 2012, Zen Green Tea is a small privately owned and operated matcha business in Australia. This company has made quite an impact in the short time it has operated in its homeland of Australia.
Zen Green Tea has been featured in popular magazines, such as My Kitchen Rules, Gourmet Traveler, Vogue, Women’s Health, and The Sidney Morning Herald. My Kitchen Rules has even awarded Zen Green Tea the mantra of “Best Matcha in Australia”.
Zen Green Tea imports only the highest premium grade Japanese matcha into Australia. Its matcha is imported from green tea plants grown in Kyoto, Japan. They offer a single premium grade 100% stone ground matcha, with free shipping to all areas within Australia. A “no questions asked" 90-day money-back guarantee is available on all shipments. Click here to visit Zen Green Tea
The duo first fell in love with Japanese matcha when they visited Kyoto, Japan. Living in Melbourne, they were influenced by Melbourne’s culinary diversity and the new love for Japanese green tea matcha. Together, they are bringing premium green tea matcha to the Australian marketplace.
Matcha Me offers pure premium Japanese green tea matcha. They import much of their matcha from sourced Kyoto farms in the Uji region, which Matcha Me believes gives the great tasting matcha they offer for traditional, latte, or smoothie matcha beverages. They are motivated to bring the wonderful flavor and versatility of matcha, along with its health benefits.
Japanese Green Tea Co. India (https://www.JapaneseGreenTea.In) Japanese Green Tea Co. - India is our sister company that aims to provide premium grade and flavorful green tea in the Indian Market. They are the only India-based tea company that directly source their products from Arahataen Green Tea Farm located in Shizuoka, Japan.
All their green teas are sourced and cultivated in Japan using the Chagusaba Method and the sweeter soil cultivation method. This traditional century-old method is practiced by Shizuoka farmers where they include sugar cane or sugar syrup into the soil. The chagusaba method sweetens the taste of the tea which keeps the roots of the tea tree warm and well-nourished. Click here to visit Japanese Green Tea Co. - India
The Tea Republic (https://ttr.com.my/) The Tea Republic is a Malaysia-based tea company which aims to celebrate people and their health. They offer fine tea blends that are delicious, refreshing, revitalizing, and calming. And, consumers can choose whichever suits their lifestyle and needs best.
Tea Republic also offers customizable bespoke tea gifts such as coasters, cup and saucer sets, teapots, and tea gift sets that are perfect for weddings, birthdays, and corporate events.Their cranberry crystal white tea, white diamond tea, tiramisu topaz tea, and lavender blue tea are the absolute best! They taste so good which makes it a great guilty pleasure alternative plus the added help benefits. Click here to visit The Tea Republic
Hojo (https://hojotea.com/en/posts-165/) Hojo is a Myanmar-based tea company that circles around the owner’s love for tea mixed with family traditions. Akira Hojo, the owner, developed his love for tea since he was a young lad. His parents are farmers who run an apple orchard in Nagano, Japan. He was then trained by his father on how to be a professional farmer.
Hojo offers a wide variety of tea types from both Japanese and Chinese green tea, Taiwanese and Chinese oolong tea, white tea, yellow tea, pu-erh tea, Indian, Chinese, and Taiwanese black tea, and scented teas. The company prides itself on providing flavorful, aromatic, and high-quality teas. Click here to visit Hojo
JustGreenTea (http://www.justgreentea.co.nz/) Looking for different types of organic high-grade green tea but you’re quite far from Japan? JustGreenTea got you covered! This green tea-driven company is based in New Zealand but sources its products from the green tea capital of the world, Shizuoka, Japan. They offer different green tea types such as: Fukamushi Sencha is brewed 2 to 3 times longer than the regular Sencha. It has a rich powdery taste and aroma but without the grass-like after-taste. Gyokuro is the best, opulent, and highest grade variant of Japanese green tea. Matcha Genmai is a mixture of sencha, matcha, and roasted brown rice. It has a rich, creamy, and nutty flavor which is favored by a lot of people from all over the world. Tsuyuhikari (premium powdered green tea) is the rarest type of green tea. It’s the sweetest green tea variant from the selection. Click here to visit JustGreenTea
Tea Cottage (https://teacottage.com.sg/) Tea Cottage is a Singapore-based premium tea retailer. The company sells different types of tea which are hand-picked and ethically sourced in different countries. The brand offers floral, detox, and specialty teas, different types of honey, premium Malaysian bentong ginger powder, and teawares. In a world full of boba or milk tea shops, people tend to overlook and enjoy what real tea tastes like. This is why Tea Cottage aims to bring the best of the best to its customers so they can enjoy a delicious and healthy cup of tea. The brand is also keen on donating to charities or doing charity works. And, every time you buy a bag of delicious and affordable tea or any of their products, a portion of it will be donated. Not only will you enjoy a great cup of tea and reap amazing health benefits, but you’ll also be a part of making someone smile. Click here to visit Tea Cottage
What-Cha (https://what-cha.com/collections/vendors?q=Japan) What-Cha is a Vietnamese tea company that supports fair-labor and small farmers from different regions. The company is a firm believer in sourcing their products from a small pool of suppliers or distributors so that they will find specialty and one of a kind teas to bring in the Vietnamese tea market.
They offer high-quality lose white, green, oolong, black, puerh, and scented teas. I highly recommend their Japan Obubu Dark Roast Houjicha Green Tea, 2011 Jing Gu Raw Puerh Cake, and China Jasmine Dragon Pearls Green tea. Brimming with health benefits, inviting aroma, and rich and flavorful taste. You’ll be guaranteed that your money is 100% well-spent! Click here to visit What-Cha
Japanese Green Tea Co. - USA (https://www.JapaneseGreenTeaIn.com ) Japanese Green Tea Co. - USA is our company that aims to provide high-quality, flavorful, and aromatic green tea in the US Market. They directly source their products from Arahataen Green Tea Farm located in Shizuoka, Japan. They also offer premium quality teawares, tea books, and allergy relief remedies.
Through the use of the Chagusaba Method and the sweeter soil cultivation method. This traditional century-old method is practiced by Shizuoka farmers where they include sugar cane or sugar syrup into the soil. The chagusaba method sweetens the taste of the tea which keeps the roots of the tea tree warm and well-nourished.
Chawan (https://www.chawanbh.com/shop) Chawan is an authentic Japanese tea house that is based in the Kingdom of Bahrain. The company offers a wide range of decadent and high-quality matcha, oolong, green, red, white, yellow, blooming, and special blends tea and tea essentials.
This one-stop-shop source all their premium quality tea from Japan to cater to their customers who are in search of premium quality teas. Whatever your lifestyle needs or your taste wants Chawan got whatever your tea-loving self needs! Click here to visit Chawan
Grace & Green (https://gracematcha.com/) Grace & Green is a tea company based in Qatar that sells premium grade matcha, tartary buckwheat tea, and green tea to their consumers.
They aim to bring premium and flavorful matcha to the world which was harvested in Chiba Prefecture Japan. In a world where matcha has increased in popularity, more and more people are in love with its rich and flavorful taste while having amazing health benefits.
This is why a lot of companies sell low-grade matcha which can be a hit or miss. That being said, the company aims to sell premium, accessible, and premium quality matcha. Click here to visit Grace & Green
Avantcha (https://www.avantcha.com/) Avantcha is an avant-garde tea bar and shop based in Dubai, UAE. They offer different kinds of specialty and premium tea; from the classic green tea to the very decadent chocolate tea, this store got you covered!
The brand is the quintessential take on the modern tea culture since more and more millennials are being more experimental with their lifestyle and that goes hand in hand with the food or drinks which they are trying. That being said, Avantcha captures its customers with a modern and sophisticated twist in otherwise a very traditional tea culture.
Plus, they also sell cool teawares which are essential in making a cup of awesomeness! Click here to visit Avantcha
If you offer quality Japanese green tea in your country, please contact me from here. Note: We may ask for your samples to ensure quality.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/stinging-nettle-tea-vs-benifuki2020-09-13T03:22:00-12:002020-09-13T03:22:50-12:00Stinging nettle tea (イラクサ) vs benifukiKei Nishida
What separates Benifuki tea from Stinging nettle tea? Are there any similarities? What are the differences? I want to spend a few minutes talking about these two teas. In part, this is an educational exercise, but more importantly, it may also help you see the value of these teas in a different way.
Stinging nettle tea comes from nettle shrubs that are native to Eurasia but was widely distributed throughout all the temperate regions of the world. The benefits of stinging nettle tea have been known as early as ancient times, when ancient Egyptians reportedly used the infusion for the relief of arthritis and lumbago, while the Roman troops and English were said to wash themselves with stinging nettle to keep themselves warm.
To make a stinging nettle tea, the leaves, stem, or root from the stinging nettle plant are to be crushed and then being dried, which can also be done with the nettle's flowers. This type of tea is a staple among Western countries. Like any other teas, stinging nettle teas can be bought in loose or in teabags, but you can also grow or harvest the leaves yourself. On how to prepare your stinging nettle tea, with fresh leaves, the preferred is by adding two cups of water for every cup of leaves and bringing the water just to a boil. Turn off the stove and let the tea sit for five minutes then pour the mixture through a strainer. An option is to add a bit of honey, cinnamon, or stevia, if you like.
The plant itself has heart-shaped leaves and yellow or pink flowers, but the stem is covered in tiny, stiff hairs that release stinging chemicals when touched. Its scientific name is Urtica dioica, with a genus name from Urtica, which is derived from uro, to burn, or urere, meaning to sting, while the stinging nettles species name dioica is Latin for “two houses”, from the Greek word oikia, meaning house, and refers to the plant’s dioecious nature, bearing male and female flowers on separate plants.
Stinging nettle tea has lots of medicinal benefits and uses and considered to help as diuretic, antihypertensive, anti-diabetic, hemostatic, anti-asthenia, anti-anemic, antispasmodic, antirheumatic, for headaches and chills, as well as treatment for spleen, renal and dermal disorders. Stinging nettle teas are also being used as treatment for rhinitis and seasonal allergies. They are also used as treatment for anemia, thanks to their high content of iron and trace elements.
In modern times, the stinging nettle tea may help flush harmful bacteria from the urinary tract. Also, the Arthritis Foundation suggests that stinging nettle tea may also reduce the inflammation and pain association with osteoarthritis. As beauty skin case, stinging nettle teas also contain potent antioxidants, which are substances that protect the body from aging and cell damage.
About Benifuki Green Tea
Benifuuki on the other hand is also considered as an herbal green tea that primary helps as an anti-allergy, having the highest concentration of catechins of all green teas. This tea has a high concentration of a special variety of catechin called methylated epigallocatechin gallate that works in the body to block histamines. This tea is also helpful against hay fever, atopic dermatitis, eczema, histamine reduction and improved metabolism, liver and weight-loss green tea. This cultivar that was originally meant for black tea and oolong, but is now also being processed as green tea. Benifuuki however contains only relatively few other important nutrients that are found in any other Japanese green tea, therefore, Benifuuki tea is rather considered as a specialist addition to the traditional Japanese green teas for health benefits.
While stinging nettle tea is being used popularly as early as ancient time, the benifuuki tea is a special cultivar of Japanese Green Tea, which was introduced in the Japanese market by Japanese breeders only in 1993. Benifuuki is actually a hybrid plant that was a byproduct of crossbreeding Benihomare, an assamica variety that is mostly found in India and Sri Lanka, with MakuraCd86, usually coming from India but a sinensis variety that is popular in China and Japan, in Makurazaki city, Kagoshima prefecture in 1965. The right seedling was selected after so many years, and was registered only in 1993. It was originally developed as a mellow, aromatic black tea, but it was thereafter discovered that it can be harvested as a green tea health beverage. It literally means in Japanese as “red riches and honor”. Being a camella sinensis specie, it is also sometimes called as the “Japanese oolong”.
Its flowers and leaves are larger than the more popular cultivar for Japanese green tea, which is the yabukita. Banifuuki leaves have three stems. The tea is not shaded because the sunlight allows for a higher catechin content and is easily fermented and it provides a 30% higher yield than the Yabukita tea plants. Benifuuki leaves are also easy to be planted and harvested since Benifuuki shows a particularly high resistance to disease and can be grown using only very small quantities of pesticides. Tea plants in Japan are usually prone many diseases and pests but the Benifuuki tea plant is highly resistant to such that farmers use less pesticides on them, with substantially less harmful residues in the Benifuuki green tea.
It has a clearly bitter and strong flavor. The final processing of harvested leaves does not occur immediately unlike other normal Japanese green tea. Benifuuki leaves are usually stored around 3 months, fermented in the dark at low temperatures. Only thereafter can the usual further processing just like any ordinary Japanese green tea by intensive hot steaming, rolling, and pressing of the leaves will be done, thus, the recommended in buying benifuuki tea is that harvested a season before. For example, in early 2020, one should look to buy tea from the 2019 autumn harvest.
Benifuuki also comes in powder or loose-leaf tea variety. In Japan, Benifuuki is taken as a powder in combination with tea since the catechins and bitter substances are relatively poorly soluble in water. However, the advantage of benifuuki loose tea leaves is that in a relatively short period of time, the powder becomes toxic after preparing it and should be consumed right away. On the other hand, the benifuuki loose tea leaves allows for longer shelf life and can still be refrigerated for a few days.
Buy Benifuki Tea
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/everything-you-need-to-know-about-aracha2020-09-10T16:53:57-12:002020-09-10T16:53:57-12:00Everything You Need To Know About ArachaKei Nishida
Gokyuzyo aracha is considered one of the best crude green tea based on taste, water level, aroma, and the quality of the leaf itself. Gokuzyo translates literally to "The Highest Grade" in Japanese. Find out more about Aracha in this article.
Aracha is an unfinished Japanese green tea, and literally translated as “raw tea”. Ara means crude, rough, or raw in Japanese, while cha is the Japanese translation of tea, which means that this type of tea is not processed yet, unsorted or the harvested green tea leaves, unrefined, unblinded, and coming from the same field. That is why some would call it farmer’s tea leaves. Aracha is simply a Japanese green tea that has been freshly picked and steamed immediately to prevent oxidation and subsequently rolled and dried carried out by farmers themselves, or in shared local factories.
Aracha contains all the part from the tea plant
Can I Drink Aracha Tea?
Although aracha is ready to drink as is through the brewing method depending on the instructions provided, it is usually sold to several brokers to be eventually sold to different tea companies and distributors for processing of their final green tea products in the market.
Health Benefit of Aracha Tea
Aracha has more nutrients than other refined tea due to the "natural" state of the tea. It is known that there are four types of catechins (tannins) that produce astringent components contained in unprocessed tea leaves: Epicatechin, Epigallocatechin, Epicatechin gallate, and Epigallocatechin gallate, which works to reduce the absorption of fat and cholesterol. After steam processing in the factory, four new catechins are further created.
Processing of Aracha Tea
In general, fresh tea leaves are processed into Aracha, which is the first step in green tea production. Green tea leaves whose moisture content is 78% by weight are processed and manufactured by steaming the fresh leaves to inactivate enzymes and then pressing and heating the leaves with a series of the treatments through primary rolling, rolling, secondary rolling, final rolling, and drying to have needle-shaped tea leaves.
More Detail About Aracha Processing
In detail, the process of making crude tea is divided into 6 sub-processes. Tea Steaming is first done around 30 seconds to 2 minutes to kill the oxidizing enzymes in fresh leaves, add fragrance to the smell and increase the flexibility of leaves for easier operation of making process. Leaves are then steamed evenly then cooled down rapidly.
Primary Drying and Rolling are done by twisting and drying the leaves in the machine with press arms and stir arms at around 35 centigrade for effective drying and higher quality of tea for about 45 minutes. Rolling is done by twisting the leaves through pressing without heat to have uniform moisture and takes about 20 minutes for this process. Secondary Drying and Rolling is done by a direct-fired furnace, the main shaft with press arms in the rotary drum, which presses and dries the leaves giving the leaves a gradually long shape and takes about 40 minutes for this process and the final drying and rolling is then done to reduce the moisture of the leaves and to have needle-shaped leaves by pressing the leaves as being dried by a burner, taking about 40 minutes to finish the process. Drying Leaves is the final process of putting the leaves in a drying chamber of 80 degrees centigrade heat to reduce the water content to be about 5% for about 30 minutes.
The resulted product is Aracha, which now as 5% moisture content by weight. During the process of manufacturing crude green tea, chlorophyll changed to pheophytin, and contents of glycolipids and phospholipids decreased. Farmers will then distribute these leaves to several tea companies, and the final products are being labeled by the tea companies as their own.
What Does Aracha Taste Like?
In this type of tea, the whole leaf is being used for production, including the stems, veins, baby hairs, and bits of broken-down leaf, left fresh and undried, giving it a bolder taste and deeper green color but would still depend on the cultivation and production process. Some tea companies take the leaves through second processing to separate the leaf and stem, sift and remove the fine hair on the leaf and cut to get leaves that are the same size. Other tea companies also sort the tea leaves depending on the grade of tea leaves they sell in the market. Thus, the process is to combine low grade, medium grade, and high-grade leaves to create the product for the retail market. Some tea companies also blend Aracha to process Shiagecha or refined tea which is supplied to consumers.
Heating Aracha
For its longer shelf life and improvement of taste and flavor, some tea companies also heat the crude green tea at 110 – 1300 degree Celsius, through Hire or firing, which, however, reduces the amino acids, vitamin C, free reducing sugars, glycolipids, phospholipids, and some other compounds and the end product is called is Hire cha or fired green tea, which is generally sold on the market. Should longer shelf life is needed, it is advised to store the aracha at reduced temperature, which is below 10 or 5 degrees Celsius that could preserve the aracha. Note: Our Premium Aracha (sold below) does not go through this.
Making Aracha to Hojicha
There are also tea companies that roast the crude green tea at 150°-170 degrees Celsius, typically using an oven that gives a combination of microwave and far-infrared heating. However, this reduces most of the compounds such as amino acids, vitamin C, and glucose up to 20 to 40 percent, to produce Hoji-cha or roasted green tea that has a strong roasted flavor. Click here to learn more about hojicha
Gokyuzyo aracha is considered one of the best crude green tea based on taste, water level, aroma, and the quality of the leaf itself. Gokuzyo translates literally to "The Highest Grade" in Japanese.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/a-guide-to-genmaicha-for-curious-tea-drinkers2020-08-18T01:19:00-12:002020-08-18T01:19:39-12:00A Guide to Genmaicha for Curious Tea DrinkersKei Nishida
With the many varieties of Japanese green tea, there are some varieties that many people do not know a lot about. Genmaicha is a delicious green tea but is lesser-known than other types. Do you know how to make Genmaicha tea at home? Do you know how to store it? This article discusses the high points of Genmaicha tea, as well as reputable sources that you can purchase it from.
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People all over the world love genmaicha. This style of Japanese tea is unlike other teas for many reasons. It actually consists of green tea that is mixed with roasted brown rice.
Fans in Japan often refer to genmaicha green tea as popcorn tea. This tasty and interesting beverage gets its nickname from the popping sounds that can be heard during the roasting process. Roasted rice gives this drink a hearty, satisfying quality. This beverage receives high reviews among tea lovers due to its buttery, sweet flavor.
There's no need to travel to the tea houses of Tokyo in search of genmaicha if you have a craving for this beverage. It's actually possible to make this drink at home using your own ingredients. Are you wondering how to brew genmaicha tea at home in just a few minutes? Here's a step-by-step look at one of the simplest methods for making this treat in very little time:
Sprinkle a thin layer of your favorite brown rice into a pan.
Toast it until it has a dark color and nutty aroma.
Allow the rice to cool.
Place your rice inside a sieve with leaves of sencha green tea.
Add boiling water.
Steep the mixture for approximately three minutes before transferring your drink to your favorite mug.
Enjoy!
It's important to keep in mind that a teaspoon full of leaves will produce about one cup of genmaicha. In addition, you will need roughly one tablespoon of toasted rice to make one cup. You can adjust your ratios if you'll be serving multiple people. Genmaicha green tea that has been properly steeped will have a hue that is golden and brassy.
How Do You Store Genmaicha Green Tea?
Fresh genmaicha liquor isn't meant to be stored on a long-term basis. You should try to drink it on the same day it is made. However, you can refrigerate your fresh genmaicha overnight. It is important to practice good storage methods for the green tea you intend to use when preparing genmaicha. Green tea should be placed in an airtight container once it has been opened. You should avoid storing the container in a place that experiences direct sunlight or warm temperatures. Tea that has been opened will generally stay fresh for up to six weeks. Click here to learn more about the best way to store tea
Why Do People Love Drinking Green Genmaicha?
What does genmaicha taste like? This green drink is rich and aromatic. The exact flavor you experience will depend on the type of green tea that is used. How does genmaicha taste when you make it using the standard recipe? The drink typically has a nutty flavor. Most reviews will tell you that this drink can offer a nice boost between meals if you're trying to avoid snacks. In fact, it is commonly used for weight loss.
A Quick Guide to Purchasing Genmaicha
Are you wondering where to buy genmaicha? If you are in Japan, almost every tea room and tea shop throughout Japan sells brewed and packaged varieties of this drink. The list of the best spots to look for the beverage includes Kyoto Ippodo Tea, Horaido Tea Stall and Arahataen. Many shops located within Kyoto's Nishiki Market area also sell this beverage. In addition, many vendors actually allow customers to place online orders for packaged blends that can be shipped internationally. Are you wondering how you can place orders for genuine genmaicha products online? A company out of Kyoto called Nippon Cha ships its products around the world.
If you are in USA, you can order quality Japanese Genmaicha Online with free shipping (most of the time) at Japanese Green Tea Company. Their tea is from Arahataen, Shizuoka and has won the National award multiple times.
Buying Genmaicha Online
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/is-benifuuki-tea-the-same-as-matcha2020-08-07T10:35:07-12:002020-08-07T10:35:07-12:00Is Benifuuki Tea The Same As Matcha?Kei Nishida
Matcha is increasingly becoming a favorite in the world of tea for many. Without question, part of its attraction is the myriad of use cases. Many of you may already know some additional dictions between matcha and other teas but more specifically, what separates Benifuuki tea from matcha? Are there similarities? What are the differences? I want to spend a few minutes talking about these two teas. In part, this is an educational exercise, but more importantly, it may also help you see the value of these teas in a different way.
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Matcha is increasingly becoming a favorite in the world of tea for many. Without question, part of its attraction is the myriad of use cases. However, matcha’s flavor and overall distinction from other teas such as Sencha or Gyokuro help further separate itself as a unique and favorite tea. Many of you may already know some additional dictions between matcha and other teas but more specifically, what separates Benifuuki tea from matcha? Are there are similarities? What are the differences? I want to spend a few minutes talking about these two teas. In part, this is an educational exercise, but more importantly, it may also help you see the value of these teas in a different way.
Tea: A Background
What exactly is tea? You may be surprised to know that the chamomile or soba cha (buckwheat tea) is not actually tea. In fact, these two “teas” are infusions and not officially teas. All tea comes from a single plant. Odd, I know but the plant we are talking about is called Camellia Sinensis. While you may see Japanese fields of tea in neatly arranged rows, this plant grows like a mounded bush. Yes, it can develop flowers and yes it’s hard to imagine both matcha and gyokuro come from this naturally brighter green-leafed plant.
The management and post-processing of leaves help define many of the teas you drink at your table. For example, Gyokuro gets its unique flavor profile and look from farmers shading the leaves for several weeks before harvest. Matcha, as you may well imagine, are the grounded up leaves of the plant. While both Gyokuro and matcha processes are more complicated than noted, the differences outlined to give you a glimpse into the flexibility of the “tea plant”.
When we talk about camellia sinesis, it's common to bring up different kinds of cultivars. Cultivar refers to a plant variety that has been produced by selective and purposeful breeding. Horticulturalists seek out various qualities in plants, and in this case camellia sinesis, and seek to replicate those qualities through reproduction. In fact, cultivation techniques have been used to create all kinds of cultivars you may recognize including wheat and rice you find at the store.
What is Benifuuki tea?
Benifuuki, meaning “red riches and honor”, is a cultivar of camellia sinesis. Introduced to Japanese farmers in 1993, this cultivar has larger flowers and leaves than the most common Japanese cultivar, Yabukita. Further, it generally has a higher yield and is not shaded like Gyokuro mentioned above. The chemical makeup and sunlight allow for a higher catechin count. While slightly more bitter than its Japanese tea counter-parts it's possible to attain a balance in flavor with each drink. From a health perspective, however, the more bitter, the better.
Benifuuki tea, like many other Japanese green teas, is harvested and picked. The leaves are similar to many other cultivars at first glance. However, Benifuuki tea leaves are often stored for several months which increases its catechin amount (see below). The tea is fermented at lower temperatures. The tea is then steamed, rolled and pressed, and then gently grounded into a fine-matcha looking powder.
Its biochemical makeup includes unique benefits: There are several types of catechins: The more common and the rarer. The more common catechins are found in many green teas and include (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The most abundant is that of EGCG (approx. 60%) then EGC (approx. 20%) then ECG (approx. 14% and lastly EC (6%). Benifuuki, for example, contains the highest concentrated amount of EGCG averaging approx. 10.1% EGCG while the most common cultivar in Japan, Yabukita averages approx. 7.7% EGCG. But what does this mean for my health? EGCG, for example, and its specific unique application to green teas, has shown to help alleviate allergies as well as support in the prevention of infections.
I have also mentioned “rarer” catechins. These catechins are Methylated Catechins. Benifuuki contains epigallocatechin-3-O-(3-O-methyl) gallate or EGCG3 “Me and epigallocatechin-3-O-(4-O-methyl) gallate or EGCG4 “Me catechins. But what makes these catechins stand out? They’re more potent and higher levels of these catechins are found in Benifuuki. These catechins have been shown to be more potent than the catechins noted above. If you are looking for the perfect allergy tea, it’s hard to miss the health benefits of Benifuuki. In fact, the greatest concentration of EGCG3 “Me is found in the fall and winter harvest.
In combination with its unique catechins-makeup, Benifuuki tea also includes hydrolyzable tannins. This helps solidify the tea as an anti-allergic tea to help with hay fever, dermatitis, histamine reduction, etc.
Yes, we all know the beautiful powder that is matcha. Let’s take a few minutes to understand where matcha comes from and how it differs from Benifuuki.
Tencha is the leaves used to making matcha. Ten means “mortar” and cha, of course, refers to “tea” (genmaicha, sencha, etc.). In terms of growing, tencha is also shaded for approx. 3 weeks and then harvested. Once harvested, tencha leaves are stemmed. The leaves are then dried. Versus other teas such as gyokuro, the leaves are not in fact kneaded. This is primarily to ease the removal of steams and to help attain a flat leave for matcha production. If one were to make matcha out of the recently picked tenchaleaves, the tencha is then de-stemmed and graded. This process includes deveining and destemming the leaves in order to ensure quality. The remaining leaves are graded and grounded slowly.
While both Benifuuki and matcha are derived from camellia sinesis, matcha is not produced from Benifuuki’s cultivar. In regards to taste, higher-grade matcha is often smoother and easier to drink. Benifuuki isn’t often applied to the world of baking or added as a latte ingredient. It’s known more as a “support” tea than an all-purpose tea.
Matcha does, however, include a number of notable health benefits. One of the missing components of Benifuuki tea is the absence of a variety of nutrients you can find in other Japanese green teas. Matcha, on the other hand, contains many of the catechins discussed above, however not all of them. It contains a majority of EGCG, L-Theanine, fiber, vitamin C and A, potassium, and amino acids. L-Theanine is unique in some respects due it its ability to promote relaxation and improve brain functioning. While it's relatively common in tea, this amino acid may be up to several times more concentrated in matcha. In other words, matcha is healthy, for slightly different reasons.
Should I compliment these two teas?
Hopefully, the health benefits discussed today have provided a snapshot into the world of matcha and Benifuuki. They compliment each other depending on your needs. As you can guess, teas have all kinds of added benefits and unique properties. Part of exploring the world of tea is understanding the research behind it all. While this article doesn’t provide every detail relating to catechins or L-Theanine, the conclusions should help. Keep this in mind the next time you’re shopping for tea, who knows maybe a couple of drinks of Benifuuki and/or matcha will help stave off those allergies that don’t seem to go away.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/how-to-make-kombucha-with-japanese-green-tea2020-07-07T22:09:00-12:002020-07-07T22:09:26-12:00How to make Kombucha with Japanese Green TeaKei Nishida
The history of Japanese green tea reveals itself in the way we consume tea or the recipes we try. It helps shape our perception and overall experience of tea. In part, this article is a challenge with respect to your knowledge of tea. In another part, this article is a discussion of kombucha: Can I make kombucha from Japanese green tea? If so, how? But before we begin to outline the how-tos of kombucha, let's review kombucha itself.
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The historicity of Japanese green tea is rich in facts, stories, and intriguing developments. Some of you may be familiar with the introduction of green tea in Japan while others may be familiar with the development of Japanese green tea culture. The history of Japanese green tea reveals itself in the way we consume tea or the recipes we try. It helps shape our perception and overall experience of tea. In part, this article is a challenge with respect to your knowledge of tea. In another part, this article is a discussion of kombucha: Can I make kombucha from Japanese green tea? If so, how? But before we begin to outline the how-tos of kombucha, I want to review kombucha itself.
What is Kombucha? The Short Answer.
There is a short and longer answer to this question. In short, it is a slightly alcoholic, fermented, sweetened drink infused with black or green tea. You may also find various Kombucha drinks that include juices or spices or added fruit.
What is Kombucha? The Long Answer.
The long answer has two parts: The historical and chemical parts. Kombucha tea is an incredibly old tea that includes a complex arrangement of flavor profiles and notable health benefits. Let’s start with the history of this unique drink: There is research to suggest that people in China drank kombucha tea in 221 BC and that a doctor from Korea named Kombu in 414 BC had brought the drink or as the Koreans described it “The Divine Tsche” to Japan to cure the then Emperor. There is some debate as to where exactly it originated but the first clear reports come from Russia and the Ukraine in the late 1800s and eventually moving into Germany in the early 20th century. Its popularity grew throughout Europe until the outbreak of World War 2 which brought about various shortages. The drink began growing in popularity once again in the 1950s. Nowadays, you can find kombucha worldwide and is relatively common in many parts of the world. Homebrewing is supported by online and local recipes. On the commercial side, various companies offer not only the drink but the critical starting components including the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY), etc. If you’re interested in making your own kombucha, there’s more than enough support available to ensure you’re doing it right.
But what of its chemical makeup? Yes, it includes tea but there is much more to detail about kombucha. Kombucha is produced from a symbiotic growth of specific bacteria and yeast which is cultured in sugared tea. The symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) is unscientifically described or referred to as a “mushroom” or “mother”. It is tough to put an exact description on the bacteria – yeast combination because it varies widely but it remains the critical element in creating kombucha. This element in kombucha, turns your sweet tea into the tangy and distinct taste of kombucha. It looks somewhat odd, if not distasteful yet the SCOBY helps maintain a health kombucha drink by protecting it from outside bacteria.
Wait, isn’t Kombucha actually spelt Konbucha?
No. Kombucha is not konbucha. I’ve spent some time reviewing kombucha but let’s take a few minutes to understand konbucha. Konbu is referred to as a type of seaweed in Japanese with the added “cha” referring to tea. In many circles, you may also see it referred to as kocha kinoko or black tea mushroom. The idea behind konbucha is seaweed with hot water. You can find konbu online and cut up pieces to create the base of konbucha.
Is Kombucha Good for Me?
Let us quickly review some of the nutrients found in a common kombucha drink: organic acids, sugars such as sucrose and glucose and fructose, vitamins such as B1, B2, B6, and others including vitamin C. It also includes proteins and the living bacteria is said to be probiotic. If you have tried kombucha, you’ll likely guess that it includes alcohol that has been produced from the fermentation process which will be discussed below.
There are varying health benefits including antimicrobial support against various pathogens. This is largely due to the presence of organic acids and catechins. Kombucha may also support the liver as a means of preventing hepatotoxicity induced by outside pollutants. Kombucha is also known as an antioxidant drink. In fact, it has been observed to have higher antioxidant activity than standard green teas. This is likely due to the fermentation process. Animal students have shown that kombucha may help reduce heart disease risk and may also help manage type 2 diabetes. Human trials have not been reproduced but there is research to help piece together the long-held beliefs in the health benefits of kombucha.
The key to making healthy kombucha is to ensure that it's properly prepared. There are reports of toxic kombucha and it is possible to create something is ultimately more harmful to your system than otherwise.
I Want to Make Kombucha from Japanese Green Tea? How Can I?
Part of the beauty of kombucha is the how-tos. You need to first either purchase, obtain or create your own “mushroom” or “mother” or SCOBY.
If you do not have a SCOBY, you can make your own: First purchase a bottle of raw kombucha, then make 1 cup of Japanese green tea. Let the tea cool to room temperature. Then pour the raw kombucha and the cooled tea into a larger glass jar. Cover the jar and enjoy its secure, perhaps with a rubber band. Keeping the tea out of sunlight, keep the jar in a relatively warm spot (68-85 degrees) for about a week or so. You should start to see a clear film on top of the liquid. Do not worry, this is a smaller SCOBY that is forming. Essentially the SCOBY should get thicker and whiter as time goes on. Many recipes note that the SCOBY should be at least ¼ inch or thicker before its ready for brewing purposes. It may take several more weeks for this growth potential to be attained. If your SCOBY is not becoming thicker then you will have to start over. Once you are SCOBY is at the right thickness, you can keep the kombucha tea in the jar and the SCOBY to transfer to a new batch of Kombucha.
Is raw Kombucha Safe to Drink?
Raw kombucha is not pasteurized and contains at least part of the culture you need in creating your SCOBY. It is in fact safe to drink however doctors continue to recommend that pregnant patients avoid unpasteurized products, including kombucha. Yes, the labels on whether the kombucha is raw or not vary but a little bit of digging on reviewing the product should provide an answer.
Bring hot water and sugar together in a large enough glass jar. Stir the water and sugar together until the sugar dissolves.
Put the tea or tea bas in the stirred water, sugar. Cool the mixture to 68-85 degrees. The longer the tea is left in the liquid, the stronger the tea flavors will be. You can remove it after 10-15 minutes.
Proceed to remove the tea bags or strain the loose tea leaves.
From starter tea that you’ve either purchase or created above, you willl need to add this element at this point. If you have neither, please add distilled white vinegar as a substitute.
You will now need to hide it from the sun, undisturbed for a week or more until you’ve reached the desired taste. The longer it sits and ferments, the more alcohol that is produced, and the less sweet it becomes.
Next, pour the kombucha off the top of the jar for drinking. You will want to keep the SCOBY and at least some tea for an additional batch.
Lastly, enjoy your kombucha!
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/japanese-green-tea-vs-chamomile-tea-10-battles-you-dont-want-to-miss2020-06-30T23:58:00-12:002020-07-01T00:00:24-12:00Japanese Green Tea vs Chamomile Tea - 10 battles you don't want to missKei Nishida
Japanese Green Tea and Chamomile garnered a cult following over the years. People drink these beverages for different reasons, some prefer their taste while others often drink them for their wonderful health benefits. Let’s find out which drink suits your lifestyle and health needs so you can figure whether you’re going to purchase Japanese Green Tea or Chamomile Tea.
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Japanese Green Tea and Chamomile garnered a cult following over the years. People drink these beverages for different reasons, some prefer their taste while others often drink them for their wonderful health benefits. Let’s find out which drink suits your lifestyle and health needs so you can figure whether you’re going to purchase Japanese Green Tea or Chamomile Tea.
1. BRAINPOWER: Green Tea makes you feel wide awake and hyperfocus while Chamomile Tea makes you feel centered… which is better for a busy workday?
Both, are honestly excellent to drink especially when your schedule is always jam-packed. However, green tea contains caffeine which will give us the energy boost that we needed which will power us throughout the day. Chamomile, on the other hand, does not contain caffeine. But, research has shown that luteolin in chamomile tea improves cognitive functioning when you’re awake. That being said, it is perfect when you want to center yourself and feel calm while being mindful of your tasks.
But, according to research, if you want to really boost your brainpower, it is best that you drink green tea since it has been found that green tea extract enhances the cognitive functions, in particular, the working memory.
2.GOOD SLEEP: Chamomile has mild and natural sedating properties that allow you to have a good night’s sleep, and so is Green Tea… which tea will help me get a good night’s sleep?
As I’ve mentioned previously, both green tea and chamomile tea helps improve a person’s quality of sleep. However, chamomile is widely regarded as a mild tranquilizer and sleep-inducer. Sedative effects may be due to the flavonoid, apigenin that binds to benzodiazepine receptors in the brain.
Studies have shown that ten cardiac patients are reported to have immediately fallen into a deep sleep lasting for 90 minutes after drinking chamomile tea. Chamomile extracts exhibit benzodiazepine-like hypnotic activity which makes people feel relaxed and sleepy.
3. PRE-WORKOUT DRINK: Green Tea will give you a boost of energy perfect for your morning or afternoon workout sessions but will Chamomile Tea an alternative?
Both teas are believed to aid in weight management, however, green tea has the highest concentration of ECGC. ECGC is a potent antioxidant that has been shown to be beneficial to heart health, lowering the risks for cancers and neurological diseases, and even weight loss.
To get the most from its metabolic benefits, it's best to drink at least 3 cups per day. Green tea is wonderful to drink any time of day and tastes great with a little drizzle of honey. It may be especially beneficial to drink green tea before a workout since in one small study, extracts from green tea helped men burn 17% more fat during a 30-minute, moderate-intensity cardio workout. Which makes it an excellent pre-workout drink for it gives you more energy while it burns fat faster.
4. SKIN RELIEF: Chamomile Tea contains skin calming and healing properties that help heal wounds but so does Green Tea… which will heal wounds faster?
Green tea has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may enhance the wound healing process. However, chamomile has been used since antiquity to treat wounds and urge healing, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. A small yet more recent study found that chamomile significantly promoted wound healing. Several studies have found that topical chamomile treatments are effective in soothing eczema and mild inflammatory skin conditions.
A lot of people swear by chamomile to reduce acne and the redness that comes with it; which makes sense considering its prevalence in so many skincare products thanks to its calming, soothing, and moisturizing properties which also helps restore skin barriers while improving the skin’s pH level.
5. EYEBAGS REMEDY: Green Tea contains powerful brightening and de-puffing properties while Chamomile also contains anti-inflammatory and soothing properties… which will be more effective?
As I mentioned earlier, chamomile tea helps soothes wounds and acne which is why it is also an effective remedy for puffy eyes. However, by placing brewed tea bags on the eyes for a short time period allows the tannins in the tea to treat puffy eyes and dark circles. Green tea bags reduce swelling and tighten the skin around the eyes.
The caffeine reduces puffiness by shrinking the blood vessels. Green tea works on dark circles by decreasing the dilation of the blood vessels under the eyes. The astringent nature of the tannins constricts the blood vessels and capillaries under the eyes.
6. HEADACHE AND MIGRAINE REMEDY: Chamomile Tea and Green Tea both relieve headaches and migraines; which is more effective?
Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has analgesic properties, this is a reason why green tea is thought to be an excellent drink to soothe headaches. However, Chamomile tea is one of the most effective herbal teas available to relax the body and induce sleep. The herb depresses the nervous system and is effective in calming the body while alleviating stress headaches that can develop. Those who suffer from anxiety can consume the beverage once or twice a day to prevent the migraines from returning.
7.BODY ODOR PREVENTION: Do you not like using deodorant? Say no more! Green Tea and Chamomile Tea have anti-body odor properties, but what will work best?
Chamomile has anti-bacterial, astringent, and deodorant properties that make it a remedy for treating excessive sweating. Its antibacterial property helps to eliminate the bacteria which produce the body odor and sweat. Its astringent property helps to constrict the sweat glands and deodorant properties counteracting the odor.
However, antioxidant-rich green tea is a wonder drink that can help prevent bad breath, body odor, and stinky feet. Green tea supports detoxification by aiding the production of glutathione, a carrier-antioxidant that eliminates harmful toxins from the body. The fewer the toxins in your body, the better your body will smell. The polyphenols in green tea also help freshen your breath and destroy the compounds that cause bad breath.
All you have to do:
Put 1 to 2 teaspoons of green tea leaves in a cup.
Pour hot water over it.
Cover and steep for 2 to 3 minutes.
Strain, add a little raw honey, and drink it.
Add few ice cubes.
Drink 3 to 4 cups of green tea daily.
8. MENSTRUAL CRAMPS REMEDY: Say goodbye to period pains when you drink Chamomile Tea or Green Tea, but will the soothing properties of Chamomile prevail over Green Tea?
Green tea is not only rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties while also help promotes blood flow, but green tea also contains caffeine which DOES NOT mix well with menstrual cramps.
This is why drinking chamomile tea is a much better alternative for several studies that have linked chamomile tea to reduced severity of menstrual cramps. A 2010 study, found that consuming chamomile tea for a month could reduce the pain of menstrual cramps. Women in the study also reported less anxiety and distress associated with period pain.
9. HAIR GROWTH: Green Tea is dubbed as the “natural hair extensions” but will Chamomile do the same?
Chamomile tea is a wonderful remedy for treating dandruff and itchy scalp and in some instances helps with hair growth too, thanks to its soothing and nourishing properties. However, green tea is particularly good for hair. It is rich in catechins, which help to reduce dihydrotestosterone (DTH), responsible for hair loss. As a result, green tea stops hair fall. It helps to fight dryness of the scalp and dandruff. Green tea contains essential compounds, such as polyphenol, which is good for hair roots and hair follicles, which leads to hair regrowth.
10. UPSET STOMACH RELIEF: Chamomile Tea helps in relaxing stomach muscles that can relieve an upset stomach, however, can Green Tea do the same?
Green tea has been heavily researched for its many potential health benefits. It was historically used as a natural remedy for diarrhea and infection from Helicobacter pylori, a strain of bacteria that can cause stomach pain, nausea, and bloating. It may relieve other stomach issues as well. Keep in mind that it’s best to stick to 1 - 2 cups of green tea per day, as excessive intake, is linked to side effects like nausea and stomach upset due to its high caffeine content
However, Chamomile tea can relieve stomach cramps, motion sickness, diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, and abdominal gas. This plant contains chemicals called flavonoids, nutrients that give chamomile its medicinal properties. Studies have shown that chamomile has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial capabilities. Acid reflux causes stomach acid to move back into your esophagus. This often leads to painful inflammation in the esophagus. It’s possible that chamomile’s anti-inflammatory effects may help.
According to research, an herbal preparation that included chamomile extract lowered gastric acidity as well as a commercial antacid. The preparation was also more effective than antacids at preventing secondary hyperacidity. Stress is a common acid reflux trigger. A 2015 study reviewed the prevalence of lifestyle factors associated with gastroesophageal disease (GERD). GERD is a more severe form of acid reflux. Study participants reported “feelings of continued stress” as the number one factor that made their symptoms worse. In theory, drinking chamomile tea may help reduce stress. So it may also help reduce or prevent stress-related acid reflux episodes.
In conclusion...
Both, Japanese Green Tea and Chamomile Tea have their own set of health benefits that anyone can incorporate into their everyday routine. That being said, Japanese Green Tea and Chamomile complement each other and it can be beneficial if you both have it in your pantry except if you’re allergic to flowers since chamomile is derived from a flower. Both teas matched up when it came to health-related properties and shared other similarities. Yes, they did differ in taste, pricing, impurities, and culture, but overall it comes down to what you like.
Which tea will your drink, today?
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/gyokuro-vs-tencha-what-are-they-and-what-are-the-differences2020-06-23T14:11:00-12:002020-06-23T14:11:22-12:00Gyokuro vs Tencha – What are they and what are the differences?Kei Nishida
What do you really know about Gyokuro and Tencha? This article is a reply to some of your questions and a challenge for you to expand the world of tea that you currently enjoy. Let’s take a few moments to dive into gyokuro and tencha and find out what differences and similarities are out there!
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What do you really know about Gyokuro and Tencha? A quick quiz!
In part, this is a test of what you really know about green tea production and some of the subtle yet important differences out there. Before we dive into the article’s topic, I want to present a quick a question: What do you know about tencha? Do you know what the difference is between tencha and gyokuro? Have you even heard of tencha? Where, without giving a hint, does matcha come from? Chances are you have either come across of enjoyed gyokuro. And perhaps you understand some of the differences that make gyokuro unique. This article is a reply to some of these questions and a challenge for you to expand the world of tea that you currently enjoy. Let’s take a few moments to dive into gyokuro and tencha and find out what differences and similarities are out there!
What is gyokuro?
Yes, gyokuro is that often higher priced yet darker green tea that leaves a brighter green look in your mug. While gyokuro tea comes from the same plant, camellia sinesis, as tencha and sencha, etc. it is often distinguished by the way the plants are altered pre-harvest. Approx. 3 weeks prior to the plucking of the leaves, the tea plants are covered to prevent most of the sunlight from reaching its leaves. Why? This process of blocking the sunlight alters the biochemical composition of the plants. Theanine moves from the root to the steam and leaves of the plants. Catechins normally would neutralize the bitterness that comes from theanine via sunlight, however in gyokuro the theanine remains with its subsequent bitterness. Blocking the sunshine also produces dimethylsuphite which cements the smell of seaweed found in gyokuro. Lastly, gyokuro’s color as noted above is particularly dark. This is because clorophyll, which is normally limited by sunlight, is allowed to flourish as the tea plants are shaded.
Gyokuro leaves are then steamed and kneaded soon after the leaves are harvest. This process is replicated in the production of sencha. The kneading helps break down the cell walls of the original leaves and allows the leaves to be fused into water much easier.
Tencha, I’ve never heard of that before.
Tencha are the leaves used to making matcha. Ten means “mortar” and cha, of course, refers to “tea” (genmaicha, sencha, etc.). Tencha has a strong connection with gyokuro in both the way its grown and its flavor profile. In terms of growing, tencha is also shaded for approx. 3 weeks and then harvested. The theanine leaves are similar and help give both tencha and gyokuro the smooth and mellow taste. Once harvest, tencha leaves are stemmed like gyokuro. However, tencha leaves are then dried and not kneaded. This is primarily to ease the removal of steams and to help attain a flat leave for matcha production. If one were to make matcha out of the recently picked tencha leaves, the tencha is then de-stemmed and graded. This process includes deveining and destemming the leaves in order to ensure quality. The remaining leaves are graded and grounded slowly on a stone mill, which of course is where the name “matcha” is derived, meaning “ground tea”.
Can I brew tencha leaves?
Beyond the creation of matcha, tencha leaves can also be brewed. In fact, tencha maintains its freshness longer than matcha which may be a brewing consideration. Unfortunately, unlike gyokuro, it is not as easy to extract the tencha flavor profile. Higher grade and higher quality tencha must be selected. The color is pale green and echoes a similar gyokuro-style. Surprisingly is has a stark difference vs matcha. Oddly enough as well, tencha leaves are substantially lighter than gyokuro leaves. This means when steeping this type of tea, you may notice floating leaves and its recommended you press those leaves down and perhaps add additional leaves. Additionally, tencha is not a tea ceremony tea. This may be, for some even more of a reason to try it out!
Yes, there's more to add to your tea collection!
We began with a series of questions and journeyed our way through two popular production teas. There are some quite unique similarities and differences between the two teas. If you are ever in Japan and see fields covered in semi see-through coverings then chances are its one of these two teas. More immediately, next time you are in search of matcha or gyokuro, perhaps it may be time to pick up some tencha as well. The differences are noticeable and who knows, maybe these teas are simply an added bonus to your collection.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/how-to-make-matcha-smoothie-chachas-greentea-room-video2020-06-17T08:06:00-12:002023-01-07T01:50:01-12:00How to Make Matcha Smoothie - ChaCha's GreenTea Room VideoKei Nishida
Matcha Smoothie - How to Make healthy matcha smoothie with Banana, Baby Spinach, Frozen Grape and Milk. Tips and Tricks to make it tasty and healthy. ChaCha and Kei from the Japanese Green Tea Co. show you step by step how to make in a fun and simple way. Click here to watch the video Presented by ChaCha's Greentea Room Now
Matcha Smoothie - How to Make healthy matcha smoothie with Banana, Baby Spinach, Frozen Grape and Milk. Tips and Tricks to make it tasty and healthy. ChaCha and Kei from the Japanese Green Tea Co. show you step by step how to make in a fun and simple way.
Step 1: Before you put anything else, first put matcha. Matcha is so powdery, so if you put it in the end, it tends to fly out and stick to the side of the blender. Matcha I am using: https://bit.ly/MatchaPremium
Step 2: You put the rest of them and add a cup of ice. If you use ice, you have to make sure that your blender is capable of crushing ice. (Some blenders are not meant to be used for ice, and it will break. - If your blender is not meant for ice, you skip the ice. Bananas and grapes are frozen anyway, so it still tastes good) Blender I am using in the video: Vitamix (works well with Ice): https://bit.ly/MatchaSmoothieBlender
Step 3: Adding some milk or plain yogurt
Step 4: Add any kind of fruit here. I found that Matcha and banana go so well together. So if you use them as the main ingredients; you cannot go wrong. Just add other fruits with them. Step 5: Turn blender On. INSTRUCTIONS and more matcha smoothie recipe ▶ https://bit.ly/QuickMatchaSmoothie
Video Transcript
ChaCha: Good Morning Mr. Kei.
Kei: Good morning ChaCha. How are you?
ChaCha: Sleepy...
Kei: I can show you a very good way to start a day.
ChaCha: Sleepy. Can I go back to bed?
Kei: This will wake you up. AND gives you energy all day long.
Do you wanna know what it is?
ChaCha: NO! Can I go back to bed?
Kei: It is Matcha Smoothie!
ChaCha: Matcha again?
Can I go back to bed?
Kei: It is pretty easy to make, and it tastes so good. Let me show you how.
Here is what you need.
2 teaspoon of Matcha Green Tea Powder
2 cups of Milk or Water
1 cup of ice
1 cup of Baby Spinach Leaves
2 cups of Frozen Green Grapes AND
1 Frozen Banana
ChaCha: Why do you freeze grapes and bananas?
Kei: Well... I bought too much last week.
So I froze them.
ChaCha: You are giving me leftovers.
Thanks!
Kei: Well, actually older bananas taste better with the smoothie.
ChaCha: No Way
Kei: Banana gets sweeter as it gets old, so you can freeze the leftovers and it goes pretty well with the smoothie.
ChaCha: Excuse...
Kei: I like using matcha for the smoothie because it is already powdered.
But you can use loose-leaf sencha as well.
If you do use loose leaf tea, you can use a spice grinder or coffee grinder to powder them first.
ChaCha: I want pink tea…
Kei: Yes.. You can even make pink tea by adding strawberries!
ChaCha: Ahhhh! Pink Tea!!
Kei: Let’s make one.
Before you put anything else, first put matcha.
Matcha is so powdery, so if you put it in the end, it tends to fly out and stick to the side of the blender.
ChaCha: Matchaaaa!!
You put the rest of them and add a cup of ice. Now if you use ice, you have to make sure that your blender is capable of crushing ice. Some blenders are not meant to be used for ice, and it will break. If your blender is not meant for ice, you skip the ice. Bananas and grapes are frozen anyway, so it still tastes good. I like adding some milk or plain yogurt too. You can actually add any kind of fruit here. I found that Matcha and banana go so well together. So if you use them as the main ingredients; you cannot go wrong. Just add other fruits with them.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/tea-for-allergies-what-is-benifuki-tea-chachas-greentea-room-video2020-06-17T08:04:00-12:002020-06-17T08:06:17-12:00Tea for Allergies?! What is Benifuki Tea? - ChaCha's GreenTea Room VideoKei Nishida
Did you know that there is tea good for allergies? Benifuuki green tea is a type of green tea that is booming in Japan due to being good for relieving allergies such as seasonal allergies, cedar allergies, hay fever. The study has also shown that benifuki is good for MCAD (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome). Click here to watch the video Presented by ChaCha's Greentea Room Now
Did you know that there is tea good for allergies? Benifuuki green tea is a type of green tea that is booming in Japan due to being good for relieving allergies such as seasonal allergies, cedar allergies, hay fever. The study has also shown that benifuki is good for MCAD (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome).
Get Benifuki Green Tea (Natural, no added chemical)
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/all-tea-are-the-same-chachas-greentea-room-video2020-06-17T08:01:00-12:002020-09-13T03:22:35-12:00All Tea are the Same?! - ChaCha's GreenTea Room VideoKei Nishida
What makes Japanse Sencha Green Tea different from English Breakfast Tea? There are so many different types of tea out there. What are the differences? Sencha, Matcha, Oolong Cha, Black Tea, Red Tea, Yellow Tea... Are they all the same? Click here to watch the video Presented by ChaCha's Greentea Room Now
What makes Japanse Sencha Green Tea different from English Breakfast Tea? There are so many different types of tea out there. What are the differences? Sencha, Matcha, Oolong Cha, Black Tea, Red Tea, Yellow Tea... Are they all the same?
Video Transcript
ChaCha: I’ve heard that tea is good for me, but so many different types are there. Can someone teach me the difference?
Kei: Hi ChaCha I'm Kei. Let me teach you the difference.
ChaCha: Hi Mr. Kei. Thank you! I heard Sencha, Matcha, Oolong Tea, Black Tea, Red Tea, Yellow Tea, Blue Tea, Pink Tea!!
Kei: OK, OK. Not sure about the pink tea, but let me explain one by one.
ChaCha: Can you explain all of them at once? Can you?
Kei: Let me try.
All the tea out there is the same.
ChaCha: Sencha, Matcha, Oolong...
Kei: Yes, yes, yes. Not sure about the pink tea, but all come from the same species called Camellia Sinensis.
ChaCha: Camellia Sinensis?
Kei: Yes. Camellia sinensis is a type of tree in which the leaves are used to produce tea.
It is also called “tea plant” or “tea shrub”.
No matter if it is English tea or Chinese tea or Japanese tea, all are coming from the same plant.
ChaCha: No Way!
English Breakfast Tea is different from Sencha Green Tea. I know that much.
Kei: What makes the difference is what happens after the tea is harvested.
ChaCha: No Way!
Kei: The main difference between Black Tea and Green Tea is if the tea is oxidized or not.
ChaCha: Oxidized?
Kei: Oxidation is when food is exposed to the air and changes its chemistry.
When you cut an apple and leave it on a table, the apple turns brown, right? That is apple being oxidized.
Green Tea is a type of tea that is not oxidized and Black Tea is a type of tea that is oxidized.
This oxidation is the reason black tea tastes sweeter and less bitter than green tea in general.
ChaCha: So if I cut green tea and leave it on the table for a few hours it becomes black tea?
Kei: Not really.
Green Tea is heated after harvesting to stop oxidation, so the tea no longer oxidizes.
Apple Pie’s apple doesn’t turn brown because it is heated and does not oxidize any more.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/virtual-japanese-green-tea-tour-what-is-it2020-06-03T01:37:00-12:002021-09-12T00:36:04-12:00Virtual Japanese Green Tea Tour - What is it?Kei Nishida
I was so excited to be one of the first people to join the Virtual Green Tea Tour, a new and magical tour offered by Arigato Japan that has been the pioneer for English-speaking Japanese tours for many years, featured by the New York Times Travel Shows, CNN Travel and more. In this article (and a bit of video), I want to share with you a small segment of the virtual tour. Read on and watch the video of the piece of the actual tour here.
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Virtual Green Tea Tour, a new and magical tour offered by Arigato Japan that has been the pioneer for English-speaking Japanese tours for many years, featured by the New York Times Travel Shows, CNN Travel and more.
With the rise of COVID-19, you can imagine the tough situation for the tourism industry; with this, a brand-new tour was born: A virtual green tea tour named “Tokyo Online: Green Teatime in Japan”.
In this article (and a bit of video), I want to share with you a small segment of the virtual tour, and my first-person experience of this brand-new experience hosted by Lauren, a partner of Arigato Japan, who has been an extraordinary tour guide for close to a decade. Read on and watch the amazing experience for any tea lovers and "Japan lovers" in the world.
Short Preview of the Tour
With permission from Arigato Japan, they allowed me to share s short clip of the actual tour. This is only a short 1-minute clip of the part of the video so that you can see what it is like on the virtual tour.
There are two elements in the world of tea that have helped drive a critical part of my love for tea generally: The experience of tea and the complexities of Japanese tea. Life is full of experiences.
When we explore the world of tea, for example, we see the labels, touch the products, smell the leaves, or perhaps try to understand what makes the tea stand out.
Perhaps, when we really think about our experience and tea, we have more questions than answers.
On the complexities of Japanese tea look no further than to these considerations:
Why is the year’s first batch of Japanese so important?
What makes it unique?
Why has Japanese culture developed specific brewing instructions for given teas?
A) Provide experiences related to Japanese green tea and
B) Simplify the beautiful world of Japanese green tea for easy enjoyment
C) Teach some tips on brewing better green tea at home
D) Provide interactive experience of brewing and drinking tea together
While their offerings are not limited to Japanese green tea, I want to spend the next few moments outlining a virtual tour on Japanese green tea that helps to synthesize their organization’s value.
Who created this Tour? - About Arigato Food Tour
In fact, Arigato Food Tours has been providing all kinds of tours throughout parts of Japan and has a wealth of knowledge and expertise for those curious about learning more about what Japan has to offer.
Travel with Darley (popular TV Show - do you know this show?)
Forbes and Newsweek
CNN Travel
My session of the Virtual tour was hosted by Lauren.
Lauren is one of the partners from Arigato Japan. From Pennsylvania, Lauren considers Japan her second or, perhaps, her first home. Having lived there for multiple decades, Lauren has a deep passion for Japan, its history, its culture, food, the world of Japanese tea, and sharing the world of Japan through her organization’s many offerings.
What is the Tour Like? - The First Look
This tour began with introductions and included individuals from the Czech Republic, Tokyo, and America. Immediately, I was connected with not only Lauren,but the presentation’s thesis: Online Green Teatime.
Everyone on the tour loves green tea or Japan in some way, so it was very nice to hang out with people with similar passions.
Laurenthen moved to a short yet head-scratching quiz on tea. Without giving too much away, it will make most tea lovers dive into their knowledge of tea.
Of course, being on a tea tour, making tea is a critical element.
Making of Japanese Green Tea, the "Better" Way
Her tour included the making of Japanese green tea, the “better” way.
She explained this so well in simple terms. My personal hero, Osamu Tezuka once said "A great teacher is who can explain the complex matter in simple terms". She did just that during the tour.
I happen to know a bit about this topic (about green tea), but there was something new to me, which I am thinking of writing a whole blog post about in the near future. (Thank you, Lauren!)
Walking through each of the steps, each participant made a delicious cup of tea and reviewed it accordingly. As Lauren details the health benefits of tea, her passion for education shines.
Participants clearly enjoyed their cup of tea. Again, weaving through the experience of tea and the complexities of tea, the tour then moves to the history of tea, and what makes matcha unique and concludes with participant questions.
The tour felt like and was clearly an extension of Arigato Japan’s tours. There were a plethora of added benefits.
Wonderful Tour for both Introvert and Extrovert
As you may know, I am an extreme introvert. Shyness impacts some of my decisions when congregating with others.
On any bus tour, I am the one who sits at the very back of the bus and listens very closely, but never raises my hand to ask questions.
Lauren is welcoming, kind, and above all warm. As touched on, it was engaging, but not to the point of undermining my own enjoyment.
It was perfect for introverted people like me who wanted to enjoy the tour, but not to engage too much.
But she did engage with people who wanted to engage more during the tour, and answered every question with sincerity.
Being able to quickly judge the different personalities in the group and make the tour fun for everybody; is a skill that can only be performed by an expert who has been on the front-line of conducting tours and entertaining the world for years.
It is clear Lauren has done such tours so many times before, and her knowledge and expertise show naturally. Perhaps the best tour I have been part of, it was definitely worth my time, and overall a great time.
I feel that this virtual tour was a marriage between expert tour guides who are always out and "offline" in the field and the virtual reality "online" world which could only happen in this wired circumstance happening right now with COVID-19. I hate COVID-19 as anyone else does, but I am grateful for the newborn tour excitement that it created as a result.
Magical Experience of Feeling Like I am Touring a Japanese Tea Farm
The tour was a little over an hour, but it was so fun and engaging that I felt like I was on a bus in Japan moving from Japanese Tea farms to Tea shops.
The moment right after the tour ended; I felt lost for a few seconds until I realized that I was in my own living room. Lauren's tour magic really transported me into the true virtual world of tea in Japan. Wow!
If you’re looking to understand more about Japanese green tea, and want to get out to the magical world of Japan and tea, this is a perfect option that covers everything about Japanese green tea. In fact, you may find yourself looking at more of the organization’s services. Being confident in what you’re paying for can be difficult: Do they really know what they’re talking about? In part, the Japanese green tour was a show of Lauren’s passion and her knowledge and skills were clearly on display.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/what-is-shincha-new-crop-tea-and-what-makes-them-unique2020-05-20T01:36:00-12:002021-09-12T00:36:21-12:00What is Shincha - New Crop Tea and What Makes them Unique?Kei Nishida
As tea lovers, it is ultimately to our benefit that the complicated world of tea is complicated! There are important distinctions to be made that help guide you to the best products to fit your need(s). One of those distinctions is to understand the importance of ichibancha (一番茶) or Shincha(新茶) or “first tea”. Let’s take a deeper look into what makes “first tea” unique and special.
The complicated world of tea is complicated! Thankfully, however, as tea lovers, it's ultimately to our benefit. In fact, it seems hard to imagine that anything is more complicated than the plethora of teas available at our fingertips in our local grocery store on right here, online. With that being said, there are important distinctions to be made that help guide you to the best products to fit your need(s). One of those distinctions is to understand the importance of ichibancha (一番茶) or Shincha(新茶) or “first tea”. Let’s take a deeper look into what makes “first tea” unique and special.
First tea refers to the entire first harvest of the season. Japan’s geographical and topographical landscape makes its tea season straightforward with harvest beginning generally in April and extending into May. The southern tip of Kyushu having first dibs on harvest with tea farms extending just north of Tokyo on the Kanto plain. Japanese harvests can extend to October in some places and is often noted as 四番茶 or yonbancha or “fourth tea”. It seems odd at first that such classifications between first and fourth tea are required. There are, however, notable reasons as to why.
What makes Ichibancha unique?
The tea we are talking about comes from the tea plant camellia sinensis. Yes, gyokuro and sencha, for example, share the same tea plant. Tea plants, north of Tokyo for example, are modified to withstand cooler temperature and are often darker in appearance. Tea plants across parts of Japan withstand winter temperatures with the tea buds idling for warmer temperatures generally reached in march. The buds begin to develop their new leaves and the year’s first harvest is set in motion. Upon the development of the year’s first leaves, ichibancha or first tea can take place. Farmers will begin to harvest the tea leaves. Often tea leaves are quickly moved to processing plants given that the process of oxidation begins immediately after and begins changing the leaves. Imagine you cut up an apple and leave it on the counter for several hours, this same process affects the leaves. There are, of course, farmers who allow oxidation to take place to some degree. In fact, oxidation can be a critical part in determining the type and quality of tea produced.
Beyond the degrees of concern from oxidation, ichibancha’s uniqueness is further defined by its aroma and chemical makeup: The tea buds are able to “build” up nutrients and a chemical make up distinct from its later counterparts. Ichibancha contains approx. 3 times more theanine than it’s brother, nibancha. Theanine is typically what provides sweetness to the leaves.
Why is 88th day important?
The first harvest is further buttressed with a unique Japanese tradition. Hachijuhachiya or 88th day is the 88th day of spring counted down from risshun, or early February. Because Hachijuhachiya has been carried from the traditional pre-western Japanese calendar, risshun marks the beginning of spring and doesn’t necessarily fall on a set date year in and year out. Around May 2nd, tea buds begin to sprout and tradition holds that if you were to drink from those leaves, you will be protected from paralysis. On Kyushu, there are several important markets that sell this specific tea, with an area in Nagasaki stating that if you’re blown by tea market wind you will be protected from sickness all year. Ichibancha has immense traditional importance and further distinguishes itself in biochemical makeup.
If you’re ever visiting Japan or searching the market for tea through the spring season, ichibancha is not only something you’ll likely come across but it’s something to add to one’s tea portfolio. It’s unique for the reasons stated above but more than that, it will set apart an aroma and flavor you won’t experience for the remainder of the year. Yes, tea is complicated and this is why so many of us love it.
BUY 2020 FIRST CROP JAPANESE GREEN TEA
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/quaranteaning-a-guide-to-healthier-you-during-a-pandemic-with-tea2020-05-12T03:13:00-12:002021-09-12T00:34:41-12:00A Guide to Healthier You During a Pandemic with Tea #QuaranTEAningKei NishidaWe do certainly live in a very uncertain time due to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that affected nations from all over the world.
In this blog I will be talking about how drinking green tea will help during quarantine or shall I say, quaranTEAn? Click here to read more.
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We do certainly live in a very uncertain time due to the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that affected nations from all over the world. My heart goes out to all the victims and their families and to all the frontlines who are risking their lives to help and save us during this horrible time. This is why it is very important that we do our part as citizens, and stay at home and be with our loved ones.Coronavirus is spreading through every country like a wildfire, and it is terrifying. But, through this quarantine period, we should also make it to a point that we keep ourselves healthy. Whether you’re taking vitamins, eating healthy, working out, and drinking green tea, all these things factor in to help boost our immune system.
We already know all the health benefits of green tea which is why I will not discuss it further. And, if you’re new to my blog and do not know much about green tea, click this link. In this blog I will be talking about how drinking green tea will help during quarantine or shall I say, quaranTEAn?
Green Tea Helps Relieve Stress and Anxiety
It is a very known fact that green tea is high in L-Theanine, an amino acid that may help in reducing anxiety. In a very uncertain time where people are living in fear and are losing their jobs due to COVID-19, a lot are going anxious and are stressed especially that most people cannot go to their jobs to work and earn money. Companies, on the other hand, are filing for bankruptcy.
Which is why it is very important to stay level headed while we are experiencing this unfortunate situation. But, stressing on something that we all have no control over will not only take a toll on our mental and emotional health. According to a recent study, stress also affects our immune system.
Spike Your Energy Levels Up!
According to research, tea is the second most drink beverage in the world, next to water. And, maybe it’s for a great reason! Tea contains caffeine, just like coffee. But, the main difference between a good ‘ole cup of joe and tea is that you will NEVER experience a sudden energy crush nor jitters.
Green tea is also an excellent drink if you want to spike up your metabolism while matcha is a great post-workout morning drink. And good news for people who love to work out in the morning! An eight-ounce serving of matcha tea has about 70 milligrams of caffeine.
Get Fit and Healthy During Quarantine
You might probably find it odd to drink matcha as your post-workout beverage, however, matcha is rich in inflammation-fighting antioxidants. Matchais made from ground whole green tea leaves mixed with water to make a brewed tea.
On its own, matcha has a mixture of a bitter and earthy taste, which is definitely not for everyone. Because it’s made with the whole leaves of the tea plant, matcha contains more antioxidants than any traditional green tea. It also has a compound called ECGC, which may contribute to fat oxidation during exercise.
Want to boost your metabolism? Green tea got you covered! Green tea is popular for its metabolism-boosting benefits. A meta-analysis claims that drinking green tea in addition to a proper and healthy diet will result in weight loss. People who are drinking a cup of green tea a day, are more likely to burn 30 calories more than non-green tea drinkers. Adding a mug won’t cause the pounds to fall off, but sipping green tea at night is a great strategy to reduce cravings and prevents you from compulsively eating.
Boost Your Immune System
We live in a world where health is wealth, especially when the world is at a standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic which affected the lives of many. It is very important that we take good care of ourselves and not let our immune system be vulnerable.
Several studies have also shown that green tea has antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses. Two particular polyphenol catechins, - epigallocatechingallate(EGCG) and – epicatechingallate(ECG) have the ability to suppress the activities of bacterial and viral factors and can even reverse the resistance of tough pathogens, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus(MRSA).
ECG and EGCG have the ability to penetrate through phospholipid layers. As a result, these two catechins alter the functions of bacteria and viruses by disrupting their cytoplasmic membrane making them vulnerable to antibiotics. Pieces of evidence suggest that the two catechin molecules can be used to effectively control various oral infections, such as dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth decay, and bad breath.
Keep Your Glow Even in QuaranTEAn
Green tea contains antioxidants catechins. These antioxidants have anti-bacterial properties, which helps to improve the immune system’s capabilities. Bacterial infections, including skin infections, are healed. This means you will have a healthy-looking and pimple-free skin which is always a nice thing to know!
These same antioxidants also help with inflammation reduction. The skin won’t be as red, with various ailments improving faster. Acne is improved and reduced, while scars heal much quicker.
In addition, you can also use your (recently) used green tea bags to de-puff your “designer” eyebags! All you have to do is to carefully remove your tea bags off the boiling teapot, let it cool, pop it in the fridge for two hours then you can now use it! You can finally say goodbye to tired-looking eyes and dark circles too.
There are also compounds that help with the rejuvenation of the skin. The compounds reactivate the skin cells, helping to promote healing and softness. Not only will you have better-looking skin, but you can also help to limit and reverse some of the damage caused by pollution and the sun. It could also be possible to reduce the risks of skin cancer.
I know that we are living under uncertainty and I personally just want to help by giving informative tips to keep your mind and body healthy through drinking tea. We offer affordable and high-quality green tea that you will surely love. Stay safe, everyone!
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/what-does-umami-mean-for-tea-drinking2020-05-04T12:04:00-12:002021-09-12T00:36:40-12:00What does Umami mean for Tea Drinking?Kei NishidaAs kids, we are taught that there were four basic tastes; salty, sour, sweet, and bitter which are represented by a map of the tongue. Not to burst your bubble, we do not just have four basic sense of flavor, instead, we have five! The fifth element: Umami.
What does Umami (oo·maa·mee) うま味 mean for Tea Drinking? I will first explain what exactly umami is and then will touch about how it relates to tea. Keep reading as I also added a couple of interesting facts about umami at the end of the article.
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As kids, we are taught that there were four basic tastes; salty, sour, sweet, and bitter which are represented by a map of the tongue which we probably did memorize when we were younger.
Not to burst your bubble, but experts havedebunked the theorythat a certain part of our tongue specifically detects a certain taste. Also, we do not just have four basic sense of flavor, instead, we have five! Namely salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and UMAMI.
You probably watched a YouTube video or read food-centric blogs and articles and have encountered the word umami. And, you probably wondered - What on earth is umami? Is that Asian food? Seafood? A type of beef?Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
Well, it is a GREAT thing! And, you’ve probably tasted umami, because whenever you eat you’ll taste umami.
I will first explain what exactly umami is and then will touch about how it relates to tea. Keep reading as I also added a couple of interesting facts about umami at the end of the article.
What is Umami?
Umami (oo·maa·mee) うま味 is a Japanese term coined in the 1900s by Kikunae Ikeda which means “rich flavor,” “indescribable and intense flavor,” “delicious,” or “pleasant and savory taste.”
Ikeda came up with the term umami when he was eating a bowl of seaweed soup (dashi) and found himself speechless since he cannot describe the flavor and sensation in his tastebuds while eating the soup.
The Umami and Glutamate Connection
Glutamate is a kind of amino acid that naturally occurs in a lot of foods such as dairy, meat, fish, and vegetables. As you cook these foods, natural glutamate breakdown takes place which turns into L-glutamate which makes food delicious and flavorful.
It is also responsible for giving your cooked meat, cheese, vegetables, and fish to have a complex and rich flavor which takes you into a flavorful dining experience. Thus, giving birth to monosodium glutamate or MSG, as we all call it.
Does MSG Equate to Umami?
Sodium, salt of glutamate is known as the most common amino acid in our bodies has different characteristics and tastes of savoriness than sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. Which is why you could say that MSG somehow equates to umami, since MSG when added to any dish, will automatically be more flavorful.
However, umami is a tad bit subtler since it occurs naturally. Just like how salt is naturally readily available everywhere. And, there are also naturally occurring sweeteners such as sugarcane and honey. While sour and bitter things can be found in a lot of fruits and vegetables which perfectly balances out any dish while complementing its flavor palette.
Umami-filled Food: Everyone’s Guilty Pleasure
A lot of food and cuisine from all around the world contain some level of umami. However, some are stronger than the others; cheeses, mushrooms, beef, seafood, green teas, and tomatoes are foods that exceptionally high in umami.
Savory burgers, pizzas, tacos, pho, matcha latte, teas, and steak are such a crowd favorite in terms of people who are seeking for an umami-filled dining experience.
Umami and Tea Drinking
Green tea is naturally rich in glutamate which is why it is famous for its savory and rich taste that everyone goes crazy about.
We probably know the benefits of drinking green tea and all that jazz, but let’s dive deeper into why we are so addicted to its taste; is it its astringency? Its bitterness but rich flavor? Is it its sweetness? Well, it’s probably the mixture of all!
And, everyone seems to not get satiated by green tea or matcha since it strikes a perfect balance of sweetness, bitterness, astringency, and of course, UMAMI.
However, there are different levels of umami:
Gyokuro and Hojicha contain the highest level of glutamate among green tea varieties - containing a whopping 2500mg of glutamate! Which clearly explains its high-level of umami. And if you’re interested in trying gyokuro or hojicha, click this link to learn more!
Sencha, on the other hand, offers the sweetness that some people are looking for. It may be a bit mild for some but for people who are just starting to explore green teas, this will be a perfect starting point.(Note: Gyokurocan be considered sencha, but has higher glutamate)
Interesting Umami Facts:
Other than devouring and loving umami-centric food and beverages, here are some interesting facts about it!
Umami and Human Evolution
Just like the theory of evolution, our love for umami evolves as we humans revolutionized our dining experience. From craving sweet or savory foods to having a love-hate relationship with foods that are quite bitter.
Naturally Delicious
As we all know, we always have to season our food to taste. However, did you know that the moment you cook your meat, seafood, or vegetables it breaks down its glutamate which turns it into L-glutamate which makes everything taste better! It also applies to the process of ripening fruits or vegetables as well as cheese’s aging process.
Umami and Breast Milk
Did you know that umami is basically the first thing that babies, who were breast-fed, ever tasted? Well, breast milk contains a high concentration of umami since it is also rich in amino acids which helps boost the baby’s immune system.
There you have it! Umami isn’t as superficial as some people make it seem. In fact, this magical fifth taste is basically found in most food that we eat, and it definitely makes everything so much better.
Buy Premium Japanese Green Tea with Rich Umami
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/everything-you-need-to-know-about-eisai-the-father-of-tea2020-04-23T02:10:00-12:002021-09-12T01:04:01-12:00Everything You Need To Know About Eisai, The Father Of TeaKei NishidaEisai's full name is 'Myoan Eisai' (明菴栄西), and he was commonly known as Yōsai Zenji (栄西禅師) which translates to Zen master Eisai. In 1191, early Kamakura Period, Eisai visited the Sung-dynasty China and brought back new tea leaves to Kyoto and he wrote about it in 1214 in his first book, Kissa yojoki (喫茶養生記).
Read more about how Eisai has lived from childhood to becoming the "father of tea" legend.
Tea originated from China, and it dates back to the mythical emperor Shennong, who is known as the father of medicine and agriculture. To make medicine, he has tasted and eaten hundreds of herbs, including tea leaves, to understand their value and health benefits. Tea discovered around 2700 BC in the same era of Emperor Shennong.
The Divine Farmer's Herb-Root Classic was a book dedicated to Shennong and talks about the tea at that time. It shows that tea was already discovered and drunk in the early ages. Later, in 59 B.C, Wang Bao wrote a book A Contract with a Servant. It includes instructions on buying and preparing tea, which indicated that tea was part of the diet at this point, and it was a commonly traded item. Though in that era, tea was still a luxury that only the elite of Chinese society enjoyed.
Arrival of Tea in Japan
During the Nara and Heian period, many representatives from Japan were sent to China and sometimes Buddhists scholars accompanied them. These Buddhists brought back tea leaves from China and marked the origin of tea in Japan.
In 1191, early Kamakura Period, Eisai visited the Sung-dynasty China and brought back new tea leaves to Kyoto and he wrote about it in 1214 in his first book,Kissa yojoki(喫茶養生記).
Who was Eisai
Eisai's full name is 'Myoan Eisai' (明菴栄西), and he was commonly known as Yōsai Zenji (栄西禅師) which translates to Zen master Eisai. He was a Japanese Buddhist priest and is known for bringing green tea leaves and the Zen Buddhism religion to Japan from China. He was born in the house of a religious priest, at the Kibitsu shrine in Bizen on 20th April 1141. He studied the Tendai School of Buddhism in Anyouji Temple. He began studying Buddhist verses and vows at a very young age. Near Kyoto, at Mount Hiei, he became an ordained when he was fourteen.
He traveled to Mount Tiantai, also called Tendai, in Japanese, when he was 28 for further studies about Buddhism religion. Mount Tendai is where the school of Buddhism was born. When he returned to Japan, he bought sixty volumes of Tendai - related texts. Eisai can be included in those who contributed to reforming the Buddhist religion.
Plantation of Green Tea in Japan
Firstly the seeds were planted in Mount Sefuri. According to Eisai, the Sefuri Mountain looked similar to Mount Tiantai, so he assumed it would be better to sow the seeds there.
Secondly, he gave some of the seeds to Myoue Shounen, a Monk from Kosanji temple in Kyoto. And in that way, tea was brought into the land of Uji. Some of Japan's most expensive tea is still cultivated in Uji. You can also say that it was the beginning of Japanese tea cultivation for making tea. That is why Eisai is known as 'The father of tea' in Japan.
Eisai faced criticism
Eisai faced a lot of criticism while he was actively promoting the Zen. In 1194, monks from Enryakuji argued that Eisai was unconventionally occupied in establishing a new branch of Buddhism in Japan. He tried to defend his point and wrote the book 'Kozen gokokuron'. He wrote that it is not a different faith, but it has the essence of Buddhism. He explained that it is not about new teachings, but based on the basic principles of Buddhism. He faced criticism with very much confidence and ensured that this will lead to the prosperity of the nation.
Stay in Tendai
He did a six-month-long stay in Tendai, where he mastered the teachings of Zen, a well-known Chinese Buddhism religion. It is a mixture of Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism and brought to China by Indian Buddhists. During his study, he also studied philosophy. His second visit to China happened in 1187. After his second, he actively participated in promoting Zen. He built some small temples along the coast of the Inland Sea, where he studied the Zen religion. The essence of Zen religion is attempting to know the meaning of life directly, without being misled by logical thought or language. He then spent four years as a disciple of Xuan Huaichang, who was the master of Rinzai school. After that, in 1191, he received the certificate from the Zen teacher.
Introduced the Zen Buddhist Rinzai Sect to Japan
Eisai demonstrated the superiority of the Zen over the Buddhist disciple, producing annoyance and anger in the Tendai monks (a Monk is a religious person who practices asceticism, either alone or with a group of monks) who were against the new sect. Eisai constantly faced criticism from Tendai and Shingon. But he continued to recite the Shingon magic formulas. A short time before his death, Eisai established a government and ordered a third Zen monastery. Easia was an important personality who played a significant role in the acceptance of Zen in the Japanese religious community.
Eisai developed the easy method for making of Matcha
The tea that Eisai used to prepare was just loose-leaf sencha type. In later years, long after Eisai, in Uji, some tea farmers invented the Tana. It is a shade roof made of straws that they put over the tea bushes. Due to which modified amount of sunlight reached the tea leaves. It resulted in revered flavored tea that became a specialty of Uji. In modern-day, it is known as Matcha, and it has a unique taste and a different chemical composition due to being in the shade than the one that was prepared by Eisai. Due to this unique taste, Matcha Tea became more popular among the masses. Therefore, although the tea that was brought by Eisai into this region differs a lot from the modern green tea, it has many benefits, and the credit is still given to Eisai because he was the one who brought tea to Japan. Some of the benefits of tea are as follows.
A great benefit that is associated with drinking Japanese tea is that it helps in preventing cancer. Research has shown that Japanese tea is composed of several different components, some of which help in preventing cancer. Not only that, it helps one live a good life but also it will help save someone's life. Many patients who had cancer saw a drastic improvement in their health by drinking green tea regularly.
Knowing the benefits of this tea, we came to conclude that it was a very wise and fair decision of Eisai that had brought this magical tea to Japan. Now Japan has the largest number of people with the longest life span. Eisai would always be remembered when we talk about this tea and its benefits.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/20-best-tea-lover-items-to-buy-on-amazon2020-04-23T02:10:00-12:002021-09-12T00:34:22-12:0020 Best Tea Lover Items to Buy on AmazonKei NishidaGadgets and gifts! We love gadgets and gifts. And Japanese green tea lovers are no exception. Many of my readers have asked for thoughtful ideas for gift giving.
Read on to find my top 10 best tea lover items that I have found – and all under $50 on Amazon!
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We love gadgets and gifts. And Japanese green tea lovers are no exception. Many of my readers have asked for thoughtful ideas for gift giving.
So, if you have a green tea and matcha lover, what could be better than some hand-picked tea lover items from Amazon. Graduation, birthdays, holidays (Father’s Day is right around the corner), college care packages, and the “just because” gifts are a great reason to stock up on some of my favorite gifting ideas.
Read on to find my top 10 best tea lover items that I have found – and all under $50 on Amazon! (Item #1-#10) Item #11-#20 are over $50.
What I like about this product: This simple set is perfect for the matcha powdered green tea lover. This set is a great full matcha tea set and is appropriate for an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, including all handmade ceramic bowl. It includes the following:
Ceramic Matcha Bowl
Ceramic Rest
Bamboo Whisk
Bamboo Chasaku
Bamboo Tea Spoon
Bamboo Tray
Manufacturer: BambooMN Customer Rating: 4.5/5 Price: $34.75 Amazon Product Link
What I like about this product: The outside is 100% organic bamboo. This traveling tea infuser tumbler will maintain your beverage temperature for up to 12 hours through a special temperature holding technology. It holds a full 17 ounces in the stainless steel interior with a leak-proof lid. Its infuser is great for the perfect loose leaf tea beverage. The stainless steel mesh infuser is included. And what an attractive traveler for anyone on-the-go. Organic. BPA-Free.
Manufacturer: TeaVerde Customer Rating: 4.5/5 Price: $24.50 Amazon Product Link
What I like about this product: This lovely glass tea kettle is the perfect gift set for someone you love. Perfect for brewing hot and cold loose leaf green tea, and even perfect to watch blooming teas for a twist. The glass borosilicate pot holds 32 ounces (950ml) and can be placed directly on a stove top. Handle and lid are heat resistant. Tea pot comes with removable steel infuser. This set includes a cosy to maintain heat, bamboo coaster rest, and how-to e-book.
Manufacturer: CUSINIUM Customer Rating: 4.7/5 Price: $32.99 Amazon Product Link
What I like about this product: This is a simple, classic Japanese drinking bowl for a very traditional experience. It is perfect for an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, as well as a daily cup of your favoriteJapanese green teaormatcha. It is made from quality ceramic that is stain resistant and odor resistant.
What I like about this product: This is a set of authentic Japanese tenugui hand towels made in Japan. Traditionally, tenugui cloths were a fashion item from woven cotton used as a dish cloth or to wrap items such as food. The towel is left unhemmed at the edges to allow quick drying and to keep dirt from collecting at the hem. For a full Japanese experience, these Japanese designs are a perfect gift. I wrap my green tea with these to give to my loved one. You know the Japanese are crazy about wrapping gifts, this way it will always amaze the recipient no matter what you have inside! (Well, hopefully you have anice green teainside!)
What I like about this product: I have a sweet tooth, don’t you? When I reach for a special sweet experience, I like to reach for a little healthy dark chocolate. This chocolate has many health benefits despite the delicious combination of ingredients. 72% quality cacao chocolate with beneficial antioxidants is great for heart, brain, and stress relief. Matcha green tea gives the benefits of antioxidants and an energy boost. Spirulina algae provides the highest protein level. Together with a wonderful flavor, this bar is well worth the money.
What I like about this product: This clever beverage warmer is perfect to keep your tea cup warm at home, dorm, or office. The large diameter heating platform is perfect for your flat matcha cup. Comes with a convenient USB cord. The silicone surface wedge and automatic shut-off feature provide added safety.
What I like about this product: What goes better with a green tea lover’s pot of Japanese green tea or matcha than a lovely sweet dessert delicacy. Sourced matcha from Kyoto, Japan; inspired from Portugal; hand made in New York. This beautiful Castella loaf is all organic and hand made to order. What a beautiful gift for matcha and green tea lovers!
What I like about this product: To complement the lovely selection of matcha and Japanese green tea products, I humbly recommend my bookCook with Matcha and Green Tea. It’s in paperback and is filled with some of my personal favorite homemade recipes to enjoy the wonderful flavors of matcha and green tea: As the primary ingredients. You know the many health benefits of green tea. Now, when you gift this book, you will impart knowledge on the importance of green tea for overall wellness. Includes tips on brewing teas, beverages, and sweets as well as basic knowledge; with beautifully detailed photos and step-by-step guidelines for all recipes.
What I like about this product: Share your quiet matcha moments by de-stressing with 80 pages of Japanese art. Japanese artist and illustrator Kayomi Harai has created 32 expressive original cat designs to express your artistic child inside. We used to think that coloring was just for children, but science has revealed that coloring is a beneficial art form for de-stressing. For ages 10 and up. With quality perforated thick art paper, you can enjoy your peaceful green tea moments alone or with the next generation of green tea and matcha lovers.
Well you asked for them, and I want to deliver: More gift ideas for the Japanese matcha and green tea lover! Below are examples of some of my favorite green tea gift giving products at their finest. The gift ideas below are intended to be a bit more premium-priced than my last installment, but all are items available on Amazon today.
What I like about this product: This beautifully designed cast iron tea pot meets the artistry of both form and function. The large capacity 48 oz (1400 ml) teapot is perfect for traditional brewing. The iron used in its creation helps to improve the water quality for a softer and more optimal flavor of your tea. Perfect all teas. Easy to clean with just water and little to no oxidation rust build-up. If oxidation occurs, simply rinse with green tea. The specially designed handle is made for easy grip and to protect from surface burns. Safe for stovetop heating.
What I like about this product: An electric kettle with a sleek and modern look. It has variable temperature control to allow for quick heating, the perfect temperature (135°F to 212°F) for optimal flavoring for different types of teas, and temperature lock for up to 60 minutes. Handy LCD display shows temperature and a stopwatch to time steeping. The ergo-handle and fluted spout make pouring so easy without drips. All-steel interior with no plastic parts touching the water. Great for coffee brewing, too. This takes tea brew technology to the next level.
Manufacturer: Fellow Industries, Inc. Customer Rating: 4.4/5 Price: $149.99 Amazon Product Link
What I like about this product: For larger volume convenience, this Zojirushi is perfect for heavy use or parties. It has a 101 oz (3 L) capacity Teflon over steel holding pot to reduce scaling for extended heating periods. There are many nice features to this product, such as quick heating and 4 preferred heat hold settings for every type of tea (variable from 6 to 10 hours). If you don’t use the quick heat settings, the boiler will heat water to boiling for dechlorination. It has a one-dial easy drip dispenser for cup brewing. A fold-down handle and swivel base clinch the convenience of transport and dispensing.
Manufacturer: Zojirushi Customer Rating: 4.4/5 Price: $135.00 to $170.00 Amazon Product Link
What I like about this product: The philosophy of the Japanese tea ceremony is centered on simplicity and inner peace. This timeless tea pot set embodies the idea of inner peace, while at the same time sharing the moment of the tea ceremony with each other. The tea pot does a good job of retaining heat. This set includes 7 pieces: a ceramic tea pot with 32 oz. capacity; 4-5 oz. tea cups; a stainless steel infuser; and a bamboo tray (very solid) that matches the tea pot’s bamboo handle. Simple white ceramic porcelain finish is easy to clean and dishwasher safe. I also like the price point of this full tea set that makes it affordable as a lovely gift.
What I like about this product: I like to call this set “Matcha for Two”. Unlike other products in my line-up, this set is specifically designed for our matcha lovers and includes two bowls for sharing our favorite beverage with that special someone. The handmade ceramic bowls are sturdy. All utensils are made of natural bamboo, including the ladle/scoop. Well-priced set to make the perfect beverage with your Japanese Green Tea In world winning matcha!
Manufacturer: BambooMN Customer Rating: 4/5 Price: $64.75 Amazon Product Link
What I like about this product: For someone with everything to create the perfect tea ceremony infusion, what could be a better gift idea than an essential prop to make the Way of Tea ceremony a comfortable success. A traditional tea ceremony is performed while kneeling, which can be difficult for someone not trained. This lovely meditation bench set can be used to help support the position on mat cushion or bench support for greatest comfort. It can also be used as a Yoga or Zen meditation bench or mat. Natural organic cotton and maple wood maintains the element of one with nature.
Manufacturer: Samadhi Cushions Customer Rating: TBR Price: $150.00 to $162.00 Amazon Product Link
What I like about this product: This lovely kimono is a perfect option for casual and more formal events (depending on the Obi belt chosen). It is made from Komaro fabric, so is light and perfect for summer months. The color options for this kimono are soft and subtle, so this item is the perfect choice to enhance the Japanese tea ceremony.
What I like about this product: For a gentleman’s and father’s gift, a good consideration is the Men’s Haori Kimono Jacket. The most formal men’s kimono is the two-piece Haori (jacket) and Hakama (pants). The construction of this simple and subtle men’s kimono jacket make it appropriate for an informal tea ceremony. Both functional and comfortable, this is a perfect gift idea for the traditional green tea lover.
What I like about this product: Not to forget some of our youth green tea lovers, we offer up a lovely puzzle choice as a gift idea. This stunning 1000-piece puzzle keeps environmental ideals in mind by using recycled materials and soy-based inks in the design. Designed by Asian artist T.C. Chiu.
Manufacturer: Sunsout Inc. Customer Rating: 4.5/5 Price: $65.00 Amazon Product Link
What I like about this product: Here is a really unique gift idea for the most passionate Japanese green tea lover. These simple art panels are perfect to set the mood for the most discriminating tearoom. Designed with high definition image on canvas and stretched over a natural wood frame, and ready to frame.
Manufacturer: NAN Wind Home Decor Customer Rating: similar art 5/5 Price: $89.99 Amazon Product Link
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/where-different-types-of-japanese-tea-are-grown2020-04-16T07:22:00-12:002021-09-12T01:04:19-12:00Where Different Types of Japanese Tea are GrownKei Nishida
When reviewing green tea farms across Japan, the sheer variety is nearly endless: Whether you’re comparing cultivars or how the tea is grown or where the tea is grown there is something that everyone can learn. But where exactly is tea grown within Japan? Is it possible to grow sencha in Hokkaido? How much tea is grown on Honshu? Are there major tea farms on Shikoku or Kyushu? Read on to find out.
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Japan is a nation of Islands: When you look at a map of Japan chances are you’ll see Hokkaido at the northern end of Japan, Honshu jutting north to south being the largest of the islands, Shikoku between Honshu and its southern brother, also known as Kyushu. These are the largest and most noticeable islands of Japan. But where exactly is tea grown within Japan? Is it possible to grow sencha in Hokkaido? How much tea is grown on Honshu? Are there major tea farms on Shikoku or Kyushu?
The northern limit of tea growing operations is Ibaraki Prefecture. This prefecture is approx. a 60-minute drive north from Tokyo. With part of the Kanto plain jettisoning into Ibaraki Prefecture, green Japanese tea is grown on the plain itself and the more mountainous areas. Closer to Tokyo, in Saitama, you’ll find a more unique type of Japanese tea with thicker leaves and branches called Sayama tea. Given the climate, these tea plants have to often survive bouts of freezing.
If you’re following on a map, let’s move southwest towards Shizuoka Prefecture as we move closer and closer to Japan’s famous Mount Fuji also known as “Fuji san”. Shizuoka is the heart of tea production in Japan. Rolling hills, mountain side tea farms and beautifully lush green landscapes, the prefecture counted for over 1/3rd of Japan’s overall tea production in 2016 (Ministry of Agriculture). You’ll find most tea farms in the area focused on Ooicha (覆い茶aka kabusecha 被せ茶) or ”coarse tea” also know as bancha before it moves into production. Most of all however, you’ll see the tea plant, camellia sinensis, arranged in neatly packed rows scatted throughout parts of Shizuoka. (Note: Our Japanese green tea is grown in Shizuoka. Please see more about it here.)
Moving further west to Aichi Prefecture, areas such as Nishio are known for their matcha production. Aichi counts for a relatively small proportion of overall tea production but accounts for nearly as much Ooicha as Shizuoka.
Mie Prefecture along with Kyoto and Nara Prefecture produce a significant amount of tea. While they don’t total Shizuoka, these 3 prefectures have a long history of green tea production in Japan. Kyoto, for example, is where green tea production began in Japan several hundred years ago. (See my other article Brief History of Japanese Green Tea for more information about this.)
The area is full of various historical tea sites and shops and known for high-quality teas. Apart from harvesting the lessor known “curly tea” or Tamaryokucha (玉緑茶), tea enthusiasts will find all types of Japanese green tea farms in these three prefectures. Ideal for tea tours and local historical sites, it’s no wonders its such a popular destination for tea lovers.
From the Kyoto region, we can take a small trip across Osaka Bay and around Awaji Island to Shikoku. Shikoku’s tea imprint on Japan’s overall production numbers isn’t large but there are unique and notable tea farms, nonetheless. In Tosa, for example, located in Kochi Prefecture, there are Yamaha team farms that grow tea in the “natural way”. Tea plants, in other words, have been able to grow in a non-controlled or lesser-controlled environment. Finding tea plants along a mountainside forest, tea farmers have been able to extra a rare type of tea not found across more common tea farms. While you’ll find various types of farms on Shikoku, Tosa tea stands out as a story worth telling.
Moving to our next island, we arrive at Kyushu. Let’s split Kyushu into 2 major tea “areas”: The first area comprises of Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Miyazaki. These areas grow all sorts of tea. They primarily focus on Futsu-sencha and Ooicha. In growing tea, Kyushu’s largest plain is practically perfect. The amount of rainfall in conjunction with its high daily temperatures and low nightly temperatures help develop rich and sweet tea leaves. Closer to Nagasaki, tea farmers grow the lesser-known Tamaryokucha (玉緑茶), using the Chinese method of “Kamairicha”( 釜炒り茶). You may also umbrella-shaped straw on farms in the area, using rice straw, these farms partially shade their team bushels from the sun.
Moving to the southern top of Kyushu we arrive at Kagoshima Prefecture. Second, to Shizuoka Prefecture, Kagoshima is a major production area for Japanese green tea. It has been home to tea farms since the 14th century and has slowly made a name for itself across Japan. If we look at the tea cultivars across Japan, Yabukita dominates with attaining 76% of all plants. In Kagoshima however, Yabukita accounts for approx. 41%. Given its milder climate, Kagoshima farms can focus on cultivars that may be more susceptible to colder weather such as Yutakamidori and Sae-Midori, Both of these cultivars are nonetheless sencha yet retain their uniqueness in terms of flavors and cultivation. Benifuki tea which is good for allergy is invented (cross-bred) in Kagoshima (See more about benifuuki here).
When reviewing green tea farms across Japan, the sheer variety is nearly endless: Whether you’re comparing cultivars or how the tea is grown or where the tea is grown there is something that everyone can learn. This side of Japanese green tea is a pure learning experience and reveals a humble yet special element that may be taken for granted.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/how-to-select-japanese-green-tea-the-expert-advice2020-04-09T00:54:00-12:002023-08-31T02:18:58-12:00How to Select Japanese Green Tea? - The Expert AdviceKei Nishida
Tea presents itself in many ways. Of course, visiting the grocery store you’re likely presented with a variety or different flavors and types. Loose leaf tea or tea bags? What options are available if I want something with less caffeine? Is there an ideal breakfast and morning tea for someone such as myself?
Let’s narrow our search and focus on selecting Japanese green teas based on your needs and what fits in your life. Hope this list helps you navigate the great world of Japanese tea variety!
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What is the difference? What options are available if I want something with less caffeine? Is there an ideal breakfast and morning tea for someone such as myself? When searching for tea, it can be hard to navigate what works best given your needs.
Let’s narrow our search and focus on selecting Japanese green teas based on your needs and what fits in your life.
Here are few commonly asked questions we get about selecting the right tea for you, and answers to those questions. Hope this list helps you navigate the great world of Japanese tea variety!
This blog post article has been pretty popular, so we made a video out of it. More detail is in the below, but this 6 min short video will give you good overview of each of the questions.
Should I drink tea bags or loose leaf tea?
If you’re used to tea bags than the world of loose-leaf tea may be new to you. As with food, it really boils down to personal preference when it comes to taste.
Many people think that tea bags are of lower quality than loose leaf tea. That is not always true. Click here or link below to find out the answer to the questions.
As you can see in the article above, it depends on the shop you buy from. (Note: All our tea bags products are of the same quality as loose leaf tea.)
Ensure the quality of teabag material
Some tea bags are created from particular plastics that leech micro and even smaller nano plastics (source). Additionally, some tea bags contain incredibly high-quality teas and are full of flavors.
Pay attention to what kind of tea bags are being used. If the shop does not disclose it, more likely it is using plastic-type.
Generally speaking, pyramid shape tea sachets will taste better than square shape as it allows tealeaf to open up in the teabag.
Teabags are convenient when you want tea quickly
For me, my personal preference is where I am. If I am in the office, I prefer a quick way to brew the tea so I use a teabag.
When I am at home and want to enjoy tea time with my family, I use loose leaf tea and use a teapot.
You need a teapot or filter for loose leaf tea.
Unless you are drinking powder form tea, loose leaf tea requires you to have some way to filter out the tea leaf. (Unless you are drinking powdered tea, see below section about powder tea vs loose leaf tea)
The most traditional Japanese way to drink loose leaf tea is by using yunomi or teapot. The below image shows a typical Japanese yunomi teapot. What kind of teapot you use could affect the taste of the tea. This article explains about specific historical teapot from Japan.
You can make your own tea bag from loose leaf tea.
You can click here or below the image to know the detail of the differences between sencha (loose-leaf form) and matcha (powder form).
One question we often get asked is if matcha is healthier than sencha.
Generally speaking, matcha is healthier. Quality is an important word as there are grounded lower quality variants of sencha. Matcha has a number of benefits including helping to lower blood pressure, fighting cancer, boosting metabolism, improving dental health and being rich in antioxidants. For more info please click here or below image.
The common misconception is that a particular tea type can only be brewed hot or cold. Although some tea is meant for cold-brewing, most Japanese tea can be brewed hot or cold.
A surprising fact is that when it comes to health chemicals in tea, cold-brewing tea retains more of the health benefits chemical than hot tea. (This does not mean that hot tea is not healthy, hot tea is still a very healthy drink!)
Personally, I usually keep a jar of cold brew tea in my refrigerator using the below approaches and still drink hot tea when I want.
You can see how you can cold brew Japanese tea by clicking on the images below.
From a historical point of view in Japan, Japanese tea has not been consumed with sweetener until very recently introduced by outside of Japan. Therefore, if you try to look for sweeten Japanese tea, you do not find many Japanese sources.
This does not mean that Japanese tea does not taste good with sweetness. In fact, there are many ways to sweeten Japanese tea. Please see this article that I listed different ways to sweeten Japanese tea.
In recent years, there are many movent of sweetening tea in Japan, and some tea companies are creating new tea products. I have covered a story here if you are interested in reading more about it.
Here are two popular sweetened Japanese tea we carry on our inventory if you are interested.
I am sensitive to caffeine. Is there good Japanese Tea for me?
Many Japanese green teas contain caffeine that may not be ideal for people who are sensitive to caffeine or before settling down in the evening.
Low caffeine Hojicha is available in our store. Japanese farmers focusing on a lower caffeine Hojicha tend to pick the leaves from a more mature harvest in combination with a roasting process that reaches approx.. 200 degrees celsius. The relatively high temperature adjusts the caffeine’s composition.
Unless you want herbal tea, no tea can actually eliminate entire caffeine contents. Please click here or below image if you want to know more about tea and caffeine. I tried to answer all the questions I can answer about this topic.
Aristotle emphasized balance when it came to a healthy physical condition. The same can be said with green tea, caffeine, and pregnancy. For those concerned with caffeine intake, generally speaking, 200 mg of caffeine a day is safe which equates to approx. 3-4 cups a day for most green teas(4).
Hojicha may be a good option with lower caffeine if you want to cut down on caffeine intake.
Is green tea good for kids? Please see below; short answer - Yes!
Given the prevalence of catechins in green tea and their associated health benefits, green tea has a plethora of benefits including fighting obesity and is healthy for the heart. It helps boost the immune system as well as increase caffeine tolerance. One of the more important benefits for children is that it helps stave off influenza. We all know kids and their germs are a thing, why not add green tea to the arsenal?
Again, hojichamay be a good option with lower caffeine if you want to cut down on caffeine intake.
Hojicha is a very popular drink for kids and elderly in Japan as it is less in caffeine and easy to the sensitive stomach.
If you’re looking for diet teas well Japanese green teas have something to say. While we specifically offer a diet Pu-erh tea, green teas increase fat burning and caffeine has been shown to “improve physical performance by mobilizing fatty acids”
Personally, I have done diet with Japanese tea, and what worked the most is to do Intermittent fasting with Japanese tea. I wrote an entire article about this, so please check it out.
I also wrote a whole article about Japanese green tea and diet, so please also check out this article if you want to learn more about it.
Are there any green teas that can help with my allergies?
Green tea and health benefits fit like hand and glove. There’s much to learn but let’s start with some basics. Benifuuki tea, translated as “red riches and honor” is a lesser-known tea however, the benefits are telling: This particular tea assists with allergies, hay fever, and eczema. It contains the highest amount of catechins amongst green teas. Catechins are a great antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, they may also assist with brain and heart health as well as weight loss (1). Let’s not forget that the great benefit of green tea generally is that there are many healthy options. There’s a level of comfort knowing that love for green tea accompanies health benefits.
Matcha comes across as a simple powder you mix with water. While this is a great drink, it also hides its truly creative nature. There is a plethora of great cooking and baking recipes that incorporate matcha: Matcha souffle, cookies, cakes, donuts, and pudding to name a few. Matcha has also been infused with alcohol. Click here to buy Matcha (Please check out my book Cook with Matcha which I dedicate entire book about this topic)
Another great and popular tea fused with cooking and baking is Hojicha: Ice cream and popcorn are notable examples but don’t be too surprised to see it elsewhere. Being a roasted tea, it has a stronger and smokier flavor than most teas but Hojicha popcorn is tough to beat. Click here to buy Hojicha
I want the highest grade of tea, what are my options?
There are different grades and “levels” of Japanese green tea. Of course, some are cheaper than others. For some, the idea of having the best is appealing. If you know the world of Japanese green tea, Gyokuro is generally sought as a premium tea. We also offer Issaku premium. This particular tea is a premium sencha having won the label “Global Tea Champion” in 2017 and 2019.
Again, there’s a lot to learn about tea but if you’re new to this world, then there are some great options for you as well. We offer Nozomi tea as a common recommendation for beginners. It’s almost as if non-covered sencha and gyokuro were mixed together: It’s soothing and easy to drink with an aroma similar to gyokuro.
I am confused about the different types of Japanese Tea. What are the differences?
Yes, there are a lot of different types of Japanese tea. I created a comprehensive list of different types of Japanese tea and tea terms. Please click here to see the article to learn the differences.
How to tell if Japanese green tea is good quality or not?
This is a question we often get asked when people are selecting which tea is good for me, so I wrote an entire article dedicated about how to tell if the quality of the tea is good or not. Please click here or image below to read the article.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/what-is-japanese-tea-ceremony-explained-in-6-simple-steps2020-03-17T03:50:00-12:002021-09-12T01:05:11-12:00What is Japanese Tea Ceremony? – Explained in 6 Simple StepsKei NishidaChanoyu(茶の湯), Sado(茶道)or simply the Japanese tea ceremony is a ritual which is religiously followed in Japan.Japanese Matcha green teais served in a series of choreographed steps with the host simply gliding through the whole ceremony.
Tea Ceremony is so deep, that there can be books of information, but I tried to summarize the ceremony in easy simple steps so that you can understand what they are.
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Chanoyu(茶の湯), Sado(茶道)or simply the Japanese tea ceremony is a ritual which is religiously followed in Japan.Japanese Matcha green teais served in a series of choreographed steps with the host simply gliding through the whole ceremony. In order to balance the slight bitterness of the tea, traditionally prepared Japanese sweets are also served along with it.
This whole process is more than just about making tea. It is an aesthetic compilation of certain predefined movements co-ordinated in a way that each action comes straight from the soul. Every movement and every gesture made by the host is done in consideration of the guest's comfort. From the placement of required utensils the point of view of the main guest or the Shokyaku (正客) is always considered.
Tea Ceremony is so deep, that there can be books of information, but I tried to summarize the ceremony in easy simple steps so that you can understand what they are.
Steps involved in the Japanese tea ceremony
A very strict protocol needs to be followed when executing the steps of the Japanese tea ceremony or the “Way of tea”. While these steps along with the myriad of utensils used might seem a bit difficult to understand at first, breaking them into the following 6 steps would enable the reader to gain a certain degree of familiarity with the same.
While there are some variations to the steps involved in the different types of Japanese tea ceremony celebrated, the basic steps remain the same.
Preparation of the host for the ceremony:This starts weeks in advance to the actual day of the ceremony with the host sending out formal invitations to the invitees or guests. Then comes the part wherein the host prepares her soul so that it can leave the worldly thoughts behind and start to put all focus on imbibing within the self a sense of equilibrium and harmony.
The start of the worldly preparations usually commences with the selection of the right utensils based on:
The season when it is being held and
The time of the day when the ceremony is slated to be held.
Then comes the stage when the tea room or the tea garden, whichever is to be used depending on the season, is cleaned, the utensils washed and kept ready for use to prepare thepremium green teaand the Tatami changed. Lastly, if the tea ceremony is inclusive of a meal, the host starts to prepare for the same from the early hours of the morning.
Preparation of the guests for the ceremony:The guests too have to undergo a process of spiritual preparation for the same by leaving their worldly worries aside and purifying their hearts and their thoughts. On the day of the ceremony, they have to wait outside for a signal from their host which indicates that the host is ready to receive them in the tea room or tea garden. They have to wash their hands before entering and this symbolizes their washing away the dust gathered from the world outside. While entering on receiving a signal from the host, the guests have to bend and pass through a low door. This is taken to be a way of showing the respect one has for the host. It is also a sign of acknowledgement and thanks for the preparations that the host has made for the ceremony.
Cleaning of the tools:This starts the actual preparation of theJapanese Matcha green tea.All utensils to be used are brought out and cleaned in front of the guests using graceful and aesthetically beautiful movements and gestures. Such is the concentration on this task that no extra movements or unnecessary words are allowed even during the ceremony. The beauty of the ceremony lies in the harmonious flow of one action to another starting with the utensil cleaning and then ending with the impeccable behaviour of the guests. The most important utensils and tools used for the ceremony involve:
The Mizusashi (水差し)or the container for cold water,
The Chashaku (茶杓)or the scoop used to take out the Matcha powder,
The Natsume (棗)or the container which will hold the tea and
The Kama (釜) which includes the kettle and its lid.
Preparing the Matcha:After the tools are cleaned, they need to be elegantly displayed and the preparation for the Matcha begins. The host takes out a tea bowl and fills it with Matcha powder taking three scoops of the powder for every guest present. Water is then added to the tea bowl and a thin paste is made by whisking the composition. After this paste is properly made, more water is gradually added.
Serving the Matcha:The prepared tea bowl is then presented to the Shokyaku or the main guest and exchange of bowls take place. The Shokyaku starts with admiring the bowl, rotating it and then taking a sip from the same. The guest subsequently wipes off the tea bowl rim and offers it respectfully to the guest seated beside. This guest too repeats the same actions and passes the tea bowl onto the next. This action gets repeated until all the guests have taken turns with sipping the preparedpremium green teaand the tea bowl finally comes back to the host.
Completion of the ceremony:The host sets about cleaning the bowl after it comes back to him or her and then the tea whish and the tea scoop are also cleaned. These cleaned utensils and tools need to be inspected by the guests who have come to attend the ceremony. This is done to show the admiration and respect they have for the host. The tea bowls and other utensils and tools are inspected and examined with care and respect. The utensils are handled with great caution with the help of a cloth and then the host gathers up all the tools. It is during this time that the guests' exit after bowing thereby marking the end of the ceremony.
A tray containing traditional sweets is also presented to the guests along with the tea. In case there is a meal involved, the same is also served to the guests. The Japanese tea ceremony is a beautiful attempt by the Japanese to hold on to their cultural heritage and even pass it down the generations. Right from the preparations to the ending with the guests leaving, the whole journey is one which can be taken to be an attempt by the host to build a connection with the guests and also with nature on a spiritual level.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/used-teabag-organic-waste-or-for-my-garden2020-03-14T00:55:00-12:002021-09-12T00:34:00-12:00Used Teabag - Organic Waste or Perfect Compost For My Garden?Kei Nishida
We know that given our love for tea, it’s easy to question a better use for the left-over tea. Luckily, the appropriate tea bag leaves tea drinkers with a serious supply for our compost or organic waste endeavors. Tea compost is already a safe bed for the health of many of your plants given its organic nature, it’s simply a matter of making sure the proper tea bag is thrown in there.
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Meet New Japanese Environmentally-friendly Tea Bag Invention – Soilon
How complicated can tea bags be?
Tea is great for so many reasons. One of these reasons is that it’s established a unique culture to mastering the benefits and uses of tea. In following with this line of thought, let’s try to better understand nonwoven fabric tea bags and its use in your garden and/or organic waste disposal.
What exactly are we talking about here? Tea bags, as you probably have witnessed, come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and makes. One of these makes is called “nonwoven fabric”. Nonwoven fabrics are “sheet or web structures bonded together by entangling fiber or filaments (and by perforating films) mechanically, thermally, or chemically.” (1) What exactly does that mean? Basically, they are flat sheets of thin cloth-like material that allow for certain elements to pass through them and created from either separate fibers or plastic.
Wait, this teabag is plastic?
Let’s return to our original question, can I throw my nonwoven fabric tea bag into my garden and/or organic waste disposal? The answer is yes and no. As noted above, some nonwoven fabrics are created from plastic. Some tea bags have a partial composition of polypropylene, a common yet questionable plastic that quite frankly is not designed to decompose anytime soon. Also, as with other products that contain plastic, where does the plastic go?
In 2019, McGill University Professor Nathalie Tufenkji purchased tea at a local Montreal coffee shop. Her tea bag looked plastic and she immediately questioned the amount of plastic being broken down in her drink (2). She returned to the lab where her team reviewed the amount of plastic released from a plastic tea bag. Her study found that, "[t]he levels of nylon and polyethylene terephthalate particles released from the teabag packaging are several orders of magnitude higher than plastic loads previously reported in other foods." Further, that the amount of microplastics released numbered 11.6 billion and the number of nanoplastics (plastics smaller than microplastics) was 3.1 billion (3).
What non-plastic options do I have?
Let’s take a moment to further inquire about what makes “Soilon nonwoven fabric” different from the teabags discussed: Soilon is a trademark name registered by Yamanaka Industry Company, a Japanese industrial company. The idea behind soilon was to further the idea of sustainability in tea bags. Using plant starch as a base, soilon nonwoven fabrics have the sustainable consumer in mind and include a number of important considerations: "Upon burying SOILON in the ground, following hydrolysis, the matter is completely broken down by microorganisms, after which it is eventually turned into water and CO2.” Further, when burned, Soilon does not emit harmful gases such as dioxin and has fewer emissions than plastics generally (4).
Tea bags created from Soilon nonwoven fabric however can be broken down by microorganisms found in your garden or compost. If you’re unsure, you can always drop your tea bag into the soil and come back a few weeks later to see if the tea bag has broken down or not.
The general idea is that Soilon nonwoven fabric is not only aimed at consumers who are looking to throw their tea bags in the garden or in their organic waste bin, but it is made for it.
We know that given our love for tea, it’s easy to question a better use for the left-over tea. Luckily, the appropriate tea bag leaves tea drinkers with a serious supply for our compost or organic waste endeavors. Tea compost is already a safe bed for the health of many of your plants given its organic nature, it’s simply a matter of making sure the proper tea bag is thrown in there.
Buy Premium Japanese Green Tea Bag in Silon Tea Bag
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/10-ways-to-sweeten-your-matcha-green-tea2020-03-10T02:03:00-12:002020-06-27T04:28:29-12:0010 Ways to Sweeten Your Matcha Green TeaKei Nishida
There’s a kind of simplicity in tea with the tradition being “add water” and trust that the flavor profile matches the imagination. However, as I’ve fallen into love with tea, there’s a shocking variation in taste profiles. As the tea market continues to grow, there’s all sorts of tips and tricks out there to alter what shapes the taste of your tea.
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There’s a kind of simplicity in tea with the tradition being “add water” and trust that the flavor profile matches the imagination. However, as I’ve fallen into love with tea, there’s a shocking variation in taste profiles. As the tea market continues to grow, there’s all sorts of tips and tricks out there to alter what shapes the taste of your tea.
Matchastands out in the world of taste profiles. Ever tried a cha-soba sushi roll? Yes, it contains matcha. Hope about a matcha cupcake with pistachios? While I have yet to try nitro matcha cold brew, it sounds delicious. As much as I’d like to think I understand the world of matcha generally, I’m consistently presented with new mixes and uses for matcha. It’s even more surprising considering that matcha comes from the same leaves as its green tea brother gyokuro!
I want to review10 ways you can sweeten your matcha drinkspecifically and hopefully you can continue experiencing what the world of matcha has to offer:
Note: If you want to try it out, click on images to get the product I personally use on Amazon.
Us Canadians thrive onmaple syrup. We kind of have to put it in our matcha. Maple syrup slightly alters the original flavor of matcha and contains 260 calories per 100g however its readily available as a sweetener and honestly, who doesn’t enjoymaple syrup?
Stevia is common, very common. In fact, chances are you’ve heard about it through various everyday drinks and its commercial uses.Stevia is a natural, zero calorie sweetener known in part by from its bitterness but also its limited aftertaste. It’s considered a direct sugar substitute.Stevia, in this respect, does not take away the flavor matcha has to provide. It simply elevates and matches matcha’s subtleness.
There are many different matcha sweeteners available however, there are only a select few that offer a sweet yet floral and nutty flavor. While light coconut milk simply contains more water than its regular sibling, it can be a healthier alternative and act as a somewhat powerful sweetener.
I’m a huge fan of macadamia nuts and the flavors that can be extracted from them. Macadamia nut milk is pleasantly thick and smooth. It’s known for its richer, nuttier and buttery flavor. It has some similarities with almond milk however it tends to have a stronger flavor profile overall.
I first came acrossagave syrupwhile living in Japan and its sweetness surprised me. It’s very sweet, yes sweeter than sugar however this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t mix it with your matcha. It’s a common matcha sweetener. However,agave syrupshave a number of variations with darker agave syrups having a stronger caramel flavor while lighter flavors a milder and almost neutral composition.
Perhaps one of the less commonly used options on the list, coconut sugar is subtly sweet. It comes across as brown sugar not only in appearance but also in flavor and sweetness. If you’re looking to try something different with a faux caramel-like distinction,coconut sugarfits your matcha on a number of different levels.
7. Apple "Honey"
The general idea of fusing together apple and honey comes across as a no-brainer if you ask me. Many vegan recipes use combine apples with honey as a syrup for all kinds of foods and drinks. For matcha lovers, it’s a great sweetener alternative and its simple to make! (There is no Amazon link as you can get apple and honey in any grocery store)
One of the more unique items available on this list,madjool datesare a fresh fruit that have a powerful yet rich and caramel-like taste. Relatively high in calories, they tend to be high in antioxidants and great for general digestion. They should be blended down prior to adding to your matcha and enjoyed as a subtler sweetener. They can also be used to create date syrup.
As much as I enjoy maple syrup, butterscotch is right up there. Date sugar, being unique as it is, offers a notable butterscotch-like flavor. It also happens to contain many of the benefits of a madjool date given it’s not far off in terms of composition. It’s nonetheless another unique option for one’s matcha.
Along with stevia and xylitol, monk fruit is a zero calories sweetener option available in the market. Another particular sweet option, it also contains zero sugar and zero carbohydrates surprisingly enough. It’s known in part for its antioxidants however it can be too sweet for some people and it’s not the most available item on this list.
and the Classic : Soy Milk
Soy milk:One of the more subtle sweeteners, it’s high in protein content and contains vitamin A, B-12, potassium and calcium. Being plant-based, soy milk can have a beanlike or chalk-like taste however there are a plethora of options available that many consumers can likely find the best fit for their matcha.
While this list stops at 10 matcha sweeteners, there are many more. The beautiful thing is that matcha is the vehicle to expand what flavors work for you. Whether you’re thinking of enjoying a matcha tea latter or simply matcha with water or anything in between, there are more than enough tasty and enjoyable options to surprise you.
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/is-it-ok-to-drink-green-tea-on-an-empty-stomach2020-02-12T02:50:00-12:002021-09-12T00:33:31-12:00Is it OK to Drink Green Tea on an Empty Stomach?Kei Nishida
Lately, the craze with intermittent fasting has grown a following. This includes fasting, this article tackles the question if green tea is okay to drink while on an empty stomach. Read more about it and the other benefits of green tea while fasting.
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With so many finding weight loss and diabetes control/reversal success by following Intermittent Fasting (IF) protocols, many are also being introduced to the benefits of green tea. (Click here to read my other article why Japanese Green Tea is Perfect for Intermittent Fasting and how to do it) Not only has tea been part of a healthy diet for thousands of years, it's not only the ancients who have discovered the benefit; medical science has now proven the value of this subtle and often tasty beverage.
IF ideally calls for consumption of nothing but water during the fasting periods. Because some find this tiresome, they've experimented with adding black coffee; black coffee with artificial sweeteners or natural sweeteners that don't change blood sugar much (such as stevia and monkfruit); and adding teas. But...is it safe to drink green tea on an empty stomach?
First Of All, Green Tea is Healthy
Green tea not only suppliescaffeine to give us a gentle energy boost, but it contains antioxidants and substances that contribute tolowering blood pressure.It's proven to helpdecrease rates of esophageal cancer -- and potentially other cancers as well -- and has a positive influence on blood cholesterol.
Green Tea has benefits During Fasting
According to IF guru, author, and nephrologist Dr. Jason Fung -- who many turn to as one of the ultimate authorities in intermittent fasting -- adding teas during the fasting period does not appreciably raise blood sugar, and in the case of green tea, it can have small, but measurably positive influences on metabolism. Green tea contains polyphenol, which helps with fat oxidation and the rate at which the body uses calories. Dr. Fung said to drink on up, both during fasting and during feeding periods.
Alert: It Also Can Cause Stomach Upset on an Empty Stomach
The catch-22 with deriving benefits from green tea while fasting is that in addition to its many benefits, green tea is also high intannins, which increase stomach acids. In most this won't be a problem, but in someone with peptic ulcers or gastric reflux, it may cause heartburn or other stomach distress.
Weighing the Opinions
Some health experts warn of acidic stomach for some, and other sources claim the opposite, that green tea is a more gentle alternative than either black tea or coffee. This might make a difference in particular for those who are doing IF, as the only beverages allowed aside from water all have some component of possibly causing stomach acidity on an empty stomach/during fasts. The question is whether or not this is tolerable to the individual.
The only way to know whether green tea can be consumed comfortably during your own fasting periods is to go ahead and give it a try. Remember that green tea is beneficial to us whether we are fasting or not, so there's no harm in trying. We have few choices in drinks during fast periods, and there's no reason to discount green tea as a viable, and possibly quite beneficial, option.
Buy High Grade Green Tea in Teabags
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/brief-history-of-japanese-green-tea-a-cup-full-of-history-and-mystery2020-01-27T08:00:00-12:002021-09-12T01:05:33-12:00Brief History of Japanese Green Tea: A Cup Full of History and MysteryKei Nishida
Green tea’s importance to Japanese culture can’t be understated. This magical drink has a very colorful and wonderful history to boast. From tea drinking monks to tea ceremonies,learn more and understand tea culture.
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Since around the 9th Century, when tea was first introduced to the people of Japan by traders who sipped the beverage in China, green tea has evolved into a national obsession and become part of the country’s culture. Keep reading to learn more about the history of this magical drink.
A Plant grown in China crosses The Sea of Japan
Long before Genghis Khan and Mongol hordes began expansive explorations into China, its people had become a tea-drinking culture. Green tea, specifically, was given magical powers. Those drinking it expected health and welfare benefits. In some parts of 8th Century China, green tea was called “an elixir of youth.”
China wasn’t to keep this healthy beverage all to itself. Traders began transporting leaves and plants the short distance to Japan. Despite rudimentary communications systems, it took next to no time for the people of Japan to fall in love and make green tea drinking more than a pleasurable habit, but a ceremonial one as well.
From herbal medicine to everyday drink
As tea preparation and consumption became commonplace in Japan, its reputation for having medicinal purposes grew to the point the growing process was often shrouded in mystery so cultivation methods could be limited to the rich and entitled. But during China’s Tang Dynasty, green tea had gone mainstream and while this transformation took longer to reach Japan, a declaration byEmperor Saga, who ruled from 786 to 842, made tea-drinking available to even the lowest class of society.
Perhaps the most enthusiastic proponents of green tea drinking were Buddhist monks, some of whom had become tea drinkers during pilgrimages to China. Eventually, green tea cultivation and propagation attracted two leading proponents of Japanese tea consumption:Kukai and Saicho, Buddhist monks who became legends thanks to huge numbers of tea seeds they brought home each time they visited China.
A green tea empire!
Having become the most popular drink in Japan thanks to the efforts of these two monks, tea growing had become commonplace as the 9th century came to a conclusion. By this time, it was grown in so many places, visitors to Japan’s imperial palace found themselves walking between rows of tea plants on their way to see the emperor. Zen Buddhist monks, meanwhile, used green tea to help them stay alert longer during lengthy meditation practices and only droughts brought this flourishing agricultural movement to the occasional stop.
By the 12th Century, and thanks to Zen masterEisai, called the father of the Japanese tea culture, this steeped beverage had become the nation’s most-favored beverage. Eisai recognized in tea a plant with the potential to do more than just quench thirst. He began to attribute myriad powers to green tea which prompted poets to publish tributes to green tea’s ability to be a transformative beverage.
From beverage to cultural icon
Green tea’s importance to Japanese culture can’t be understated. Used ceremoniously by monks, healers and even employed in matters of justice during Kugatachi divination ceremonies staged to determine whether someone was guilty or innocent, the accused was required to remove stones from pots filled with boiling tea or water.
Not every ritual associated with tea was draconian: tea competitions became a major part of samurai warrior training and students drank it before going into battle, too. Ornate tea houses built by wealthy homeowners to stage lavish ceremonies became status symbols. By the 16th Century, cups crafted explicitly for green tea ceremonies were brought from China to Japan, helping to launch the nation's ceramics industry.
The inevitability of worldwide acceptance
Anthropologists with deep understanding of Japanese cultural practices often point to the nation’s propensity for remaining a closed society for centuries, but green tea helped introduce the nation to the world once Japan’s Edo Period dawned. Between 1600 and the mid-1800s, exports of green tea flourished and helped introduce the rest of the world to Japan.
Green tea is now the most consumed beverage in Japan next to water. Japan ranks as the 10th country exporting tea to the world with 1.7% of the total global tea export by volume.
This article was originally published as a Guest Blog onAir Kitchen
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https://www.japanesegreentea.in/blogs/japanese-green-tea-lovers-in-india/how-to-make-matcha-macarons-video-recipe2020-01-26T03:08:00-12:002020-06-27T04:28:33-12:00How to Make Matcha Macarons - Video RecipeKei Nishida
Japanese Green Tea (Matcha) Macarons – a recipe for these delicious, light, and crunchy sweet treats that perfectly blend Western technique with Eastern flavors.
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Japanese Green Tea (Matcha) Macarons – a recipe for these delicious, light, and crunchy sweet treats that perfectly blend Western technique with Eastern flavors.
Please check out this video showing how to make Matcha Macarons by my good friend Yi from Yi Reservations.
Here are photos of Matcha and Matcha Macrons that Yi took. Aren't they beautiful?
How to Make Matcha Latte Art
Here is a cut from the above video for how to make matcha latte art. Isn't it cool? I was able to do this myself by watching this video. :)
How to make matcha latte art by @yi_reservation Beautifully done! #JapaneseGreenTeaCo #greenTeaMania #matchalatteart #matchalatte #latteart #matcha #matchalover #matchamoment #matchagreentea
Yi Reservation is a Blog and YouTube Channel where Yi shares authentic Chinese recipes from his New York City kitchen. Since 2011, YiReservation.com has been sharing authentic Chinese recipes with easy to follow step-by-step instructions.
With more than 550K followers and counting, Yi has been innovating his passion for the world of cuisine on his popular YouTube channel.