Ingredients
Sakura Cherry Blossom Almond Donuts
Matcha Glaze
Instructions
Recently, I stumbled upon a gem while searching for the perfect Sakura Powder.
This 100% Natural Sakura Powder has been a delightful find. I was intrigued by the idea of incorporating the delicate essence of cherry blossoms into my baking. To my surprise, this powder added a subtle floral touch that transformed my recipes. It's not just about the flavor; the natural color it brings is visually stunning too. I've enjoyed experimenting with it in both sweet and savory dishes. If you're curious about adding a bit of sakura charm to your cooking, this might be something worth exploring!
It's fun to create these unique recipes and videos to share with you. If you enjoy the video, please support us by using our premium Japanese Matcha made in sugarcane soil! This matcha won the Global Tea Championship in 2018. (read more about it here)
Yes, you can use any matcha for this recipe, but we appreciate your support, and you can support us by using our Japanese Green Tea Co. Matcha : ).
If someone were to ask me,
"If you could only drink one Japanese green tea for the rest of your life, what would it be?"
My answer will undoubtedly be our cherished ISSAKU Reserve.
You might say I'm biased because it's crafted by our trusted tea supplier, Arahataen. And perhaps I am. Yet, my bias is rooted in all the right reasons - a deep appreciation for the countless years, boundless passion, relentless hard work, and unwavering dedication that go into creating this extraordinary tea.
The most surface-level answer to the question will be that it has won Global Tea Championships in two different years - 2017 and 2019. After these years, the championship has been halted due to COVID-19. But this is just the 'lid' of the whole story. When you reach deeper into the roots, we go all the way back to the soil and the farm creating this tea - Arahataen Tea Farm in Shizuoka prefecture.
Since the founder Eizo Arahata, started cultivating tea in Makinohara Plateau, Arahataen's foundational principle has been to start tea production with 'Soil-making.' What does this mean? It means they put a massive amount of effort and thought into improving and maintaining soil quality, natural biodiversity, and natural ecosystems instead of exploiting nature to harvest tea. In return, nature rewards us a thousandfold by growing tea plants with leaves that brew into cups of tea with extraordinary flavor and sweetness that cannot be found in other places.
Arahataen has also been committed to using the traditional tea farming method called the 'Chagusaba method,' which was recognized by FAO (United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization) as GIAHS (Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System) in 2013.
The Chagusaba method is a labor-intensive ancient Japanese tea farming method that maintains semi-natural grasslands around the tea-growing area and uses the grass as mulch in the tea field to produce high-quality tea. This method protects more than 300 ecologically important endangered species living in the tea-growing area and is one of the most sustainable agricultural practices in the world.
(Read more about how Arahataen is fighting one of Japan’s biggest social problems here.)
Mr. Arahata, the owner of Arahataen green tea farm, had this thought when he was giving his all to work on creating 'ISSAKU':
“他のどこにもない特別なお茶を作ってみたい。そして茶づくり人生の中で、お世話になった方々にぜひ味わっていただきたい…。”
"A tea that you will not find anywhere else. That's what I want to make. Many people have been a part of my Ocha-zukuri (tea-making life), and I want these people to enjoy this tea."
Mr. Arahata poured his all - his years of experience, his tea-making wisdom, and his passion for tea, into creating this masterpiece. That was how Issaku was born.
This exclusive green tea is nurtured using a natural fertilizer created from locally sourced Japanese sugarcane, rich in amino acids. Fresh sugar liquid is meticulously incorporated into the soil, infusing each sip with a distinctive sweetness. This innovative fertilization method, combined with the use of homegrown sugarcane to enrich the soil, results in a tea with a naturally sweet flavor profile.
With meticulous care, the tea crop is harvested just once a year. Highly trained farmers delicately handpick only the tender, newly sprouted tea leaf buds. This stringent selection process ensures that only the freshest and most delicate leaves make their way into ISSAKU Reserve.
The journey of the tea leaves, once plucked, combines tradition with modern precision. Stored in a specialized refrigerator, they are exposed to temperatures and humidity levels reminiscent of the traditional soil layer where Japanese tea leaves aged for centuries. This aging process imparts the perfect balance of depth and flavor. After a precise duration of aging, the leaves undergo calibrated heating, resulting in Kuradashi Cha (Kuradashi Tea), translated as "tea taken out from the granary."
ISSAKU Reserve is the culmination of aging freshly picked tea leaves for half a year under carefully controlled conditions at -15 degrees Celsius. Before aging, the tea reaches the Aracha state (crude tea), identical to the tea at this stage. However, the distinction lies in the mellow taste, robust body, and slightly increased astringency of Kuradashi Tea, making it richer than freshly picked tea.
Beyond its exquisite flavor, ISSAKU Reserve provides an array of health benefits, including:
Japanese Green Tea Co. is happy to offer free tickets to Virtual Hanami Viewing by Arigato Travel
Thank you for the support of our products, which made it to the top of Amazon!
]]>Thank you for the support of our products, which made it to the top of Amazon!
Please click here or the image below to check out the listing!
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Our team has developed this unique (yet relatively easy, no bake-off contest skills needed!) recipe that you can whip up in your own kitchen with a few readily available ingredients plus our award-winning Matcha.
In today's post, we spill the tea (or Matcha, in this case) on the recipe, sprinkle some pro tips and kitchen hacks, and top it off with intriguing tidbits about how they do Valentine's in Japan. Spoiler alert: intense chocolate company marketing battles from Japan! (Also, note that this recipe is good to be used regardless of whether it is Valentine's or not; please feel free to make it any time of the year!)
Ingredients:
Crust
Filling
Instructions
We hope you are excited to follow along with our recipe video and start making fresh Matcha chocolate cheesecake bars. But wait a minute before you start putting on your apron; as you might already know, we like to learn new things and explore the back story of everything we do, and if you have the time and are interested, keep on reading to discover some surprising Valentine's facts and traditions from Japan.
Like the rest of the world, Valentine's Day in Japan is about spreading love and showing appreciation for those dear to our hearts. Yet, the Japanese version of this heartfelt Day comes with some unique features, one of the most obvious of them being the fact that the spotlight is on 'Luxury/Handmade Chocolates.'
One of the well-established traditions in Japanese Valentine's Day is to give special and luxury chocolates to romantic interests by women. It is also popular for women to give 'handmade' chocolates to men on Valentine's Day as it shows thoughtfulness and it makes the chocolates 'more special.' Picture female friends coming together on home chocolate-making sessions or perhaps attending Valentine's Day chocolate-making workshops to create those heartfelt, handmade confections. After all, a touch of personal effort makes every chocolate sweeter!
While on February 14th, it's mostly on the women to give chocolates, a month later, on March 14th, it's the men's turn to buy (or make) chocolates and gifts for the special women in their lives.
On White Day, a charming reciprocation of chocolates happens: men who were recipients of honmei-choco (本命チョコ, 'chocolate of love') or giri-choco (義理チョコ, 'courtesy chocolate') on Valentine's Day are now expected to reciprocate the gesture by presenting thoughtful gifts to the women (more on the different types of Valentine's chocolates in the next section). This delightful exchange isn't limited to romantic partners; friends and coworkers also partake in the tradition.
Also, a part of the tradition is to follow the concept of Sanbai Gaeshi (三倍返し, 'triple the return'), suggesting that men should offer a return gift valued at two to three times the worth of the Valentine's gift they initially received.
Looking for a White-Day Gift? Check out our artisanal Japanese gifts!
If you are spending your Valentine’s Day in Japan and have no romantic interests, then you still have a high chance of receiving a Valentine's Chocolate; take a look at all the types of Valentine's Day Chocolates in Japan, and you’ll know why. Here are some of the major types of chocolates on Japanese Valentine's Day.
Imagine a chocolate that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also serves as a hot topic in Japanese social discussions. Enter Giri Choco – the unsung hero of Valentine's Day in Japan. Unlike its romantic counterpart, Honmei Choco, which is reserved for significant others, giri choco is the go-to chocolate for women to give to their male colleagues, bosses, and acquaintances.
It's the chocolate of appreciation and politeness, a diplomatic way to say, "Hey, you're not my Valentine, but you're still pretty awesome." However, this tradition is facing a bit of a slump as gender roles evolve, and many offices are waving goodbye to giri choco with a strict "no gifts" policy. Times are changing, and so are the chocolates!
2. Honmei Choco: 本命チョコ (Chocolate of Love/Romantic/True Feeling Chocolate)
Honmei choco is the pinnacle of Valentine's Day treats in Japan – often handmade by women for their romantic interests. Honmei Choco is usually reserved for people such as husbands, boyfriends, desired partners, secret crushes, etc. Honmei Choco outshines its counterparts in quality and expense.
3. Tomo Choco: 友チョコ (Friendship Chocolate)
Giri Choco's declining popularity has paved the way for Tomo Choco, the epitome of friendship chocolate. Unlike Giri choco, Tomo Choco liberates women and men to exchange chocolates and gifts on Valentine's Day without the confines of company hierarchy, romantic ties, or obligatory returns. Embraced for fostering healthier interpersonal connections, Tomo Choco thrives on mutual appreciation and respect, making it a delightful alternative with less pressure and more genuine camaraderie. 🍫🤝
4. Jiko Choco/ My Choco: 自己チョコ/マイチョコ (Self Chocolate/ Chocolate for Oneself)
Probably the best kind of Valentine's Chocolate – a delightful treat meant for oneself! These days, the act of pampering oneself with delightful things and prioritizing self-care is not just positive; it's actively encouraged. If you've grown weary of buying chocolates for others and waiting for someone else to surprise you, we wholeheartedly recommend making it a dedicated self-care day. It's high time we treat ourselves to a soothing cup of premium Japanese Sencha and create our special Valentine's recipe for ourselves! 🍵🍫
There are many theories as to how Valentine's Day started in Japan, and it seems like many big chocolate brands in Japan are fighting to claim that they are the ones who popularize Valentine's Day! The Chocolate battle is fierce in Japan, just like Japan's Coffee Battle! (If you are interested in knowing more about the heated competition in Japan's coffee market, head onto this article)
Valentine’s Day started to become known among the general public around 1958 (Showa 33). However, it was quite different from Valentine's Day, as we know it today in Japan. It came a long way through many ups and downs before reaching its current state.
Foreigners who came to Japan before the Second World War introduced the concept of Valentine's Day to Japan. After World War II, efforts were made by the distribution and confectionery industries to promote the celebration and boost sales of confectionaries. However, it wasn't until the late 1970s that Valentine's Day truly became established and accepted in Japanese society.
Morozoff is a prominent luxury confectionery brand in Japan, originating from a chocolate boutique established in Kobe in 1931. Back in the Day, Morozoff Confectionery made waves by featuring an ad in the English-language newspaper called "The Japan Advertiser," urging readers to "Send chocolate to your Valentine (= your beloved one)." This is the oldest advertisement in Japan when it comes to featuring chocolates for Valentine's Day.
It is interesting because our Valentine's Day recipe features Matcha and Cheesecake, and Morozoff, who was one of the first confectionary companies to promote Valentines, is famous for its cheesecakes. Find more interesting Japanese tea-based dessert recipes that you can make with your loved ones here.
Kunio Hara is a famous Japanese businessman who worked for the Japanese chocolate giant Merry Chocolate and was given credit for creating advertising campaigns that tied chocolate to Valentine's Day in Japan. Kunio Hara is said to have implemented the idea of women gifting chocolates to men in 1958, creating the catchphrase, "Once a year, it's a day when women can confess their love."
Big departmental stores like Isetan, Seibu, and Matsuya started to promote Valentine's Day to promote sales of gift items and expensive chocolates. For example, Isetan Departmental store held a Valentine's Day fair in 1965.
While department stores initially struggled to make Valentine's Day popular in Japan, it faced a setback after peaking in 1968. With customer traffic declining, many doubted its establishment. However, in the early 1970s, during the oil shock of 1973 and the end of high economic growth, chocolate sales saw a rapid rise. The retail industry, grappling with the recession, became more proactive in marketing. The 1970s marked the completion of Japan's capitalism and its transformation into a mature consumer society.
Around the late 1970s, the ''Japanese Valentine's Day,'' in which girls give chocolates to boys as a token of affection, became established in Japanese society, and other customs unique to Japan emerged. White Day and Giri Choco appeared in the first half of 1980.
*Another interesting thing that happened in the Japanese consumer industry around this time was the rise of Japanese canned coffee popularity. Read more about it here!
According to the Japan Chocolate and Cocoa Association, Kobe received a statue of love from the Italian city of Terni, also known as 'The City of Love.' Terni is famous as the birthplace of Saint Valentine. In 1992, Terni sent a statue symbolizing love in the shape of a mother and a child to Kobe City, Japan. The statue still stands at Kobe Herb Gardens.
It has become such a national event that it is said that around 20% of Japan's annual chocolate consumption is consumed on February 14th and since the 2000s, it has become more diverse, and these days, there is an exchange of gifts and chocolates beyond romantic interests, among colleagues, family members, friends, and also to oneself.
Well, now that you know the history of Valentine's Day in Japan, the next useful tip we want to share with you is how you can combine this recipe with one of our teas or coffees and make it into a complete Valentine's gift.
One of my favorite gifts to receive is a gift set or a hamper. If you have already made our Matcha Chocolate cheesecake bars, you might want to pair them up with a premium Japanese tea or coffee and turn them into a special tea/coffee-time gift for someone special. Imagine them receiving this, and they can enjoy a Japanese Valentine-themed tea/coffee time at home!
Tea Pairings with this Recipe:
The electric whisk can be used both for whisking the Matcha, as well as for warm milk and making your own Matcha Latte at home. (If you want a complete recipe for Matcha Latte using our Matcha, follow along here).
The fact that you can choose the color of the electric whisk makes it even better - you can go for the red one to add an extra Valentine's mood to the gift!
I think this tea is the perfect gift for Valentine's because in February, the weather is quite cold, and it just shows that you care about the person and want them to stay healthy and well-protected against allergies, colds, and flu! Pair it with Benifuuki allergy relief candies for extra sweetness (and wellness!).
Hojicha is roasted Japanese tea, and to me, it just feels like the warmest hug you can get in a cup of tea. It's nutty, toasty, and earthy, and it makes you feel so cozy when you drink it on a cold winter day. It also has less caffeine, which makes it a perfect bedtime or post-dinner tea. The toasty flavor of the tea will also pair extremely well with the cheesecake in this recipe.
When it comes to a Valentine's gift for a coffee lover, you just cannot go wrong with this one. This gift set has also recently got a fresh makeover, adding an extra feel of luxury to the packaging. This Single-Serve coffee has the convenience of instant coffee but the flavor and taste of a real pour-over. The coffee inside is our roaster's signature Hokkaido blend with rich and deep Sumiyaki roasting flavor, which will pair excellently with cheesecake.
If your person is a serious coffee aficionado, then this is a great single-origin coffee from Colombia. It's full-bodied and rich, and the flavor profile resides on the sweeter side, which will pair very nicely with the slight bitterness of the Matcha Cheesecake.
One bonus Gift recommendation would be a Dream of Japan Gift Card!
What's better than receiving a gift card for Japanese artisanal handmade products on Valentine's Day?
Have you made our Matcha Chocolate Cheesecake bar? How did it go? Let us know in the comments and messages! Happy Valentine’s Day to all of you from us!
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Why Japanese Green Tea is Perfect for Intermittent Fasting + How to Guide, What to do & What not to do
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a popular dieting method right now. Compared to other fad diets, IF does have much research to back up its amazing effects on the body. Civilizations have been fasting for millennia, and this natural eating pattern is becoming more common.
Another diet pattern people have been following historically is drinking tea, particularly Japanese green tea. High-quality green tea has been intertwined with Japanese culture for centuries. Adding Japanese green tea to your diet can further boost the benefits of IF while satiating any cravings for your usual beverages.
Before you read on to the contents of the blog, my friend, JC from VideoBlast, created a short 30-second teaser video of this blog post. Please check it out!
Fasting has existed for millions of years in many cultural and religious traditions. Intermittent fasting has grown in popularity recently. Everyone from fitness gurus to medical doctors is recommending it for health, weight loss, and even to treat certain chronic conditions.
The basic principle of intermittent fasting involves limiting the time spent eating each day. It’s less of a diet and more of a lifestyle pattern because there are no specifications on what foods to eat or limit. Just by fasting anywhere from 12 to 18 hours a day (sometimes more!) one’s health, body, and life will drastically change.
The science behind intermittent fasting has to do with hormones. When any food, especially carbohydrates, enters the body, the hormone insulin spikes. Insulin is the hormone in the blood that allows fat to be stored. Because people today have irregular and frequent eating patterns, like snacking all day and even at night, the body never gets a break from releasing insulin and storing fat. This can lead to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and so on. By fasting for a certain amount of the day, the body gets more chances to burn fat than continue storing it.
Something that's challenging about intermittent fasting is the inability to drink beverages like creamy coffee or sugary soda while fasting. No calories should be consumed outside of the eating window. A fantastically healthy choice is Japanese green tea, a naturally sweet, delicately flavored tea that can simultaneously sate your cravings and further improve your health.
When intermittent fasting, drinks with any calories are not allowed outside of eating windows. Many people may feel unable to let go of their sodas, calorific coffees, or sugary juices. Japanese green tea is an excellent, delicious substitute for these drinks while boosting the health effects of fasting.
Before Japanese green tea became a cultural, daily drink, its main purpose was medicinal. During the 12th century, the Buddhist influence in Japan promoted green tea for health and longevity, despite its bitter taste. Fortunately, the discovery of shading and grinding tea leaves to make matcha powder allowed the beverage to be beneficial while tasting wonderful. Even modern research shows a huge difference in health between populations that drink green tea, like Japan, and those who don’t.
Intermittent fasting is already quite powerful in improving longevity, weight maintenance, and reducing the risk of diseases. Paired with Japanese green tea’s fat-burning qualities, skin-boosting antioxidants, and other positive features, the two make a powerful combo.
While intermittent fasting is not a diet protocol, eating nutrient-packed foods definitely increases the positive effects. Japanese green tea is one such addition that can further help in managing weight and decreasing dangerous health risks. With its high caffeine content and catechins, the body's energy expenditure increases; you burn more calories and energy than you normally would. Research shows that you could burn up to 4% more calories a day, which adds up over a long period of time (in a month, you can cut up to 120% of total calories!)
Japanese green tea also helps with reducing appetite, which is a struggle many people have with intermittent fasting. By balancing hormones like leptin and ghrelin, intermittent fasting can eventually manage hunger and satiety. However, fasting may prove difficult at first. The catechins in Japanese green tea provide hunger suppression, helping you succeed in fasting. (See my other article, "Is Green Tea a Good Appetite Suppressant?" for more information about this.)
A specific green tea called Japanese Diet Pu-erh tea (also known as Saryu Soso) is perfect for speeding up metabolism and improving digestion. With its high-quality fermentation process, Japanese Diet Pu-erh tea ends up with 1.7 times more of a polyphenol called tannic acid than normal tea.
We also introduced Diet Green Tea, which is all-natural green tea in a teabag. This one is for those who prefer the taste of green tea.
With intermittent fasting, blood sugar remains balanced because the body isn’t bombarded with sugar regularly. This reduces inflammation, which can manifest as acne and other skin conditions. The addition of Japanese green tea takes this one step further with its role in managing blood sugar levels. Regular consumption of green tea has been shown to improve glucose levels in people with diabetes. Drinking up to six cups of green tea a day slashes the risk of diabetes by a third. Japanese green tea provides more benefits because it has a concentrated amount of nutrients compared to normal green tea.
Japanese green tea is famous for its antioxidants. From ECGC to the other catechins it contains, these free-radical-fighting antioxidants do wonders for anti-aging and skin. Toxins from a poor diet, a lack of sun protection, and environmental factors can negatively affect the skin, causing fine lines and discoloration. The high levels of polyphenols and catechins in Japanese green tea, which are higher than those in other antioxidant superfoods like coffee, dark chocolate, or berries, protect the external layer from deterioration. (See my other article, "Japanese Green Tea and Skin Health," for more information about this.)
The eating window may vary from person to person, so if you are someone who eats earlier in the day and fasts later at night, you might feel apprehensive about drinking a caffeinated beverage.
Japanese green tea does have caffeine, anywhere from 30 to 60 milligrams per cup. But the caffeine works differently from coffee and energy drinks. Green tea’s intensive amount of antioxidants slows down the absorption of caffeine into the bloodstream. What this means is that caffeine will gradually be released into the body over a longer period of time. It provides sustained energy throughout the day, as opposed to a burst of adrenaline followed by a crash.
While it would be best to drink Japanese green tea earlier in the day, there is the option of Hojicha tea. Hojicha tea is made from roasted tea twigs, resulting in a bolder, smoother flavor. With a naturally lower caffeine content of about 7.7 milligrams, Hojicha tea is perfect for an evening treat or pick-me-up that won’t impede your regularly scheduled sleep.
What To Do
Japanese green tea is a healthy and beneficial complement to intermittent fasting. To really extract the greatest potential from green tea, it's important to know when and how to drink it.
First of all, due to its low amount of calories—about 3 calories per gram of Japanese matcha powder—it is perfectly acceptable to consume while fasting.
Instead of matcha, you can also use sencha, pu-erh tea, or hojicha. (Don't know the difference between this tea? Click here to check out this blog where I explain the difference.) All these teas are good as long as you do not use additives like milk and sugar (see more below). Japanese tea is traditionally consumed without adding milk or sugar, so it is also another reason why Japanese tea is good for IF.
That means, just like black coffee and water, you can sip a warm, comforting mug of Japanese green tea around the clock. As already established, Japanese green tea's steady energy boost makes it a smart choice for taming appetites. Furthermore, it's a different form of hydration, which you need to prioritize while fasting, especially if water becomes boring.
The best time to drink Japanese green tea is really whenever. Traditionally, Japanese people would drink matcha or sencha throughout the day, for practically every meal. To start, drinking Japanese green tea first thing in the morning can become a wonderful habit. As a substitute for coffee, Japanese green tea provides a calming yet refreshing spring in your step. Since it doesn't come with all the energy crashes of other energy drinks, Japanese green tea is great to drink multiple times a day while fasting or eating.
As for how much to drink, it really depends on personal preferences. For the best health benefits, at least 3 cups of tea a day are recommended.
What Not To Do
When done correctly, Japanese green tea can maximize the health advantages of intermittent fasting. However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Green tea is a good choice because it's calorie-free. As tempting as indulgent, delicious green tea beverages might be, be aware of the nutrient content. For example, matcha green tea with some milk, cream, or sugar can break your fast. When buying tea from a restaurant or a coffee shop, refrain from ordering matcha green tea lattes. One of the amazing things about Japanese green tea is its metabolism-revving quality. By adding calories, you miss out on this benefit, as the calories can add up quickly. Leave such drinks for after breaking the fast.
While it's safe to drink Japanese green tea throughout the day, keep in mind that caffeine can still affect you when consumed in the evening. Also, it's best not to go overboard. Although it seems like Japanese green tea has much less caffeine than coffee, drinking too much too fast can have a strong effect. Having too much tea on an empty stomach can cause nausea for more sensitive people.
Drinking Japanese green tea during the eating window is perfectly fine. However, to receive the most health benefits, drink a cup between meals rather than with meals. Firstly, after fasting for a while, it's important to get as many nutrients as possible. Eating while sipping a hot beverage may reduce your appetite, making you fuller faster. Even more, green tea can prevent some iron absorption if eaten with food.
Intermittent fasting is no easy feat when first starting out. However, don't feel like you're missing out by cutting out your usual beverages. Japanese green tea is worth trying for its help in losing fat, improving skin health, and convenience (you can drink it anytime!). With all these benefits and no calories, added sugar, or fat, Japanese green tea is a smart addition to boost the natural benefits of intermittent fasting.
Here are three Japanese green teas mentioned in the above articles that you can buy online:
I did not list and compare all of them and do research as I do with my other blog posts, so I call this post a "selfish" list of my personal favorite things about green tea in Hawaii. Enjoy.
I keep updating this blog post every time I visit. The most recent visit was in 2023, and I updated this where I could.
Two exciting new tea shops just opened at Ala Moana Center. When I visited in January 2021, there was a long, long line of people trying to get their tea. I hope when you get there, there will be fewer people in line.
The new store opened in Ala Moana Center on December 19, 2020.
The Alley is a famous bubble tea shop founded in Taiwan in 2013. The original name is The Alley Lujiaoxiang (鹿角巷). In the USA, as of January 2021, they are only available in Las Vegas and California. Now you get to try their famous bubble tea in Hawaii! Their Matcha Brown Sugar Deerioca Milk is one of the most famous lines and a must-drink for matcha lovers.
Another exciting new shop that just opened in Ala Moana Center is Lupicia.
Lupicia is an extremely popular tea company from Japan (here is a link to their Japanese website). They are famous for their black tea line. They even have a school in Japan called Lupicia Tea School, where they teach about tea. Just in the Tokyo area, there are over 50 shops of theirs; they also have shops in France, Taiwan, and Australia.
This Ala Moana mall is their first store in the USA, and they carry a Hawaiian-exclusive line, probably targeting Japanese visitors. Either you are a Japanese visitor or not, I recommend trying their tea for sure.
Here is Hawaii's limited version of non-caffeine tea.
Just like any other urban city catching up with tea shops, Waikiki is no exception. There are quite a few new tea shops and cafes everywhere to enjoy tea moments.
Whenever I am on the Waikiki Beach Walk, I always stop by Stix Asia (It used to be Waikiki Yokocho, which was shut down during COVID). You will almost miss this place as you walk the famous Kalakaua St. because the sign is not that visible, but if you take the steps down and enter the place, you will notice it is a paradise for Japanese food lovers.
The place is packed with many Japanese restaurants, and they are all so good.
Nana’s Green Tea is one of the shops there and serves matcha-focused drinks and sweets. (They have quite a few shops in Japan.) If you like matcha like me, there is no miss for what you order there. I didn’t order everything, but I am always satisfied with their sweets.
My favorite walk in Waikiki is the walk from Waikiki Beach to Ala Moana Center. It is a good 30–40 minute walk, and this tea shop is right in between, so I tend to stop by here for a little tea break. It is a tea-specialized cafe with lots of options.
Matcha Stand Maiko is a block away from Kalakaua Ave., but their Cheese Matcha Latte is quite good.
One wall art in Kakaako. I'm pretty sure they don't have the copyright of this monster...
Daily Whisk Matcha is a small yet stylish cafe in Kaimuki that specializes in fresh Matcha and Hojicha-based drinks and some mouth-watering Japanese-themed quick bites, such as Arabiki sausage rolls and fresh fruit sandwiches.
Don’t let the small size of the cafe make you doubt its quality. It has been featured in a Japanese TV show called ‘Akogare no chi ni Ie wo kaou - 憧れの地に家を買おう (Let’s buy a house in the land of our dreams) in January 2024. This popular show on channel BS-TBS airs every Friday morning and introduces spectacular locations and houses from all over the world. In its Hawaii episode, Daily Whisk Matcha stole the spotlight as its drinks were brought to the hosts of the show and introduced to the viewers.
(Sorry, bad image, I just snapped the TV show on my phone!)
Apart from the classic drinks such as Matcha Latte, Daily Whisk Matcha has some intriguing drinks, too. For example, Matcha Lilikoi Soda (their signature drink that combines Hawaii’s Lilikoi passion fruit syrup with Matcha), Matcha-cano (Americano, but with organic Matcha instead of coffee!), HAPA Matcha Latte (Hojicha + Matcha = the best of both worlds).
Their Matcha-colada is a vibe!
This famous gelato shop in Hawaii has space for chit-chat and serves ice cream sandwiches and gelato cakes. Their matcha gelato is amazing and has a nice and vivid color that looks very nice—a must-visit for gelato and Japanese green tea lovers.
This dine-in Japanese restaurant is a perfect place while I am deciding what to eat for dinner. They have almost all kinds of Japanese food here, even Japanese spaghetti, and I noticed that with so many foods they offer, they only have one dessert: the Original Honey Toast. So I ordered the Matcha Original Honey Toast, and it is good. The taste looks like they used a bit of premium-quality matcha.
As a visitor, it is nice to have cafes to visit, but what if you live here?
I found out that it is quite difficult to find quality tea if you live here and want to enjoy tea at home. This is unfortunately true for many small cities in the USA, and that is one of the reasons our online shop is becoming quite popular.
Here is a picture of a tea aisle in Don Quijote (801 Kaheka St., Honolulu, HI 96814), one of the biggest Japanese discount shops in Waikiki.
I am always amazed to see so many selections of all the Japanese stuff I can find here compared to Uwajimaya in Portland. (Don Quijote is probably 10 times the size of Portland Uwajimaya.) Despite the size and selection, I was very disappointed with the variety and quality of the tea they carry. I realized why we are quite popular among customers in Hawaii.
Yes, I am Japanese, and I do care about souvenirs (omiyage) everywhere I go. If you know Japanese culture, you know we like gifting things to family and friends to show off and tell them about vacations.
Many specialty coffee shops are paying more attention to quality tea these days, and Hawaiian coffee shops are no exception. Island Vintage Coffee (2301 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, HI 96815, and a few other locations throughout Hawaii) is always super popular among Japanese people for some reason, and you find a lot of Japanese customers lining up at this coffee shop. I do like their coffee, but check out this new, super nicely packaged green tea they carry now. I thought it was packaged better than their coffee.
I personally love Dean and Deluca (2233 Kalakaua Ave., Building B, Honolulu, HI 96815) a lot and have visited quite a few of them in past years, including the one in the middle of grape fields in Napa.
Unfortunately, they have closed all their shops in the USA except the ones in Hawaii. Japanese people love this brand, and due to their popularity among Japanese customers visiting their shop, the Hawaiian location remains open. It is now the last shop in the USA.
The shop clerk was telling me they have a "limited edition" of tote bags that Japanese customers line up early in the morning, every morning, to get. They only sell limited numbers of these hibiscus tote bags, so there is always a line in the early morning, and most of the customers are from Japan!
I did not line up in the early morning, but I visited them this time and found this matcha pancake mix. The cloth packaging is so cute that it is my choice for the souvenir. You can officially get this anywhere else in the USA now.
This time I went crazy with pineapple and did a Maui Gold Tour and Dole Plantation visit. (Dole Plantation, 64-1550 Kamehameha Hwy., Wahiawa, HI 96786) Which one do you think won the battle? The taste of the Maui Gold couldn’t even come close to the ones from Dole, and the Dole plantation has a lot more options for souvenirs.
Other than the chocolate-covered pineapple (yummm) that I couldn’t help getting, Pineapple Green Tea caught my attention. What a great idea!
I always enjoy seeing the evolution of green tea trends in different cultures, and green tea in Hawaii is surely trending up with the rest of the world with its twist. Unfortunately, there are not many options for residents to enjoy traditional green tea, but the tour and visitors are shaping the unique modern tea culture here.
I cannot wait to go back to Hawaii again soon to see more trends shaping up with green tea (and for more pineapples and vacations too!).
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In Japan, as the New Year approaches, the famous Wagashi makers put their own spin on Hanabira Mochi, giving it unique touches based on the region or the artisan's personal style.
This winter, we poured our hearts into crafting our version of Hanabira-Mochi, infusing it with the comforting, nutty, and aromatic essence of our beloved Hojicha loose-leaf tea.
In Japanese tea ceremonies, it is customary to use ingredients, utensils, and themes according to the time of the year, celebratory occasions, or the seasons. If you're interested in discovering more fascinating facts about the Japanese Tea Ceremony or simply wish to learn more, you can read about them here.
To celebrate the New Year, there is a special Japanese Tea Ceremony, typically performed in January, marking the first tea ceremony of the year. This ceremony is known as "Hatsugama (初釜)." 'Hatsu' means first, and 'Gama' means kettle, giving it the literal translation of 'First Kettle.'
You might also be aware that during the Japanese Tea Ceremony, a wagashi, a traditional Japanese sweet, is usually served, perfectly aligned with the ceremony's theme. For the Hatsugama Tea Ceremony, the most popular or traditional Wagashi is the 'Hanabira Mochi.'
Good-to-know Japanese Tea-knowledge: Hanabira Mochi is the traditional Wagashi for the Hatsugama Tea Ceremony (the first Matcha Tea Ceremony of the year).
The origin of Hanabira Mochi has two different versions:
First version - From the Imperial Courts of the Heian Period
The origin of Hanabira Mochi goes all the way back to the Imperial Court Rooms in the Heian Period (794 to 1185). Back then, as part of their New Year's celebrations on the 3rd day of the year, the Royal Courts held a special ceremony called the 'Teeth-strengthening ceremony,' also known as 'Ha-gatame no Gyoji' (歯固めの儀).
During this ritual, people nibbled on foods believed to toughen their teeth. Munching on tough and chewy food like sweetfish (called Ayu in Japanese), Mochi, and daikon radish was thought to fortify tooth roots, promoting a longer life. It was all about hoping for good health and a long life.
Over time, the menu for this ceremony changed, simplifying until it resembled what we now know as 'Hanabira Mochi.' The burdock nestled between the petal-shaped Mochi is a nod to the pressed sweetfish of old, while the 'miso-an' traces its roots to a soupy Mochi dish served during New Year's festivities called 'O-zoni' in Japanese.
In the Meiji period, Hanabira-Mochi became a standard sweet for Hatsugama (the first tea ceremony of the new year) in Urasenke, one of the schools of tea ceremony.
Second Version - A Way to Save Cost of the Ingredients
Another tale suggests that Hanabira-Mochi's roots lie in the Muromachi period (1336 to 1392), a time of economic hardship. Back then, 'Maru-Mochi' (whole Mochi) used in O-zoni (a Mochi-based New Year's soup dish) faced a transformation. People began rolling up the Maru-Mochi into smaller bits, shaping them into what we now know as Hanabira Mochi.
The idea was simple yet clever: crafting these Mochi into crescent shapes cut down on the amount of glutinous rice needed, making it a pocket-friendly choice during financially challenging times.
As time went on, petal-shaped Mochi fell out of use in imperial Ozoni or rituals, finding its new identity as a beloved Japanese sweet. Especially during the Meiji period, when Urasenke, a school of tea ceremony, adopted Hanabira Mochi as a treat for Hatsugama (the first tea ceremony of the new year), its popularity skyrocketed, spreading across the nation.
And so, Hanabira Mochi found its place among sweets, enduring through time. However, in the Iga region (Western Mie Prefecture), the tradition of enjoying Hanabira-Mochi in O-zoni (Japanese New Year Mochi Soup) during the New Year persisted, maintaining an unbroken bond with O-zoni.
🍵 Read More Fascinating Stories of Tea and Japanese History:
In Japanese New Year-related cooking and tea ceremonies, many 'hidden' or 'symbolic' meanings exist. The same holds true for Hanabira Mochi - the ingredients, besides being beautiful, delicious, and healthy, carry symbolic meanings that are quite intriguing.
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Ingredients
Shiro-an
Pink Yuki
White Yuki
You can enjoy any drink with your home-made Hanabira-Mochi, but if you are looking to create a home-made drink that creates the perfect drink and dessert combination, here are some easy to follow recipes you can try at home.
Try making your own Hanabira-Mochi, and let us know how it went! It might look challenging, but the end result is so worth it!
Reducing stress and anxiety: Studies have shown that theanine, an amino acid found in tea, can provide calming effects and reduce anxiety by modulating the body's stress response. Enjoying tea and participating in the ritual of brewing can also offer a calming experience that promotes mindfulness and tranquility, making it an ideal complement to the best psychic readings.
Improving sleep quality: Several varieties of tea, including chamomile and valerian root tea, have been proven to possess calming properties that can enhance the overall quality of sleep. Consuming tea before bedtime can aid in inducing relaxation and enhancing both the depth and length of sleep, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with insomnia or other sleep-related issues.
Boosting mood: Research has indicated that consuming tea can improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. The polyphenols in tea have been associated with higher levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are responsible for regulating mood. Furthermore, the act of preparing and drinking tea can create a soothing and enjoyable experience that enhances overall well-being.
Lowering the likelihood of developing depression and anxiety disorders: Drinking tea frequently has been associated with a lower chance of developing depression and anxiety disorders. Research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders revealed that individuals who consumed tea regularly were less likely to suffer from symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to non-tea drinkers. Furthermore, other studies have indicated that drinking tea may also help alleviate symptoms of mental health issues that are already present.
To reap the mental health advantages of tea, it is essential to make it a part of your daily habits. Here are some suggestions on how to achieve this.
● Try out various kinds of tea to discover which ones are most effective for your preferences. Green tea, white tea, black tea, and herbal tea are all good options.
● Allocate some time every day to savor a cup of tea in a calm and serene setting. This can serve as a wonderful method to de-stress and unwind following a busy day.
● Consider adding tea to your nightly routine before bed to enhance the quality of your sleep. Chamomile this sensation is excellent for inducing relaxation and promoting better sleep.
● Think about swapping out sugary drinks or alcohol with tea to promote positive mental health.
In summary, adding tea to your self-care routine is an uncomplicated and natural method to enhance mental health and overall wellness. Whether you are managing anxiety, depression or simply aiming to uplift your mood, incorporating tea into your daily routine can provide numerous advantages. Begin exploring various tea options and experience the mental health benefits firsthand!
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Green tea is undoubtedly known to be soothing. Most kinds of tea are, but green tea affords the drinker a focused sense of calm. It allows relaxation but also concentration at the same time. For this reason, it is often included in meditation rituals. Why should you be interested in meditation? Studies show that it has a slew of wonderful science-based perks, including stress and anxiety reduction, better sleep, improved cognitive skills, and personality improvement. That green tea can play a significant role in this incredibly beneficial practice is explained by a concept Okakura referred to as “teaism.”
Okakura first coined teaism in “The Book of Tea,” the complete title of which is “The Book of Tea: A Japanese Harmony of Art, Culture, and the Simple Life.” The Japanese translation for teaism is “chado,” which also happens to be the term used for the Japanese tea ceremony. It literally means “the way of the tea.” It places tea in a lofty position and identifies it not as a mere beverage but as a promoter of the gentle arts of peace. (Read about the tea ceremony as a form of therapy. Or Watch What is Tea Ceremony video we created)
As commonly known, green tea has a close association with certain persuasions, particularly Taoism and Zen Buddhism. This is why it is a ubiquitous presence in many meditation rituals, particularly the tea ceremony, which was initiated by Japanese Zen monks. Nonetheless, according to the book, teaism also emphasizes tea’s role in secular Japanese life. This means that even outside the religious realms, tea still has the power to teach all sorts of virtuous ideals. The tea ceremony has gone beyond the limits of religion to extend to the very culture that shaped the conduct of Japanese people. (Read further about tea and meditation.)
To support Okakura’s point about teaism, there is another concept called tea mind, a certain sense of concentration and focus achieved under the influence of a cup of tea. As emphasized, tea partners really well with mindfulness exercises. Teaism and tea mind both delineate the meditative qualities of tea, thanks to certain chemicals (theanine, or L-theanine) that allow a person to relax and slow down to better appreciate the little details of life.
In relation to this idea, Okakura discussed the Japanese expression “too little tea,” which is used to refer to somebody who’s too busy to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. Teaism urges you to pay attention to the beauty and importance of little things, which actually make up what is truly essential in life. Okakura showed how the existence of such an idiom gives further value to the role of tea in the Japanese ideals of a good, mindful life. (Find out the different chemical components of green tea.)
In effect, the Japanese regard for tea as more than a drink and their practice of chado result in a mindset that allows them to foster accord among people, promote harmony with the natural world, calm the heart, discipline the mind, and achieve enlightenment or a deeper understanding of things. This is what teaism in practice looks like.
Meditation is integral to the tea ceremony, but how did it become integral to the culture? Of course, it cannot be denied that the Japanese are known for their calm behavior. But how exactly do the tenets of the chado or teaism translate to other aspects of their lives?
Okakura proposed that the rituals involved in the tea ceremony can be applied to virtually any activity, giving seemingly trivial tasks endless meaning. In the same way that you patiently wait for your water to boil, noticing the wisps of steam that escape, appreciating the various implements you use, and experiencing various sensations evoked by the process, you can also carry out other tasks in the same spirit.
To illustrate the impact of teaism on banal activities, imagine flower arranging done in the same meditative approach as the tea ceremony. When you arrange flowers, you can notice each stem, mind the spaces you place between them, take the time to feel thankful for the blooms, and concentrate on their beauty. There’s a sensitivity to the small details, a conscious liking for the objects involved, an avoidance of hurry or complication, and an absolute commitment to every single moment.
Watch video about mindfulness where we explorer teaching from Sen No Rikyu here
When I started meditating, I wondered about this devotion to the present and the seeming disregard for the future. As my understanding grew and deepened, I realized that being devoted to the “now” actually gives me a better sense of eternity since every moment in the present is part of eternity. It is already real and not imagined, unlike the future; nobody really knows what may happen or not.
The brushing of my teeth, the drive I make to get to work… even in the middle of doing them, they already become part of forever. It’s not that these actions are special; it’s the approach we take in doing them that makes them so. This is what meditation helps us realize, and this is how teaism spread to the ordinary aspects of daily life and affected general mindset and behavior.
“The Book of Tea” identifies teaism as a romantic aesthetic that tenderly attempts to achieve the impossibilities of life. It goes against man’s propensity toward mindless and unintentional living. With Japan’s attention to detail and precision, it seems incongruous that teaism is essentially a worship of the imperfect, but that’s what it is, according to Okakura Kakuzo. Teaism encourages us to find beauty and magic in the sordid details of trivialities. Does that make sense? What do we know about this writer?
Also known as Okakura Tenshin, he was a Japanese art critic and scholar who defended traditional beliefs and customs during the Meiji Restoration reform. He is most known for writing “The Book of Tea,” which he did so in English following the conclusion of the Russo-Japanese War. He wrote it for the purpose of educating Westerners who tended to look down on the tea ceremony as nothing more than another one of the East’s barbarous and childish oddities. His explanation worked to dispel their wrong notions.
In the book, he also reminded his readers that tea was instrumental in opening doors between the East and the West and that, as a commodity, it was influential enough to spark the American Revolution. So there certainly seems to be more power to tea than what people tend to expect.
Okakura’s "The Book of Tea" has since become a classic. In fact, its classic edition is available now with a lovely hardcover slipcase that would make it a graceful and elegant addition to any collector’s bookcase or tea lover’s coffee table.
“The Book of Tea” isn’t merely a quaint title from a forgotten time. It’s not just worthwhile reading with sufficient literary merit, although Okakura did display a flair for both poetic and philosophical discourse. To date, it helps people enhance their enjoyment of the brew and understand how a simple drink can shape an entire culture, influencing everything from cuisine and art to philosophy and behavior.
That tea-oriented behavior is something that speaks to a wide range of audiences today. In teaism, the person is urged toward an alternative perspective for greater appreciation of the mundane and reminded of certain truths that really simplify life to make it more enjoyable. In this fast-paced life wherein many suffer from the strains of modern living, a bit of the focused calm that tea can deliver certainly holds more than a little appeal, especially since it goes a long way toward generating feelings and habits of gratitude and positivity.
Sencha green tea (煎茶) is a distinct Japanese green tea often enjoyed in a casual environment as a refreshing beverage. It's typically infused by letting processed whole leaves steep in hot water.
Because of the unique flavor profile of sencha tea, it's not uncommon to see all tea varieties available for both overall caffeine content and subtle differences in flavor.
In today's post, we're going to tell you everything you need to know about this delicious beverage.
This includes the benefits of consuming it, its history, and several tips for making the most delicious cup of tea.
Like most types of green tea, sencha tea leaves offer individuals many health benefits. Those interested in improving their long-term health will notice the relevance between the green tea's effects and the ceremony involved in its steeping.
To begin, Japanese green tea helps reduce the presence of free radicals in the body. These molecules harm our cells and prematurely age our organs and tissues. The molecules damage our DNA and increase the risk of developing cancer.
Antioxidants, which green tea is full of, bind to these free radicals and neutralize them, making this tea an excellent option to help improve overall health.
This tea can also help individuals with their long-term weight-loss goals. The caffeine in Japanese green tea helps boost the metabolism by helping get rid of the free radicals that slow the body down, and the tea itself gives individuals more energy to use for exercising.
(Read more about Japanese green tea and weight loss in this post.)
Japanese green tea is also ideal for those who want to boost their immune systems. The antioxidants in the tea and the helping of vitamin C can be ideal for those who need a little extra to improve the functionality of their white blood cells. People with colds and flu might also experience fewer symptoms when they enjoy this drink.
Studies have also found that sencha tea can help reduce LDL, which is known as the bad type of cholesterol. Those who have a family history of heart disease should incorporate green tea into their regular routine to help reduce their risks. Everything from blood pressure to sugar irregularities can be helped with sencha green tea.
Studies have also found fluoride content in the sencha plant. This means individuals who drink the drink regularly can improve the health of their teeth and prevent the development of cavities. The tea also helps fight unwanted germs in the mouth, reducing bad breath and stopping the growth of gingivitis.
This post tells you more about the benefits of green tea for your oral health.
One of the lesser-known sides of sencha is its history: where it came from, how it developed, and why it became an integral element in Japanese green tea.
The first written records of tea in Japan date from the 8th century. However, it wasn't until the 18th century that Japan’s most popular tea, sencha, came into being. (Note: Sencha is one type of Japanese green tea; see this article for the history of Japanese tea in general.) This section of the article describes the history of "sencha" tea.
Baisao (売茶翁) (the old tea peddler), later known as Ko Yugai, began selling tea around Kyoto around 1735. His method for preparing his tea was known as "sencha" (), or "roasting/simmering tea."
While Chinese tea producers pan-fried many of their teas, Baisao’s method included placing whole tea leaves into boiling water and allowing the leaves to simmer.
Another differentiation is with a more popular tea of his age: matcha. (See the difference between sencha and matcha here.) Baisao was able to avoid grinding tea leaves into a fine powder. Simplicity mattered as he moved from location to location, preparing his tea for fellow travelers.
By 1738, sencha had become so popular that Nagatani Soen (永谷宗円), an acquaintance of Baisao, began testing various methods to produce a brighter green-colored leaf tea.
What he ended up with is often referred to as the Uji Cha Method" and is still in use today: Picking the finest tea leaves, Nagatani Soen would then steam, roll, shape, and dry out the leaves. If you’ve spent some time analyzing sencha, you’ll get an idea of how this process works.
Nagatani Soen would reach out to Japanese farmers, teaching and guiding them in his newfound tea production process. He would also step out and sell his product wherever he could.
At first, he struggled.
Setting out for Edo, Kahei Yamamoto II picked up on Soen’s product. Under the names "steamed green tea" and "Tenkaichi". Under the names "steamed green tea" and "Tenkaichi" (天下一) or "the best on earth," sencha challenged the existing tea market. To add perspective, the pre-sencha Japanese tea market was largely consumed by the elite and through various ceremonies.
For the first practitioners of sencha, this tea was a way of enjoying tea beyond any existing forms of "elite" etiquette. It was, in part, for everyone.
While both Nagatani Soen and Baisao could reach the mass market throughout parts of Japan, sencha has since grown enormously. It has replaced matcha as Japan’s most popular tea and established the entire art of senchado (ha has since grown enormously. It has replaced matcha as Japan's most popular tea and established the entire art of senchado, or the art of enjoying sencha. It also helped pave the way for other teas such as gyokuro and several sencha variants.
There are many different types of sencha to choose from. Learning about the types can allow individuals to add more variety to their routines.
These are a few of the sencha types that are popular and well-known, but I have also written a comprehensive list of all Japanese green tea types here in this article.
Although matcha and sencha are sometimes confused with one another, there are many differences between them.
(Read more about the differences between Matcha and Sencha here.)
Though there are many different green teas to choose from, the steeping process is often the same.
Individuals should adjust for time and temperature depending on their type.
I have a whole article dedicated to this. So, please click here or on the image below to learn how to make your sencha taste better.
To begin, it is important to use the correct teaware for the brewing process. There needs to be a lot of room in the pot for the leaves to naturally expand during the brewing process. A fine filter is also necessary to keep sediment out of the final pour.
Japanese teapots, which are called kyusu, are specifically designed to allow for better leaf unfolding. There is a specific teapot that can make your sencha tea taste better because of the clay used.
(Click here to learn about the Japanese teapot that will make your tea taste better.)
A Japanese cast iron teapot also provides excellent heat retention and is a great option for brewing your sencha tea.
Cooling your water down before you brew allows you to reach the perfect temperature for your desired flavor.
Using two cups to transfer water back and forth allows you to hit the desired target temperature of between 162 and 180 Fahrenheit.
Use water that’s completely boiled. Then, transfer the water back and forth between cups to get the desired temperature. This type of cooling also helps stabilize the water's temperature during steeping. Many also believe it helps air flow into the water, resulting in a livelier, more aerated tea.
(Read Everything You Need to Know about Water and Japanese Green Tea here.)
The brewing process itself does not take a very long time, especially if the temperature has been calibrated correctly. The recommended amount of leaf to use is roughly one gram per every 50 milliliters of water.
As you become more experienced with brewing, you may change these ratios to suit your desired tastes.
For half a cup of water, it’s a good idea to use roughly 1 1/4 tablespoons of tea leaves.
Because of the low steeping time, it’s actually possible to get between three and five more steeps out of the leaves.
To get the best results, try to brew the second batch for 30 seconds and every subsequent batch for double the previous batch's brewing time. Each time you brew, try to increase the temperature by five degrees.
Be sure to experiment with the process to find what works best for you!
Click here to see the list of premium sencha green tea we offer.
Learn about the roots of the Japanese traditional tea ceremony as well as the health benefits of consuming green tea.
]]>The Romance and History of Green Tea
In 1986, or thirty-seven years ago today, fans were treated to Karate Kid Part II, with actor Ralph Macchio playing the now iconic character of Daniel LaRusso. In one memorable scene, Daniel is seen with the beautiful Kumiko (played by Tamilyn Tomita) inside a home in the middle of the Okinawan countryside. By the window, wearing her "yukata," or summer kimono, Kumiko performs cha-no-yu, or a traditional tea ceremony.
Ever so gracefully, Kumiko wipes each bamboo implement with a red triangular cloth. She then proceeds to scoop green tea from a container and place the aromatic powder into a teacup. Using a wooden spoon, she pours hot water into the cup and then mixes everything with a bamboo stirrer. She then picks up the teacup, turns it counter-clockwise two or three times, and hands it over across the table to Daniel.
In response, the young hero takes the cup, turns it counter-clockwise two times, and then proceeds to sip the tea. After he is done, he again holds the cup, turns it counter-clockwise two times, and lets the cup rest on the table. Both Daniel and Kumiko exchange smiles. The young lady then pulls out the wooden pin to let her long black hair down. They both reach over the table and meet with a light kiss.
In the movie, the tea ceremony served as a means for Daniel and Kumiko to offer and accept each other's feelings. As they sipped tea from the same cup, they also began to share a genuine love for each other. While starting a romantic relationship over green tea may not happen for everyone in real life, taking this amazing beverage daily will have other beneficial effects.
Green tea is so popular that millions of people drink it every day. In fact, at least 50 percent of the world's green tea supply is consumed in China. In Japan, at least 80,000 tons of this tea are brewed and drunk every single year. But it is more than just a beverage; it is a true health tonic, which explains its large consumption by people all over the world.
According to research, the consumption of green tea helps promote healthy gums and teeth. Even expert dentists for kids agree that this tea is beneficial, as long as it remains unsweetened. A Harvard University study showed that this herbal beverage helps prevent periodontal disease and even acts as an antioxidant.
The National Cancer Institute, for its part, has found that polyphenols in tea have helped slow down the growth of tumors. Based on their laboratory experiments, these micronutrients also help kill cancer cells. Still, more in-depth research is needed to confirm tea's anti-cancer effects.
Other known benefits of regular consumption of green tea include its anti-inflammatory effects, ability to reduce the incidence of strokes, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. Studies are now underway to confirm its positive impact on other ailments such as Alzheimer's disease, obesity, and memory loss.
Due to its many therapeutic effects, green tea has been consumed by people for centuries. In Asia, the consumption of the beverage became widespread beginning in the year 1192, when monks from China brought tea to Japan. During meditation in the temple, the brew helped them stay awake during the long hours of their monastic practice. There are, however, ancient manuscripts that describe how a monk served this tea to the Japanese emperor as early as the year 815.
Soon, a more ritualized form was popularized even among the Japanese nobles, which was later copied by so-called commoners. The whole point of the ritual is to embody the spirit and philosophy of Zen Buddhism, which is about attaining peace, serenity, and simplicity in daily life. Aside from the many health benefits of green tea, the ritual itself became a form of meditative practice where every single detail was given attention.
According to scholars, the essence of the tea ceremony is described in the philosophical term "Wabi," which refers to the human spiritual experience of tranquility, purity, and sober refinement. It is also associated with the principle of "Sabi," which speaks of the transitoriness of all things, that is, all things decay or wither away. Combined, the "Wabi-Sabi" philosophy is represented in the tea ceremony to remind people about the sublime truths in life as taught through Zen Buddhism.
Without forgetting the medicinal effects and historic origins of green tea, the movie Karate Kid Part II does seem to demonstrate the "Wabi-Sabi" principle not only in Daniel and Kumiko's romantic scene but also in Mr. Miyagi's own backstory.Miyagi (played by Pat Morita) went back home to Okinawa with Daniel to visit his ailing father.
There, he is reunited with Yukie (played by Nobu McCarthy), who was his long-lost love and the reason why he left the country in the first place. Avoiding a love triangle with his best friend and fellow karate master, Sate, he chose to leave for the United States. Now back in each other's arms as older individuals, Yukie and Miyagi also perform their own tea ceremony, which seemed to reflect the purity of their love for each other in the midst of the withering away of the years that passed between them. Indeed, we all need to sip cups of green tea not only for its qualities of promoting health but also to re-enact those tea ceremonies with our loved ones and bring warmth to our hearts.
]]>However, to truly immerse yourself in the city's food culture, it's essential to go beyond just sampling the dishes. This article will provide tips and insights to help you relish the city's rich food heritage, including its revered tea rituals.
Participating in cooking classes and Tokyo tours offers an authentic dive into the city's renowned food culture. Led by local experts, these allow you to learn traditional Japanese cooking techniques and the cultural narratives behind iconic dishes like sushi, ramen, or tempura. In the hands of a skilled chef, you'll understand the preparation intricacies and the historical context that makes each dish special.
Exploring through food tours offers a unique perspective of diverse flavors, guiding you to hidden spots away from the typical tourist paths. Whether you're rolling your own gyoza or tasting delicacies in bustling markets, these activities deepen your understanding of Japanese cuisine.
This hands-on approach gives a practical start to your culinary journey, ensuring a memorable and authentic exploration of the city's gastronomic landscape.
Japan's izakaya culture is a unique dining experience that combines delicious food with a lively atmosphere. Izakayas are traditional Japanese pubs where locals gather after work to unwind over drinks and delicious small plates. As you step into an authentic izakaya, you'll be enveloped by the buzz of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the aromas of sizzling dishes.
A popular izakaya dish that embodies Japanese culinary tradition is yakitori. These grilled skewers come in a variety of flavors, ranging from classic chicken and vegetables to more adventurous options like chicken gizzards or crispy chicken skin. Savor the smoky flavors and the perfect balance of seasoning as you sample these bite-sized delights.
Another izakaya staple is edamame, boiled and salted soybeans that make for a perfect accompaniment to drinks. As you pop these savory beans into your mouth, you'll understand why they've become a beloved snack in Japanese culture.
In Tokyo, the art of sushi is elevated to a level of mastery that few other cities can match. One of the most revered sushi experiences is the omakase at a renowned sushi-ya (sushi restaurant). Omakase means 'I'll leave it up to you,' where the chef curates a multi-course meal showcasing their skills and the freshest seasonal ingredients.
From the delicate flavors of tuna and sea bream to the rich umami of uni (sea urchin), each bite is a revelation. Watch in awe as the chef deftly slices and shapes the fish, applying just the right amount of sushi rice and a brush of soy sauce or a dab of wasabi.
For a truly immersive experience, consider booking a seat at the sushi counter, where you can observe the chef's artistry up close and engage in conversation about the ingredients and techniques used.
Japanese sweets, known as wagashi, are not merely desserts but edible works of art that celebrate the beauty of nature and the changing seasons. Step into a traditional tea house or a wagashi shop, and you'll be mesmerized by the intricate designs and delicate flavors on display.
One of the most iconic wagashi is the sakura mochi, a pink-hued rice cake filled with sweet red bean paste and adorned with a salted cherry leaf. This confection pays homage to the beloved cherry blossom season and is a true emblem of spring in Japan.
During the autumn months, you'll find wagashi showcasing the flavors of the season, such as chestnut or persimmon. Admire the beautiful presentations, often featuring intricately sculpted designs or delicate details made from edible materials like gold leaf or candied fruits.
The Japanese tea ceremony, known as chanoyu, is a deeply revered tradition that dates back centuries. In Tokyo, you can find opportunities to experience this ritualistic art form at tea houses or cultural centers. Prepare to be transported to a realm of tranquility and mindfulness as you witness the tea master's graceful movements and attention to detail.
One of the most iconic tea ceremonies is the chanoyu practiced in the Omotesenke school, which emphasizes the concepts of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. As you observe the tea master's precise movements, from the ritualistic cleaning of the utensils to the careful preparation of Japanese matcha tea, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of this tradition.
After the ceremony, take the time to savor the rich, slightly bitter flavor of the freshly whisked matcha. Notice how the tea's warmth and aroma create a sense of calm and connection with the present moment, a feeling that is at the heart of the chanoyu experience.
Tokyo's streets are a true haven for food enthusiasts, presenting an array of mouthwatering street food choices that offer an authentic glimpse into Japanese culinary traditions. One of the must-try street foods is takoyaki, ball-shaped bites filled with octopus, tempura scraps, and green onion, all cooked to perfection in a special molded pan.
As you meander through the vibrant streets of areas like Shinjuku or Yurakucho, the enticing scents of freshly prepared foods will capture your senses. Sample the complex flavors of okonomiyaki, drizzled with thick, sweet sauce, and mayonnaise and sprinkled with seaweed and bonito flakes. Or try the crispy delight of karaage, Japan's flavorful answer to fried chicken, known for its juicy interior and crunchy exterior, often enjoyed with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
For dessert, venture into the world of dango, skewered rice dumplings glazed with a sweet soy sauce. Observe as vendors grill these chewy treats to perfection, offering a traditional taste that perfectly complements the savory adventures of your street food journey.
While Tokyo is deeply rooted in its culinary traditions, the city is also a hub of culinary innovation, where chefs push boundaries and create exciting fusion dishes. A fascinating manifestation of this fusion is the blend of Japanese and French culinary arts. This results in dishes that captivate both the eye and the palate, such as a tender piece of Japanese wagyu beef enhanced by a classic Bordelaise sauce or seafood delicately seasoned with Japanese spices.
The city's culinary landscape also includes the reinvention of traditional eateries, exemplified by contemporary ramen shops. These venues reinterpret the classic ramen experience with modern twists and international flavors, transforming a simple bowl of noodles into an extraordinary culinary adventure. From unique broth infusions to gourmet toppings, these updated ramen shops provide a window into the evolving nature of Japanese cuisine.
Tokyo's food culture is a captivating tapestry woven with centuries-old traditions, innovative flavors, and a deep reverence for quality ingredients and artistry. By embracing these tips and immersing yourself in the city's culinary experiences, you'll gain a profound understanding and appreciation for the richness of Japanese cuisine.
From savoring the delicate flavors of wagashi to participating in the tranquil rituals of a tea ceremony, this city presents numerous ways to deepen your culinary connection. So, embark on a gastronomic adventure, and let the flavors of Tokyo transport you to a world of culinary enlightenment.
]]>The links below conveniently take you directly to Amazon or other online shops, making it easy for you to purchase.
Matcha is a Japanese green tea powder used in sweets like mochi. For that reason, commercial sweets producers and popular chocolate brands have jumped on the green tea trend, and you can now buy KitKat bars made with matcha powder.
Whether it’s soba noodles made with matcha or instant noodles in a cup of green tea, this is one food pairing that is highly popular in Japan but has yet to have a global reach. However, it will probably soon be discovered and become the latest green tea food trend worldwide.
"Zuke" sounds like anything related to zucchini or squash. However, this dish does not contain any zucchini at all. Instead, it is a comfort food made of green tea, rice, and fish. The tea is steeped, poured over the rice, and topped with toppings such as shredded nori and other flavors.
Please check out the entire article I wrote about green tea rice here.
Whether you’re a school kid or a grandparent, there’s undeniably something great about the sugar fix a candy bar provides. Because of this, green tea and matcha-flavored candies have become big business. Here are some of my favorites: Matcha Pocky and Melty Kiss. These two are incredibly popular in Japan.
Green Tea is known for its cleansing properties. With this green tea mask, there is no need to bring beauty face masks, and you can just conveniently use this stick to cleanse, hydrate, and remove impurities like blackheads and whiteheads from your face. This green tea mask is compact and suitable for all skin types. Depending on your skin type, you can use this twice to thrice a week.
Because the smell is sweet and comforting, it’s no surprise that the Japanese decided to make it into incense. Burning incense is ingrained in Japanese culture for various rituals, as a way to cleanse the air, or simply to make a room smell better. You can adopt this custom by getting your own green tea incense from Japan.
This premium green tea has won the Global Tea Championship. This premium traditional Japanese green tea is uniquely produced using the highest-grade tea leaves. This tea undergoes a complex process, from growing and picking to processing, which requires only a limited quantity each year.
This green tea powder is genuinely organic, and it can be used in making lattes, too. With the perfect combination of a bit of caffeine, antioxidants, vitamin C, and other nutrients, you will get the most of the health benefits coming from organic and premium-quality Matcha. It can assist you in weight and cholesterol management—the best drink partner for having healthier skin and good oral health.
Chocolate biscuits with matcha filling will make us feel happy and satisfied. Meiji products are very popular because their Almond, Macadamia, and Choco Baby are easy to buy almost anywhere in the world, and tasty too. It’s sure that these choco matcha biscuits will not leave us disappointed and will make us ask for more. The package design will make us think of snowflakes, flowers, and Japanese culture.
A chocolate chewy snack from Korea that can satisfy your choco and green tea cravings. A small chocolate-covered soft cake matcha with marshmallow filling is a great treat to cherish your fun moments, and you can pair it with a green tea drink too. Since these are individually packed, we can share the tasty goodness with our family and friends.
Don’t get fooled by these small waffle cookies, as they are crispy yet can melt in your mouth. With the matcha flavor, you can have these comfort foods soften and warm a bit on top of your hot cup of coffee or tea. It is not too sweet, so you don’t have to worry much about consuming sugar.
Thin cookies with good-tasting matcha cream will make us think again of Japan. Even crunchy and thin, these are really delicious and the perfect match for milk or a plain matcha hot drink. We can definitely finish the whole bag in one sitting, but it will be best to consume these slowly so we can enjoy the chat and appreciate its taste gracefully, like making and drinking matcha. Just rest for a bit and have a stress-free snacking time.
A 3-in-1 set of Hello Kitty wafer cookies that will help you make a bond with kids, especially toddlers, The most popular Sanrio character, Kitty White, is adorably offering us to try their small wafer flavor, Green Tea. These Hello Kitty snacks are perfect as party desserts, and kids will get back to having a second batch of these wafer sticks.
Matcha-cream-covered biscuit sticks, the world-famous Japanese snack Pocky, are a popular treat among teenagers. It is lovely to look at and easy to touch, and it can be eaten with another tea, milk, or chocolate drink too. With the combined biscuit and cream taste, you will surely open another box and eat all the biscuit sticks. An excellent snack for lovers too.
This LIVYUYAO Green Tea Clay Facial Mask is formulated with green tea extract to help fade dark spots and dullness and reduce redness, acne, and blackheads. The minerals in this clay mask keep your skin hydrated, soft, and plump and can help remove dead skin cells from deep within the pores. In addition, it gently exfoliates to give you a deep detox that leaves your skin feeling refreshed.
Glam Up Green Tea Sheet Mask is designed to boost your skin's natural moisture levels and provides the usual benefits of a sheet mask. In addition, it increases hydration and cell turnover while helping to fight wrinkles and dark circles. Made with 3-layered natural pulp ingredients that provide deep hydration, this sheet mask contains antioxidant-rich green tea extract that also slows down aging.
Locker, a well-known brand, makes a delicious matcha snack. The crispy wafers’ 4-layer creamy filling is made from the green tea powder that grows on the volcanic hills of Japan. These wafers are delicious for you.
Wonderful Pistachios have come to life and are now ready-made for you. One taste will prove that Wonderful Pistachios are the tastiest nuts around, so why not try them today? The authentic nature of these pistachios is ensured by their being grown in the San Joaquin Valley, California, and harvested with sustainable techniques. Enjoy them as plain nuts or add them to your favorite recipes.
Get rid of your dark eye circles with this eye mask. The skin under the eyes is delicate and needs thorough care. Loaded with Collagen, Vitamin A and E, your under eyes will be brighter and less puffy. The green tea’s antioxidants will release those impurities for a youthful glow. The product comes with a spoon, so you can be sure that every application is free from dirt and infection.
The Japanese-style Castella sponge cake is made with egg whites, sugar, and wheat flour and flavored with green tea powder. It's very simple and unsweetened, with just the right amount of sweetness. It makes a great snack with tea or a part of a quick breakfast.
Royce Nama Chocolate is the perfect chocolate matcha for you. It packs a punch and is exceptionally creamy and satisfying. With a smooth and velvety texture, this blend uses fresh cream, cocoa butter, sugar, skim milk, and powdered green tea to create the most luxurious chocolate treat imaginable.
A delicious and indulgent treat that is sure to please any tea lover This snack is made with creamy Uji matcha filling and pressed into a delicate, flat, sweet finger-shaped biscuit to create this delicious treat.
Kagoshima Organic Green Tea Matcha is a must for every true green tea connoisseur, providing a unique and superior tea-drinking experience. This matcha tea is made with pure, organic ingredients without artificial flavorings, colorants, or fillers. Tencha tea leaves are carefully picked in the early spring, immediately steamed, dried, and stone-ground into a fine powder, creating Matcha.
Use this bamboo matcha whisker to make your tea ceremony memorable. Made with high-quality, natural bamboo, this matcha tea whisk is designed to last for a long time, and you can use it in your everyday routine or for special occasions with friends and family. The texture of the bamboo green tea whisk will give you perfect froth every time, creating memories that you won't forget!
These high-quality tea bags are made using natural, non-toxic materials to provide safe and reliable tea bags. Odorless and biodegradable. The empty tea bags are strategically designed to be oversized to allow your tea leaves to unfold fully so that they can release maximum flavor and aroma. So make the most of your favorite green tea leaves.
]]>Tea, a beverage cherished globally, not only carries cultural significance but also health implications. Thus, it's essential for tea producers to prioritize food safety, ensuring that each cup poured not only satisfies the palate but also upholds the highest standards of health and safety.
This article explores the best practices for maintaining food safety in tea production, guiding producers through the steps necessary to ensure a safe and high-quality product.
A cornerstone of food safety in tea production is stringent hygiene standards. Every aspect of the production facility, from the processing floors to the equipment used, must adhere to rigorous cleaning and sanitization protocols. According to an article from TDI Packsys, it is not enough to simply clean; sanitization must eliminate any potential bacterial and microbial threats.
Staff play a crucial role in maintaining these standards. They must be thoroughly trained in personal hygiene practices, understanding the importance of regular handwashing, appropriate attire, and protective gear. Such measures prevent the introduction of contaminants into the tea production process, thereby safeguarding the product's purity and the consumers' health.
The journey to ensuring food safety begins with the quality of raw materials. Tea leaves, like any agricultural product, are susceptible to a range of contaminants, from environmental pollutants to biological hazards. Upon arrival, these materials must undergo a meticulous inspection process. This step is crucial for identifying any potential contaminants, such as pesticides or harmful microorganisms.
Moreover, verifying the proper handling and transportation of these materials is essential to maintain their quality and safety. A comprehensive quality control protocol for raw materials not only sets the stage for a safe production process but also contributes significantly to the final product's overall quality.
Controlling the processing conditions is vital in preventing the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. Parameters such as temperature, humidity, and processing duration must be meticulously managed. For instance, the drying process, a critical stage in tea production, requires precise temperature control to prevent microbial growth while preserving the tea's flavor and aroma.
Similarly, storage conditions must be carefully regulated to maintain the tea's quality and safety. By mastering these conditions, producers can ensure that the final product is not only safe for consumption but also meets the highest standards of quality.
Pest control in tea production is about safeguarding the product from biological contamination. Pests such as rodents and insects can not only spoil the tea leaves but also introduce harmful pathogens.
A comprehensive pest control strategy encompasses regular inspections and effective measures to deter pests. These measures should be environmentally friendly and safe for use in food production facilities. The goal is not merely to react to pest infestations but to prevent them, ensuring the tea production environment remains pristine and uncontaminated.
The use of chemicals, whether for pest control or to enhance crop yields, must be approached with caution in tea production. It's imperative that any chemicals used are approved for food products and are applied following strict safety guidelines. The management of these chemicals includes accurate record-keeping of all applications and adhering to the prescribed usage limits.
This oversight ensures that the tea leaves are free from harmful chemical residues, aligning with food safety regulations and consumer health concerns. Effective chemical management is a critical component in maintaining the integrity and safety of the final tea product.
In tea production, water is a critical component that can impact the safety and quality of the product. The water used in various stages of tea processing, particularly in washing the leaves, must meet stringent safety standards. It should be free from contaminants and pathogens to prevent any risk of waterborne diseases.
Ensuring the purity of water used in tea production is a multifaceted task involving regular testing and monitoring. This commitment to water quality reflects a producer's dedication to delivering a product that is not only flavorful but also unequivocally safe for consumption.
Implementing robust traceability and recall systems is crucial in tea production. These systems enable producers to track their products from the farm to the consumer, offering a transparent view of the production chain. Should a safety concern arise, these systems facilitate quick identification of the problem's source, allowing for swift and effective action.
A reliable recall system is equally important, enabling producers to promptly remove any potentially unsafe products from the market. Such measures not only protect consumers but also reinforce trust in the brand, showcasing a commitment to accountability and safety.
Continuous education and evaluation are key to maintaining food safety standards in tea production. Regular training sessions for staff ensure that everyone involved in the production process is aware of and competent in the latest food safety practices. These training programs should cover everything from basic hygiene to the handling of specific equipment.
Complementing this, periodic audits of the production facilities and processes help identify any areas needing improvement. By investing in training and audits, producers can foster a culture of safety and excellence, which is essential for the long-term success of the tea industry.
The final steps in tea production, storage, and transportation are critical in maintaining the product's safety and quality. The tea must be stored in conditions that protect it from environmental factors, contamination, and pests. Packaging plays a significant role here, acting as a barrier against external hazards.
During transportation, these standards must be upheld to ensure that the tea reaches consumers in its intended state. Proper storage and transportation practices not only preserve the quality of the tea but also prevent food safety hazards, guaranteeing a delightful experience for the consumer.
Acquiring certifications like HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) or ISO 22000 is a testament to a producer's commitment to food safety. These certifications involve comprehensive evaluations of the production process, ensuring adherence to international food safety standards.
Compliance with these standards is not a one-time event but a continuous endeavor. It involves staying abreast of changes in food safety regulations and adapting practices accordingly. Certification not only elevates the brand in the eyes of consumers and trade partners but also instills a sense of confidence in the safety and quality of the product.
Ensuring food safety in tea production is a multifaceted and ongoing commitment. It encompasses everything from maintaining hygiene standards and managing raw materials to ensuring compliance with international safety standards. Each step, from the sourcing of tea leaves to the final product reaching the consumer, plays a crucial role in upholding food safety.
By implementing these best practices, tea producers not only protect their consumers but also enhance the reputation and quality of their products. As the tea industry continues to evolve, prioritizing food safety remains a cornerstone in producing a beverage that is not only enjoyable but also safe and of the highest quality.
]]>Scientifically Proven Ways Japanese Green Tea Makes Your Bones Stronger
As many of us green tea drinkers know, Japanese green tea has many health benefits. One of the benefits that does not always get commonly discussed but that has been scientifically studied is that drinking green tea can lead to stronger bones.
We cannot change the fact that our bodies age. According to EndocrineWeb, bone tissue naturally breaks down and rebuilds, but as we age, our bodies tend to struggle with the rebuilding process. This is especially true for women after the onset of menopause and for those with autoimmune disorders, which increase the risk of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Those who take steroids for certain disorders are also more at risk for developing bone loss.
So, how exactly does drinking Japanese green tea make your bones stronger? Read on to find out!
A study done by Shen, Yeah, Cao, and Wang suggests that Japanese green tea benefits bone health more than any other type of tea because it is not oxidized or fermented. Also, green tea contains a fixed composition of tea nutrients called polyphenols, which make up about 40% of solids that get withdrawn from green tea leaves.
Green tea polyphenols (GTPs) help to diminish bone loss due to chronic inflammation at any age (which can often be linked to illnesses like autoimmune disorders), biological age, and age-related estrogen deficiency in women. Additionally, research shows that green tea catechin (which is a phenol and antioxidant belonging to the flavonoid chemical family) can reduce bone metabolic disorders (which are brought on by cadmium poisoning) by normalizing bone mineral makeup and density as well as calcium content.
Epigallocatechin (EGC) is a green tea catechin of particular importance. Studies show that it is responsible for increasingly stimulating the activation of an enzyme necessary for bone growth and strengthening. EGC also increases bone mineralization, which further strengthens bones.
Scientists maintain that these bioactive ingredients can all work together to curb the unpleasant symptoms of osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. While more human-subject studies need to be conducted to determine green tea’s ability to prevent bone loss-related bone fractures, it appears that Japanese green tea is effective when consumed in sufficient and regular amounts.
If you drink one cup of Japanese green tea per day, that’s great! However, as David B. Samadi writes, research indicates that, in order to build stronger bones, you should drink at least three cups of green tea each day.
Why three cups? A study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition finds that senior women who drink three or more cups of green tea per day are about 30% less likely to receive a bone fracture than those who drink a cup or less each week. Just one cup appears to reduce the risk of bone fractures by approximately 9%. Therefore, if you drink three cups per day, you could potentially reduce your risk of receiving a bone fracture by almost one-third.
Drinking more green tea provides you with an increased amount of bioactive ingredients, such as EGC, which are important in reducing the risk of bone fractures by building stronger bones. Those of us who are at risk for developing bone density loss in the future or who currently struggle with bone loss issues can benefit from drinking a few cups of green tea per day.
Many of us hear the words “osteoarthritis” and “osteoporosis” and think these are conditions exclusive to senior citizens. According to WebMD, while many more seniors suffer from bone density loss, it is not unheard of for people in their 20’s and 30’s to develop osteoporosis or osteoarthritis. Women are especially at risk for bone density loss, particularly after the onset of menopause, according to Women to Women. Women are exponentially more likely to experience bone loss, as about one-third of women will develop osteoarthritis or osteoporosis. Between the ages of 30 and 35, osteoblast counts decrease, leading to more osteoclasts than osteoblasts. This imbalance, as Medical News Today explains, tends to lead to the development of osteoporosis since osteoblasts are responsible for forming bones and osteoclasts reabsorb bone.
Since the catechin epigallocatechin (EGC) in green tea helps to activate an enzyme needed for bone strengthening, those with autoimmune disorders or who are otherwise at risk for developing osteoporosis or osteoarthritis later in life might benefit from drinking three cups of green tea per day. According to LiveStrong, those concerned with getting too much caffeine from drinking that much green tea can opt for decaffeinated green tea since it provides many of the same health benefits and contains the bioactive compounds found in regular green tea.
Japanese green tea does not just taste great, even though that’s a primary reason for many of us to drink it. Its health benefits are vast and are being widely studied within the scientific community. The strong research-based evidence on how Japanese green tea promotes stronger bones over the course of our lives cannot be ignored. The phytochemicals contained within green tea actively engage the enzymes our body needs to keep our bones strong. Although we cannot stop the aging process and the loss of bone density that tends to come along with it, we can certainly slow the process down exponentially by consuming cups of delicious Japanese green tea on a regular basis.
This article was originally published on T-Ching where my article was featured
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Heli Nõmm made this muffin with a gluten-free version. She put raspberry jam on top, and she also added cardamom.
She says, "Gluten free doesn't rise as well. But they still taste good! And mine are made without a muffin tin since I don't have one yet."
Here are her pictures. Thank you, Heli, for sharing this!
Join the conversation with us on Facebook here.
We've discussed green tea ceremonies on this blog before, so I'll only touch on them briefly. However, what I want to discuss isn't so much the ceremony process as what we can learn from it. I also want to introduce another ceremony to you, known as Shikibōchō, the traditional Japanese knife ceremony. Finally, I want to explain how we can take the mindset from these two ceremonies and practice them in our everyday cooking and tea drinking to enhance our experience.
Firstly, I don't want you to be mistaken—people in Japan don't perform a ceremony every time they want a cup of tea. It is a special occasion. Although some regularly share this ceremony with others as a social hobby and to practice mindfulness, the idea is that when engaging in the ceremony, the host and guests put aside their thoughts and live fully in the present. In a sense, the only thing that exists is what happens in the room during the ceremony. You are expected not to worry about anything before, after, or occurring outside the event. Something is harder to do than it sounds; it truly takes practice.
Consider how often you brew tea daily with your mind occupied with other thoughts. You likely never paid attention to the process. It can be as automatic as driving or putting on some laundry. But consider how much more you might enjoy yourself if you focused instead on the process as it was happening and spent some time tasting the tea. We typically slurp down our tea without consideration, thinking about life's stresses or what we want to do next. Another word for 'living in the moment' is mindfulness, and it can both momentarily relieve you of life's troubles and enhance your enjoyment of the activity you are undertaking. I'll get more into mindfulness near the end of this article; for now, let's investigate what we can learn from knife ceremonies.
Another ceremony that utilizes this idea of mindfulness and introduces an element of appreciation is that of Shikibōchō, the Japanese knife ceremony. It is a rare ceremony, even in Japan, typically only done during shrine festivals or other special events. Although it is possible to book private sessions to watch the performance, if you are ever lucky enough to get the chance to see it performed, keep an eye out because sometimes there are tea ceremonies you can reserve for after the performance. Coincidence? I don't think so.
A chef dressed in traditional garb from Japan's Heian period (794–1185 CE) fillets and displays fish or poultry using only a ceremonial knife and metal chopsticks. It is not a cooking or cutting technique, but an artistic and religious performance rooted in Shinto and Buddhism. This difficult task is done slowly, through a series of precise movements that are a dance between the chef and their knife. The chef never touches the food with their hands to maintain its purity, and it is not eaten but considered a sacrifice to the gods. It is both a show of skill and an appreciation for life-sustaining food.
Today, in our busy lives, we rarely take the time to appreciate flavors, textures, and ingredients. And we're often so occupied with our busy thoughts that we aren't always fully present when entertaining guests at home. We're always thinking about what’s next instead of appreciating what we have. We take things for granted, always under the assumption that we will always be able to have what we want. Shikibōchō holds an important lesson for us: the chef takes time away from their daily tasks to appreciate the ingredients they use. They can then carry this same mindset through to their daily cooking, treating their food with more care. We can do the same.
So, what we can learn from these Japanese ceremonies is more than just a few interesting cultural facts about Japan. They hold important lessons. Taking the time to pay attention to what we are doing in the kitchen, whether that's making a cup of tea or a meal, will improve not only the quality of the food we consume but also the time we spend preparing it and the enjoyment of sharing it with other people.
But you don’t need to undertake an elaborate religious ritual to benefit from what these ceremonies can teach us. So, here are a few easy tips on how you can bring mindfulness and appreciation to your life every day.
Have you ever noticed how sushi and sashimi are so simple yet delicious? Of course, heavily flavored meals are delicious too, but also overwhelming to the senses. Sometimes, if you keep things a little more straightforward in the kitchen and focus on technique and quality ingredients over seasonings, you may appreciate the subtleties of your dishes more. Texture, for example, is one of the essential features of sushi. That's why sushi chefs use specific knives, such as the yanagiba, to achieve the correct shape and feel of the fish.
Often, we're so hungry for our caffeine fix that we're thinking about our next cup of tea before we've finished the first! But what's the big rush? You can drink as much tea as you like, but remember that tea is as much about bringing calmness as it is about creating energy. That's why certain tea ceremonies can take as long as four hours! It’s about relaxing and not worrying about the time. Day-to-day, you only need to take an extra five or ten minutes to truly taste and appreciate your tea. If you do this in the morning without distractions, you may find the rest of your day smoother and have better concentration.
When enjoying food and tea with your friends and family, dispense with your worries for a while—believe me, they will still be where you left them! Banish your phone far, far away. Instead, take a lesson from Japanese tea ceremonies: talk about the food and the tea, appreciate the company of your guests, and be thankful for a moment suspended outside of the daily hustle and bustle. Likewise, with your cooking, pay attention to each step; you will notice things and learn more rather than anticipating only the end result.
Incorporating these principles into your daily life will help you make better tea and food and have a greater connection with the people in your company. If you want to learn more about Japanese traditions, history, and cooking techniques, check out our new knife website. There are many more things to know about Japanese culture, and the best (and tastiest!) place to start is with the cuisine.
]]>Which beverage contains more fat, tea or coffee?
Green tea is very popular when it comes to organic health drinks. It aids in proper digestion, cancer prevention, weight loss, stress relief, and allergy relief. It is also associated with relaxation. Coffee also has great health benefits and aids in weight loss, as does tea.
Imagine seeing café vlogs, and then you want to get some milk, ice, and whipping cream to quench your taste of green tea or coffee frappe, and then you snap back to reality and remember that you can still enjoy the delicious and calming green tea and coffee without the extra calories, whether served hot or cold. For a great-tasting and sweeter green tea, drizzle a little honey or milk on it.
Any tea or coffee itself does not make a person fat unless a combination or any of whipping cream, sugar, milk, especially powdered and full creamed ones, pudding, and sugar are used. As a result, this drink will surely turn people fat. With overeating and not doing exercise or having a sedentary lifestyle, your unused energy will become fat, you might become overweight, and you will have a higher chance of getting diseases, especially cardiovascular and digestive diseases.
According to the US National Institutes of Health's 2011 meta-analysis, green tea helps moderately reduce bad cholesterol (LDL-cholesterol). You cannot exercise and burn the bad cholesterol off; that is why green tea comes to the rescue.
According to the 2001 meta-analysis of the American Journal of Epidemiology, diterpenes in coffee, also known as coffee oils, increase bad cholesterol. The reason for this is the raising effect of coffee oils, which leads to decreasing bile acids and neutral sterols.
Even though green tea is a water-based drink, it is amazing that this low-calorie drink contains many nutrients and benefits. Since it is unsweetened and aids in weight loss, many are wondering which drink has more fat: coffee or green tea?
The answer is either Both coffee and tea contain 0g of fat, but which of the two aids in fat loss and weight loss better?
EGCG (a unique plant compound called catechin) found in green tea boosts some fat-burning hormones, shrinking down fat in the cell and then moving it into the bloodstream to make muscles more active. Since coffee does not have EGCG, green tea wins in this round.
Consuming tea makes you relax and calm. If you already ate your dinner and you still crave a midnight snack, tea will help you make your tummy full and suppress your appetite.
To improve your digestive system and boost your metabolism, it is best to drink after eating a meal. Eating a healthy diet, plenty of vegetables, and regular exercise are still the most effective ways to have a successful fat and weight loss journey.
We did a poll in our Green Tea Club Private Facebook Group, and here are snapshots of what people think. Join our Private Facebook Group to participate in the future poll; it is fun. Click here to join.
Cinnamon Hojicha Honey Butter
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What is Single Origin Cultivar?
In some respects, it is easy to understand that tea cultivar selection is not the biggest consideration when buying tea. Chances are, you or perhaps those you know can share very few details about cultivars in agriculture, let alone tea. In fact, it is a surprising element in the tea market that continues to flourish and expand. Regardless of how complicated the topic of cultivars can be, it is possible to break it down into several key components.
It is also important to understand the concept of 'single origin cultivar’ if you want to know how to buy good quality tea, and also just as important, to be able to buy tea suited to your personal taste and desired health benefits.
Single origin teas are truly unique because they possess robust and unmasked characteristics. The sensory palette of a single origin tea is like a solo actor on an empty stage, where every note, every scent, every color, and every finish belongs entirely to that one variety.
When you are shopping on our site, you will come across single origin cultivar teas.
🌿 Explore our teas, each made from a single origin cultivar:
As market demand continues to develop for specific tea cultivars, perhaps this blog’s entry will provide you with the opportunity to educate others. More specifically, this entry’s focus is on understanding "single origin cultivars" with a quick review of cultivars.
A cultivar, in the world of horticulture, is where specific traits are sought in a given plant and subsequently grown. Cultivating plants is not specific to the tea plant, also known as Camellia sinensis. Norman Borlaug, aka the "Father of the Green Revolution," used crossbreeding to attain desired traits to help stem off wheat rust and fuel new methods for attaining higher yields of wheat in the US and Mexico. While often attributed to the work of those on the ground, cultivars can be established, albeit rarely, in the wild as well. Click here to read more about cultivars.
For those more interested in tea cultivars, the Japanese have helped fuel this development in recent decades through national research. If you are keenly interested, some unique Japanese-created cultivars include "benifuuki" (grown often in black teas, you will also find it in green teas for its higher methalated catechin count—a great tea to help with allergies; feel free to check out our 1 minute explanation of benifuuki tea here), Yabukita, and Shizu-731 (known for its distinct cherry blossom aroma. Yes, oddly enough, it smells like cherry blossoms). The list of Japanese tea cultivars is long and continues to grow! (Please see more on cultivars and Japan here.)
Our selection of Benifuuki Allergy Relief Tea includes both green tea powder and our tea bags, as well as actual candies.
Now that you have an understanding of cultivars generally, let's spend some time exploring why a single-origin cultivar is worth its distinction. Before we do that, however, we must get an idea of how tea is processed, particularly via modern manufacturing methods.
If you have purchased sencha at a store, for example, there is a good chance you have seen small, "folded" tea leaves that may be broken and even smaller twigs or branches in the package. Many larger manufacturers and resellers of tea purchase the leaves from farms and package them accordingly. They are often less interested in parsing out specific tea leaves, for example, and more interested in gathering what is available and selling it. Each of the farms that they purchase tea from, however, is growing tea from a given cultivar. While the most common cultivar in Japan is yabukita, this does not account for all It is entirely possible, for example, that the sencha you purchase in that store may contain several or many different cultivars.
This is precisely where "single origin cultivar" distinguishes itself in our discussion. These teas are often straight from a single farm, where a farmer has chosen a given cultivar and sold it to a reseller who is looking for that specific cultivar. To use benifuuki as a further example, resellers understand that allergies are a real concern for many and that this single cultivar is often a great solution for their customers. Single-origin cultivars are slowly becoming more popular, and it may be worth the time to understand these a bit further.
Next time you are out shopping for tea, take a second to review the packaging. Is there a cultivar listed? If so, what is the cultivar? Do you know what desirable traits are present? Here is an example below from our very own web-shop where you can buy Benifuuki allergy relief green tea.
As you may have guessed, there is a lot more to learn, but one step at a time may be one of the best ways to shape your tea experience. So sip on your tea and enjoy the learning process!
Now, with his newfound commitment, he was searching for inspiration, especially recipes that highlighted that beautiful green color, deep Umami, and the pleasant bitterness of Matcha. Coincidentally, this call happened just a few days before World Vegan Day, and it struck me – why not turn this culinary journey into an article? I thought it could help others looking for delicious, healthy recipes without needing a professional kitchen or gourmet expertise. While working on this article, I discovered that Matcha can be surprisingly versatile, finding its place in Japanese recipes and even in Italian and Mediterranean dishes (hello, Matcha pesto and Matcha hummus; read on to find the recipes).
So, if you're ready to dive into the world of Matcha, grab your apron, maybe a chef's hat, or your best Japanese kitchen knives, and let's explore the delightful world of matcha-infused dishes. And don't fret if you end up with a dusting of Matcha on your hands or face – as a bonus, it's a secret green tea beauty tip. (Okay, I'm only half-joking, don’t believe me? Confirm green tea’s skin care benefits here.)
I will start with Savory dishes first, as they are more difficult to find. If you are more of a sweet-toothed person, head directly to the Vegan Matcha desserts section further down below.
One of my cherished childhood memories is visiting my Japanese grandmother in Japan, where we would gather around the table to fold hundreds of dumplings or potstickers. I highly recommend making the folding process a group activity bringing together your family members and friends around the kitchen table. If you are looking for more cozy green tea recipes to make with your family, you will find my favorites here.
Yield: 25 potstickers
Ingredients:
The Dumplings
Pan-fried veggies:
Optional: A great Japanese Nakiri knife to prep your vegetables with joy
Sauce mixture:
Direction:
Dumplings
Note: Dust your gyoza wrappers with more cornstarch to prevent sticking.
Pan-fried veggies:
Pro Tip: To prevent potstickers from sticking to each other, ensure that you dust the gyoza wrappers generously with cornstarch before stacking them. This little extra step will make the cooking process much smoother.
Enjoy your homemade Vegan Matcha Potstickers!
Green Tea Expert Tip: Dumplings can be quite heavy as they are fried. We highly recommend pairing this dish with a chilled pitcher of refreshing, cold-brewed Japanese green tea. Hop on to this article for our easy-to-follow guide on how to cold brew Japanese tea.
Matcha Hummus is a delightful Mediterranean-style chickpea dip infused with the charm of Matcha. Hummus is a creamy, savory spread or dip made from chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), lemon juice, and various seasonings. The addition of Matcha gives it a refreshing light green color instead of the usual pale brown. And yes, it's vegan and gluten-free!
Now, where can you use this unique creation?
Well, hummus is a versatile superstar. Use it as a dip for game-night chips on Thanksgiving, a creamy companion for veggie sticks during a healthy snack break, or add a dollop to your sandwich for a quick and satisfying lunch prep.
Ingredients:
For the Hummus:
For the Matcha Oil:
Direction:
For the Matcha Oil:
In a small bowl, sift Matcha over 1/4 cup of olive oil and then whisk it until the Matcha and olive oil become best friends.
To Serve:
It's time to reveal your culinary masterpiece. Scoop out the vibrant matcha-infused hummus into a serving dish, and then generously drizzle it with the matcha oil.
Quinoa, often referred to as the "Mother of all grains" by the Incas, holds profound cultural significance in the Andes region of South America. This cherished crop has been cultivated for over 5,000 years and continues to captivate people worldwide with its remarkable health benefits.
Today, we're embarking on a culinary journey that unites two culturally significant ingredients from vastly different corners of the world: Quinoa from South America and Matcha from Japan. What's truly astounding is that they not only complement each other in terms of flavor but also share the distinction of being nutritional powerhouses.
Quinoa and Matcha - A Nutritional Power Duo
Ingredients:
For the quinoa salad
For the Zesty Matcha Dressing:
Direction:
When you're in need of a comforting potion to cure you of a hangover or simply craving something warm and soothing, our "Matcha Elixir Hug-in-a-Bowl Detox Soup" is here to provide the perfect remedy. This detoxifying concoction brings the gentle embrace of Matcha and a wealth of nourishing ingredients together in a single, steaming bowl of comfort. It's time to wrap yourself in the warmth of this delightful soup and let the healing powers of Matcha work their magic.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
Direction:
In this recipe, pesto, the age-old Roman art of grinding herbs, cheese, and nuts into a tantalizing paste, meets an ancient Japanese tradition with our Vegan Matcha Pesto. This pesto recipe is one of my favorites. It has a stunningly beautiful bright green color, thanks to the fresh herbs and Matcha's vibrant green hue. In addition, the slight bitterness and Umami of Matcha add a striking depth to the flavor and taste of the pesto. And then, the cherry on top - Matcha's health benefits! Matcha is celebrated as a superfood, packed with antioxidants and a gentle energy boost, a perfect complement to the already wholesome ingredients in this recipe.
Ingredients:
Direction:
Pro-tip
Which pasta to use?
The best pasta for green pesto is typically long, thin pasta like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine, as these allow the pesto to coat the strands evenly. However, you can also use short pasta like penne or farfalle if that's what you have on hand or prefer. Ultimately, the choice of pasta shape is a matter of personal preference, so feel free to use your favorite pasta variety to enjoy the delightful flavors of this pesto.
Can I use this pesto for dishes other than pasta?
Yes! Matcha pesto can be a versatile and flavorful addition to various dishes beyond pasta. Here are some real-life examples of how you can use Matcha pesto:
We're sharing a straightforward recipe for creating "Versatile Matcha Salt" that's as delightful as it is versatile. With the rich aroma of Matcha and the perfect touch of saltiness, it complements a wide array of dishes, making it an essential seasoning in your kitchen. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make, so let's get started.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients (Yields 40g):
Direction:
Cooking Tips:
Ways to Enjoy Your Matcha Salt:
The versatility of Matcha salt is limitless. You can sprinkle this special salt on just about anything you like. Here are a few of our favorite ways to savor it:
With this Matcha-infused salt recipe, you have an exciting seasoning that can elevate your culinary creations and delight your loved ones. Enjoy exploring its many uses and the joy it brings to your kitchen!
Alright, the wait is over for you, dessert lovers! Here are some of the best Matcha-infused sweet food recipes.
I believe I've stumbled upon one of the healthiest-sounding snack options in my entire life. This granola is a homemade, gluten-free, and vegan delight, enhanced with the goodness of Matcha, known for its numerous health benefits.
You can enjoy it in various ways: add it to a bowl of your favorite plant-based milk (mine happens to be macadamia milk) or savor it alongside a generous serving of plant-based yogurt, creating your ultimate go-to vegan breakfast. Of course, this granola also stands strong as a crispy and satisfying standalone snack. That's why I've found it incredibly practical to prepare large batches and store them in airtight containers for those late-night snack cravings while indulging in Japanese cooking shows.
Ingredients:
Direction:
Tips & Pointers:
Recipe Origins: I decided to create this recipe with the notion that sometimes it's more satisfying to make your own than to buy it!
An Italian Classic re-invented with a touch of Japan, a beautiful green color, and plant-based ingredients.
Traditionally, tiramisu is an Italian dessert with ladyfingers soaked in coffee and layered with mascarpone cream. In this vegan matcha tiramisu, we're transforming it into a contemporary delight. The ladyfingers are replaced by a Matcha sponge cake, and coffee gives way to the soothing vegetal notes of Matcha. This recipe combines the earthy richness of Matcha with a creamy vanilla topping, creating a dessert that you can indulge in guilt-free.
Ingredients:
For the Sponge Cake:
Matcha Dip:
Vanilla Cream:
Direction:
Sponge Cake:
Vanilla Cream:
To Assemble:
Pro-Tips:
This Vegan Matcha Rice Flour Cake introduces you to the world of Japanese baking ingredients. Okara, a byproduct of tofu production, lends a delicate creaminess to the cake. Kanten, a traditional gelling agent, adds structure to the sweet kabocha paste topping. Kabocha, a Japanese pumpkin, imparts its subtle sweetness to this allergen-free delight, making it an ideal treat for a broader audience. Enjoy the unique blend of flavors, traditions, and health benefits of these Japanese ingredients.
Ingredients:
About the Ingredients:
Direction:
Pro-tip:
Daifuku, a beloved traditional Japanese sweet, is a delightful confection loved for its soft and chewy texture. The name "Daifuku" directly translates to "Great Luck," and these delectable treats are believed to bring good fortune. Daifuku consists of a tender outer layer made from glutinous rice flour called "mochi," which gives them their signature ‘mochi mochi’ texture. In our recipe today, we are making a vegan version of Daifuku, making sure it is extra ‘Mochi-Mochi’ in texture, with a touch of delightful Matcha flavor and green color.
What Does "Mochi Mochi" Mean?
"Mochi mochi" is a Japanese term utilized to portray a delightful, chewy, and pleasingly elastic texture. It's frequently employed to characterize foods that exhibit a soft, doughy, and slightly stretchy consistency. The quintessential embodiment of "mochi mochi" is mochi itself, a key component of Daifuku, celebrated for its delightful chewiness. To provide a broader perspective, some non-Japanese foods sharing the "mochi-mochi" quality include Korean Tteokbokki, British crumpets, Italian gnocchi, and Taiwanese boba pearls.
Ingredients (Makes Approximately 4 Daifuku):
Direction:
Bonus tip: You can create cocoa-flavored Daifuku by substituting cocoa powder for matcha powder.
Daifuku is frequently served to the guests as a delightful accompaniment during traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. So, if you are seeking a vegan Wagashi to serve during your Matcha Tea ceremony, this could be the perfect choice!
If you were looking for a dessert that can accompany a bowl of Matcha, as well as English High Tea, you might have found it in these delectable scones. With no dairy or eggs involved, they are a perfect vegan option, as well as being gluten-free. It also features two traditional Japanese ingredients that are a match made in heaven – Azuki beans and Matcha.
What are Azuki Beans (Japanese Red Beans)?
Azuki beans, known as "azuki" (小豆) in Japanese, are a staple ingredient in traditional Japanese cuisine, particularly in various wagashi (traditional sweets). They're featured in iconic wagashi like Anmitsu, Yōkan, Dorayaki, and Taiyaki.
Symbolic Meaning of Azuki in Japanese Cuisine:
In Japanese culture, azuki beans symbolize positive energy, sweet beginnings, warding off evil, and fertility/prosperity. They're used in celebrations, rituals, and special occasions to convey good luck and well wishes. Therefore, we thought that it is quite fitting to make this recipe for celebrating a day like World Vegan Day!
Why use Rice Flour for making Scones?
Rice flour is an excellent choice for making scones, especially if you're looking for a gluten-free alternative. It imparts a delicate, slightly crumbly texture to the scones, making them a delightful treat for those with dietary restrictions. Additionally, rice flour pairs wonderfully with the matcha and azuki flavors in this recipe, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
Ingredients (Makes Approximately 8 Scones):
Direction:
As we wrap up our journey through these enticing matcha-infused vegan recipes, we hope you're as inspired as our matcha-enthusiast friend who ignited this culinary adventure! Whether you're drawn to the deep Umami of Matcha or the vibrant green hues it adds to your dishes, there's no doubt that Matcha is a versatile and delightful ingredient for your plant-based kitchen. These recipes have explored the fusion of Japanese traditions with global cuisine, bringing the best of both worlds to your table.
We'd love to hear about your matcha cooking experiences! Please feel free to share your thoughts, questions, and your own matcha-infused creations in the comments, through emails, or on our social platforms. Let's continue to explore the endless possibilities of Matcha together, one delectable dish at a time.
Happy cooking, Matcha lovers! 🍀👩🍳👨🍳🎉
P.S. If you liked the recipes in this article, and would love to explore more recipes using Matcha and other Japanese green tea, I will recommend you to consider getting a copy of this book:
Why Pyramid-Shaped Tea Bags are Considered Better
We consider tea bags heaven-sent because we can quickly have a cup of tea and do other things. The taste and aroma of loose tea leaves brewed in the teapot is still the best experience, although, in the end, it still depends on the tea quality and how organic your tea is. We do not have much time to clean the pots and cups after drinking, and it is also inconvenient to brew and strain a few leaves in a teapot where only one or two people will drink tea.
Some teabags do not accurately replicate the quality of loose leaf tea. Worse, the tea inside the bag is just tea leaf bits and powder. Because of this, you are just drinking liquid tea dust instead of tea flavor and extracts. Every tea connoisseur knows the disappointment of purchasing tea bags that don't live up to their expectations. But fret not, for these experiences teach us to distinguish between the good and the not-so-good. Not all tea bags are created equal, and we're here to introduce you to some exceptional Japanese green tea options, conveniently enclosed in pyramid-shaped tea bags that deliver on both quality and taste:
👉 Tappuri Catechin: Achieve your wellness goals with our Diet Green Tea Bag, available in packs of 30.
Pyramid Teabags changed the tea industry. We will find out about these and why they are considered better than other-shaped tea bags.
Teabag's history is still debatable.
The earliest recorded history of teabags was during the Tang Dynasty, when tea leaves were stored on paper folded and sewn on all sides.
In 1901, two ladies filed a patent for an open-meshed cotton tea bag. The patent was granted in 1903, but it did not become popular.
In 1908, a tea importer, Thomas Sullivan, sent small silk-bag tea samples. After that, he accidentally invented tea bags. Why? When he sent the samples, people thought that these small bags with tea leaves were tea infusers and dipped a "teabag" in a cup. It might be because of convenience, especially the single-serving idea and the clean-up.
It became popular, but it is also believed to be an urban legend because many wonder why there's so little documentation about it.
The sure thing is that tea bags became very popular in the 1950s because people wanted a convenient lifestyle and work, such as using home appliances and ordering fast food.
The round tea bag was introduced in 1989, and then the pyramid-shaped tea bag was invented by Brooke Bond, a Unilever tea brand that spent four years developing this kind of teabag. Brooke Bond is known for its PG Tips and Brooke Bond tea products. Pyramid-shaped tea bags are more spacious than regular and round tea bags.
A pyramid teabag has more space, and the tea leaves inside can move freely and fully expand, resulting in infusing more flavors and making a brewed tea leaf rather than a dusty tea since tea makers can put large, high-quality tea leaves inside the teabag. There’s even more space for dried flowers, fruits, and spices, making tea brewing and tasting more fun than ever.
When hot water is poured into the teacup, the tea leaves will immediately move in a circular motion, making the taste more widespread. The weave of the teabag allows for high water flow. Pyramid tea bags will serve as a tea infuser instead of just a wet bag of tea leaf bits.
When you consider the three-dimensional shape of a pyramid tea bag in contrast to the two-dimensional round or rectangular tea bags, it becomes evident that the pyramid offers a larger surface area. This expanded surface area allows hot water to efficiently engage with the tea molecules, resulting in a more thorough extraction of flavor and taste into your final cup of tea.
The tiny and porous tea bags can make brewing quicker and make your tea still hotter than when you were using a regular tea bag—the best option when you want brewing convenience without losing the traditional tea taste.
We know that tea tumblers and flasks are available, but if you are in a hurry and going to work, just get a tumbler, put the teabag in it, and off you go. Fill it with hot water in the office, and cleaning is a breeze.
You don’t need to mess with infusers, teapots, and strainers. Quicker and hotter because, after the battle between Tetley and PG Tips, the UK-based Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) stated that pyramid-shaped tea bags improved brewing and infusing tea and were backed with tea test results.
Tetley sells round tea bags, while PG Tips sells pyramid tea bags. When PG Tips made a TV advertisement about a puppet monkey comparing teas, Tetley filed a complaint with the ASA, believing that PG Tips misled consumers and denigrated their brand. The ASA dismissed Tetley’s complaints because there are many round tea bags on the market and Unilever (owner of PG Tips) provided evidence-based tea test results.
Tests were conducted and were based on the UK’s average tea brewing time of 40 seconds and 2 minutes. with an average tea bag weight of 3.125 grams. Unilever showed proof and evidence that a pyramid-shaped tea bag has better brewing efficiency. A tea infusion for 40 seconds and 2 minutes was more remarkable than a round teabag.
This is why all our tea-bag products are contained within pyramid-shaped tea bags instead of flat or round shaped tea bags.
Teabags, in general, are said to be made of plastic, nylon, and chemicals, making them unsafe to drink and not eco-friendly. But there is still hope; there are many biodegradable and eco-friendly tea bags. Many of them are not made of plastic. For instance, a Soilon pyramid tea bag is made of plant starch. It does not emit harmful gases when boiled and burned. It can also be used as compost for healthy soil and plants, making it a zero-waste product. (All Japanese Green Tea Co. teabags are made of Soilon.)
It depends on the tea leaves. You can re-use the pyramid tea bags for normal to premium-quality ones and still taste the flavor 2-3 times with hot water. The second and third times taste sweeter and milder than the first one.
Exposure to air, light, moisture, and heat can accelerate the natural degradation process of tea, leading to a loss of flavor, alteration in the color of your brewed cup, and a shift in taste. To safeguard your tea's quality, it's crucial to store tea bags properly. The ideal conditions involve an airtight container, protection from direct sunlight, and a cool, dry storage environment.
But we understand that this level of care can sometimes be challenging to maintain. That's why we've taken the extra step to ensure your tea's freshness while making it super simple for you. All our pyramid-shaped tea bags are thoughtfully packaged in airtight, resealable, and opaque packages. We've taken the headache out of preserving your tea's quality, so you can simply savor the delightful experience.
Have you not tried pyramid tea bags? With quality tea leaves and pyramid tea bags, we are sure that you will absolutely like it! You can enjoy all the tea's benefits more. Aside from the taste and smell, you will become calm and have better concentration. No more problems when it comes to easy and quick brewing.
Relax and enjoy your tea.
Here are a couple of images from the event.
Japanese Green Tea Co. is honored to be involved and committed to sharing Japanese culture with school and non-profit organizations. If your organization would like our involvement, please get in touch with us from here.
Is Drinking Green Tea with Milk Bad For You? - Green Tea Quiz
Is Drinking Green Tea with Milk a Bad Idea?
More and more people are drinking Japanese green tea in a non-traditional manner, such as by adding milk. Some famous examples are the matcha latte you find at your local Starbucks and a green tea smoothie you may try at home with your blender.
But you may also have heard that drinking tea with milk is a bad idea.
Is it the case with green tea or matcha as well?
If you want to get the maximum health benefit from drinking green tea, having milk with it will decrease the benefits but not eliminate them all.
One of the main health benefits of green tea is catechin, which is good for your heart, blood flow, and a whole lot more. (Read my full article about catechin here.)
Protein found in milk called caseins makes a chemical reaction with catechin and reduces its health benefits.
Drinking tea with milk reduces the benefit of catechin, which relaxes blood vessels, compared to drinking with water.
But please note that the tea combined with milk does not produce chemicals that are bad for your body; this is an often-heard myth. It does not. It reduces the benefit but does not generate a bad chemical.
One idea is to choose soy milk rather than cow’s milk. Soy milk contains lecithin, which has a different molecular structure than casein, so you will get the full benefits of catechin if you like soy milk.
Since it is not "bad" for you, you may as well enjoy the tea. There are so many other components in tea, such as tannin, gallic acid, and even caffeine (for losing weight), that still act well for you when you drink green tea with milk.
Another option is to choose matcha rather than sencha for tea used with milk. People often use matcha rather than sencha for adding to milk. Since matcha is powdered and contains the full leaf rather than the steeped leaf-like sencha, you get more of the health benefits by drinking the same amount of the tea.
Just don’t forget that matcha tends to have more caffeine than sencha, so if you are drinking at night or limiting your caffeine intake, it may not be a good idea to drink matcha.
Milk does decrease the health benefits of green tea, but there are still good elements of tea you get even when adding milk to your green tea. Choose soy milk over cow’s milk and matcha over loose leaf sencha to get maximum benefit. But over all, it is not "BAD" for you if you drink green tea with milk.
We made a short video out of this blog. I hope you enjoy!
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"Hold on a second," you might muse, "how on Earth did a US-based company shoot authentic scenes from Japan?”
Here at Dream of Japan, we cherish our audience—you're not just visitors but our esteemed companions. And today, it will be no different.
I would like you to be my companion on the journey of how we created this video.
With transparency being one of our guiding principles, we will give you backstage access to the creative process, and share with you all the behind-the-scenes details of the incredible people I have met, the places I have been, the challenges along the way, and some not-so-funny 'oops' moments that taught me valuable lessons during the video-making process.
One of the biggest goals of this video was to bring you the real Japan – raw and unfiltered. Our artisanal Japanese products are all about stories – stories of artistry, culture, and craft that deserve more than imitation.
Therefore, we said goodbye to stock photos and online resources this time. Instead of settling for images, clips, and scenes available online or relying on green screens to mimic Japan inside a studio at home, we went the extra mile (quite literally).
“Every scene you see in the video was shot in Japan on the spot. We did not use any online or stock resources to create this video.”
No shortcuts, No compromises.
Our videographers are preparing to hit the streets of Kyoto with their numerous heavy equipment. It was certainly no easy task. But it was not about convenience. It was about being authentic. As you can see in the video, our creative team traveled to Kyoto, the very nucleus of Japanese culture and heritage, to capture the scenes showing the essence of a Japanese restaurant, knife-making artistry, and a dynamic cityscape.
The team after shooting the knife-making scenes at a renowned Japanese bladesmiths workshop
Look at those energetic smiles! Beating jet lag, heavy-gears-induced back pain, and hours of intense creative work through sheer passion and dedication. That’s the DreamofJapan spirit!
The final video on our welcome page is less than 2 minutes long. However, the amount of time it took us to make it? That's a staggering eight months! Eight months and counting, to be honest, as we are always trying to make things better, and if we see that it needs a little more tweaking, me and my team will be working on that again.
During these eight months, I've picked up a neat trick for those stress-coaster moments.
Step one: hit pause. Brew a cup of zen-like Japanese tea. Then, marvel at how far we've come (high-five, past self!). Step two: Returning to work on it only when I felt ready. Oh, and bonus – meditation was my secret weapon for staying sane through all this! 🧘♂️
I learned the hard way while making this video that,
“You have to expect the unexpected."
The product that met an unlucky fate was the Tokonomeyaki teapot for Fukamushi tea, one of my personal favorites from our company.
When it comes to customer orders, when we have a product that got damaged during shipping, we send a replacement straight away, of course, with no additional costs.
However, the clock was ticking for the photo shoot, and the new replacement did not make it in time.
The handle that came off
Since there was no way for the replacement to reach the photoshoot location in time, we tried our best to put the handle back together.
While feeling down over the broken teapot, a Japanese philosophy comforted me – the concept behind the art of “Kintsugi (金継ぎ, golden joinery).
Kintsugi is an ancient Japanese art of repairing pottery using gold. It is rooted in the belief that flaws are not to be hidden but highlighted, and broken pottery is pieced together using lacquer mixed with powdered gold.
The philosophy of Kintsugi can be applied to life itself, as a reminder that our scars and experiences, rather than diminishing our worth, contribute to our individuality and strength.
Since the very beginning of this project, my mission has been to discover high-end Japanese restaurants and artisan companies that align with our values. While I could have taken a shortcut by wearing an apron and playing a Japanese chef, that wouldn't stay true to DreamofJapan's message of authenticity.
Remarkably, two companies enthusiastically joined us on this collaborative journey. One is an upscale restaurant in Ikebukuro, and the other is a skilled knife artisan based in Japan. Together, we could shoot scenes capturing Japanese gastronomy and craftsmanship's true essence and spirit.
Helping us to shoot the restaurant scenes was the restaurant Cheval de Hyoutan, a one-of-a-kind fine dining restaurant in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, where the flavors of Japan meet the finesse of French cuisine.
(On a side note, since I grew up in Nerima, Ikebukuro was my childhood go-to place, so I have a lot of personal memory and when I think of Japan, I almost always think ok Ikebukuro in my mind first. Back then Sunshine City in Ikebukuro was the tallest building in Japan and Asia. Sunshine City building was designed by the same architect, Minoru Yamasaki, who architected World Trade Center, so it looks very similar.)
With Chef Ai Kawazoe in charge, the magic happens. She takes locally sourced Japanese ingredients from nearby artisan producers and transforms them into exquisite dishes using her mastery of French techniques.
Below are some scenes from our teamwork with the restaurant Cheval de Hyoutan.
Restaurant front and interior
You can see the scenes capture the beauty of contemporary Japanese aesthetics like minimalistic design, warmth from wood, and clever lighting.
You can see Chef Ai Kawazoe in action using our Japanese knives.
Here she is cutting fresh local ingredients using our Premium Gyuto Knife.
You can make Japanese knives last for years by taking proper care of them
The Japanese concept of “こだわり(Kodawari)" - the relentless pursuit of perfection, attention to the smallest details, unwavering persistence, and commitment driven by passion.
The Japanese concept of “こだわり(Kodawari)" - the relentless pursuit of perfection, attention to the smallest details, unwavering persistence, and commitment driven by passion.
A marriage between Japanese farm-to-table ingredients and French culinary techniques
Before collaborating with Cheval de Hyoutan, I sought a deeper understanding of their essence—their philosophy, concept, and vision.
Through direct conversations with their team, I discovered the profound message they are trying to convey through their restaurant.
We have asked the Chef and the owner, Aki-san, to share about the concept and about the restaurant. Here is what she shared with us.
What are the concept and unique features of Cheval de Hyoutan?
Concept:
In picturesque Chiba Prefecture lies a quaint fishing village called Isumi City. It is a coastal city, and at this coast is the meeting point of the Kuroshio and Oyashio ocean currents.
The meeting of cold and warm currents at the coast of Isumi City creates a unique geographical location graced with a temperate climate and fertile soil. In Isumi City and the surrounding nature, the mountains help make the ocean rich, and the ocean gives back by providing delicious food for nearby people.
Cheval de Hyoutan is a doorway to explore this wonderful spot, Isumi, on the Boso Peninsula. They strive to show you what makes Isumi so amazing: its rich climate, the stories and emotions of the local farmers and producers, and the small but beautiful changes that happen throughout the year. We do this through a shared chef’s table dining experience that expresses Isumi’s 72 microseasons.
Could you kindly explain the origin and meaning behind the name "Cheval de Hyotan"?
The name is a wordplay based on an old Japanese proverb, -「瓢箪から駒」(Hyoutan kara Koma), which means "A horse from a gourd." (Hyoutan is a Japanese Calabash or gourd, and it would not make sense for a large thing such as a horse to come out of a Hyoutan gourd.) They added the French word for horse or horse meat, "Cheval," which makes sense, as they are a Japanese fine dining restaurant that uses French culinary techniques.
The saying carries the allure of unexpected wonders sprouting from the unlikeliest origins. With a deliberate purpose, they have embraced this name to echo their desire to create surprising dishes you would never expect to find in a place like Nishi-Ikebukuro.
We would like to hear your impressions of the promotional video shoot for this occasion.
The shoot was handled with great care, taking into consideration both our valued customers and kitchen staff, resulting in a very positive outcome.
Finally, if you could provide a brief message for our international customers?
Yes, For sure.
Message from Chef Ai Kawazoe:
Being one, together with nature, is a blessing, and we at Cheval de Hyotan want to help people understand the wonders of the mountains, seas, and local villages through the food we serve. I want to pass the baton, from producer to chef to diner, with the aim of sharing terroir, history, and culture through a flavorful dining experience.
If you are in Tokyo, I highly recommend visiting Cheval de Hyoutan restaurant for a unique Japanese fine dining experience.
Restaurant: Cheval de Hyoutan
Chef: Chef Aoi Kawazoe
Website: https://cdhyotan.tokyo/
Address: Will Court Bldg 1F, 3-5-7 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
A seasoned Japanese chef is using one of our knives to cut fresh ingredients
Appreciating the beauty of the knife’s blade and wiping it to make the knife last a lifetime
The razor-sharp focus of a Japanese professional chef
After the restaurant scenes, we hit the road again to shoot the scenes of knife-making, featuring a Japanese artisan bladesmith’s workshop.
You can see that the lighting was quite tricky as we were trying to capture the beauty of the mesmerizing sparks from the fire, but we had to do that without adding artificial studio lights, which would have taken away from the real mood inside the workshop.
What worked best, in the end, was using natural light sources, such as the real daylight coming from the workshop's window, and shooting things just as they were.
Another thing that worked during our collaborative work with our partners in this project was "clear communication."
You can see below that sometimes we paused during shooting to have a quick ‘team discussion’ and communicate our visions for the scenes to each other.
Video making is not only about cameras and recording. Communication and 'talking' are just as important!
Another important scene of the video is where the knife is being sharpened on a whetstone by the artisan bladesmith.
Also, for this scene, the natural light was minimal, and we really tried to capture the beautiful gleam of the light on the knife's blade, which took quite the effort and time but was worth it in the end.
Otsukaresamadeshita! Well done, team!
When our clients receive a delivery from Dream of Japan, it is like receiving a piece of Japan at their doorstep. We wanted to capture this essence in our homepage video.
Here are some shots we took:
Creating a storyboard is an important step in the video-making process. Without a storyboard, no matter how great your individual shots are, they are like disconnected dots. Creating a storyboard helps to connect those dots and helps you to tell the story behind your brand and your products. (Interested in our story? Read the story behind Dream of Japan here).
A well-structured storyboard serves as the blueprint, guiding every visual and narrative element of your video. Below, you can see the storyboard that helped us tell our story.
In conclusion, our Dream of Japan video journey has been an extraordinary quest to encapsulate Japan's essence and the artistry of our Japanese artisanal products. Every scene was filmed on location in Japan, avoiding stock footage or shortcuts, reflecting our commitment to authenticity.
Facing unexpected challenges like a broken teapot, we learned the beauty of imperfection, akin to the Japanese art of 'Kintsugi.' Collaborations with Japanese artisans and chefs further enriched our video, capturing the true spirit of Japanese culture. A well-structured storyboard played a crucial role, connecting the dots and helping us convey our brand's story.
We invite you to enjoy our labor of love, a taste of Japan delivered to your doorstep through our products.
P.S. Have you ever worked on a creative project for your brand? Do you have any suggestions to make our video better?
Let me know your thoughts in a comment or send us an e-mail to 💌Info@DreamofJapan.com!
]]>Does green tea reduce stress?
Stress and anxiety are two conditions that highly affect almost 264 million people around the world as of 2015, and the Centers for Disease Control estimate that stress contributes to 80 percent of illnesses. Prolonged stress can be related to a number of chronic conditions and diseases, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease, as well as anxiety-related diseases, including eating disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, and substance abuse.
There are many ways to reduce stress, especially at this time of so many uncertainties. While in most countries, working out in a gym or running in a park can no longer be done due to lockdowns, either might find watching Netflix and chilling stress-reducing. Others would instead do workouts in the comfort of their homes, like yoga or other exercises through YouTube, while others may find a spot to sit on while finally having time to browse through their books they bought a long time ago but never opened. Others may have learned a new skill, such as baking, cooking, or painting.
However, one of the easiest ways to fight off stress is to drink beverages that have certain benefits for our bodies. Green tea is no exception. Though tea in general is basically consumed to help digestion after meals, have you ever wondered why it is also given in spas after a very relaxing massage? It is because green tea is found to have mental-health benefits for the drinker, such as reducing stress. Aside from its favorable taste, which is why green tea is a very popular drink nowadays, it promotes numerous health benefits, including neuroprotection, cholesterol-lowering properties, strong antioxidant capacity, quality emotional status, quality sleep, and suppression of hypertension. If one is feeling especially stressed out and anxious on a regular basis, one may find it hard and struggle to lose weight. It also helps in the regulation of cholesterol, aging, the reduction of the inflammatory response, and blood pressure. In a 2019 study, consumption of green tea was observed to reduce the activity of toxic metals like cadmium and lead inside the bodies of mammalian models and protect the drinker from metal stress. Tea polyphenols found in green tea can also increase the levels of glutathione, catalase, quinone reductase, and superoxide dismutase, along with inhibiting DNA oxidative damage, which ultimately acts as the stress response mechanism.
The main factors for this are the tea catechins or antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which accounts for up to 42 percent of the dry weight of brewed green tea and makes people more calm and nurtures a relaxed and attentive state of mind. Green tea is in fact considered the most predominant source of catechins among all dietary sources, ahead of chocolate, red grapes, wine, and apples. There is also the presence of the amino acid L-theanine, which makes up around 3 percent, which is an amino acid found in green tea leaves that helps you relax and keep stress at bay. In fact, according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), 126 mg of catechins are present per 100 mL of green tea, while the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that 71 mg of epigallocatechin gallate will be present in the same amount of green tea.
Also, caffeine, which accounts for up to 5 percent of the dry weight of green tea, is known to improve one’s mood. A research study shows that drinking five or more cups of green tea on a daily basis may reduce the incidence of psychological distress by up to 20 percent. Drinking green tea lowers levels of the stress hormone cortisol. When this stress hormone becomes too high and the adrenals, or two walnut-sized organs that sit on top of the kidneys and control the body’s hormones and help survive in stressful situations, are constantly stressed, it sets off an autoimmune, inflammatory response in the entire body, leading to weight gain, trouble thinking, sleep deprivation, anxiety, or, at worst, may lead to chronic or cardiovascular diseases.
Also, as researchers found, theanine also helps to reduce anxiety. A cup of green tea has been found to help people recover more quickly from stressful tasks. Andrew Scholey, a psychopharmacologist in Melbourne, Australia, reported in 2016 that those who consumed 200 milligrams of L-theanine, around the amount found in eight cups of tea, had lower cortisol levels and reported feeling more relaxed after performing stress-inducing tasks.
While green tea is known for reducing stress and lowering the risk of anxiety, paradoxically, it also promotes alertness. Shcoley says that "tea is calming but alerting at the same time" due to caffeine, which benefits both one’s mood and cognition, and L-theanine, which improves memory and reaction time while relaxing only the areas of the brain that are not needed for a specific task, as hypothesized by Scholey.
On the other hand, decaffeinated green tea before bed can calm the drinker and encourage sleep, and it has been scientifically proven to both decrease stress levels and improve the quality of sleep. In a 2017 study, participants were able to fall asleep much more easily when drinking decaffeinated green tea, and they reported feeling much less stressed out over the course of the one-week experiment.
Drinking green tea does not only reduce stress on a short-term basis, but it also lowers the risk of depression and dementia in the long run.. Studies show that this may be the effect if one gets into the habit of drinking at least 100 milliliters (about half a cup) of green tea a day. In a 2006 paper, it was reported that consuming green tea reduces the development or enhancement of oxidative stress, therefore protecting the individual from oxidative stress diseases. Green tea drinking is also valuable in several chronic diseases known as oxidative stress conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, which are one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in the world.
So, the next time that you feel gloomy, especially with all the uncertainties happening around the globe, one sure way to reduce your stress and anxiety is to drink a cup of green tea. So, drink your stress away!
]]>To answer the question simply, Yes.
The Japanese Green Tea Company does ship worldwide. Unfortunately for many, 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. In many of the companies on 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 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, 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 in its producing countries. Environmentally friendly and controlled tea farms.
Ocha (https://ocha.bg/en/)
Ocha or Fujiyama Trading Ltd. is the first Bulgarian company to bring premium-grade green tea from Japan to 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, which are directly sourced in Shizuoka. Gyokuro and Matcha which are known for their 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.
Tea House Cyprus (https://www.teahousecy.com/)
Tea House Cyprus is a Cyprus-based tea company that sells premium-quality stone-ground matcha that is directly sourced in Japan. Stoneground matcha is a meticulous step in increasing chlorophyll, which turns the green tea leaf dark green and also gives it a rich taste and aroma.
Click here to visit Tea House.
TEEPOLKU is a Finland-based company that brought a wide range of tea varieties to the Finnish market. From green tea to spicy tea, this Finnish company offers teaware 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 consumers on the process that 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 that 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 on 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 lover out there.
Japanese Green Tea Co. (https://www.JapaneseGreenTeaIn.com)
Japanese Green Tea Co. now offers popular products for free shipping to people in the UK! Japanese Green Tea Co. 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.
Click here to see which products are available for free shipping.
Teekenner (https://www.teekenner.de/)
If you’re looking for organic and sustainably grown tea, then Teekenner has all the things that your tea-loving heart needs. Teekenner ensures their customers that they source all their tea from family-owned organic tea farms in China, Taiwan, and Japan, which follow the traditional way of cultivating, harvesting, and brewing tea leaves. The company prides itself on the fact that their teas are grown and carefully cultivated on 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 teas 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, or menopause, they have teas that will relieve your condition.
Click here to visit Manutea.
Tealyra is an Icelandic company that sells premium-quality loose, bagged, matcha, and blooming teas that cater to every person’s daily tea cravings and needs. They also offer teaware and dried fruits and candies, which pair 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 jumpstart your day. Their Cinnamon Sweet Apricot Chai, Chocolate Chai, Honey Peach Blossom, Nirvana Calm Down, and Orange Lemonade are the absolute crowd favorites. Not only because they taste good, but they also offer amazing health benefits!
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, teaware, 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, and revitalizing, and it’s packed with essential vitamins and nutrients that are essential to keeping our mind and body strong and free from toxins. House of Tea sources its products from ethically cultivated tea farms in Japan, Taiwan, the Himalayas, South Korea, and China.
Click here to visit House of TeaTeaura (https://teaura.ch) 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 from sustainable estates in China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Africa and have gone through a meticulous and artistic process to ensure their quality. And, to complete the whole experience, Tèaura offers teaware, 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.
The founders, Jamie and Bauhinia, are big fans of Japanese tea and spent the best part of a whole year tasting different suppliers from Japan and finding the best ones.
Japanese Green Tea Co. (https://www.JapaneseGreenTeaIn.com )
Japanese Green Tea Co. now offers popular products for free shipping to people in the UK! Japanese Green Tea Co. 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.
Click here to see which products are available for free shipping.
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 become a great alternative for coffee drinkers who are looking to be energized without a sudden spike or crash. Green tea is known to have high levels of caffeine. However, unlike coffee, it gives drinkers a gradual boost and a gradual decrease in energy. It also helps with focus and memory retention, and it's also rich in antioxidants, which make you feel and look young! Kineta strives to give its customers high-quality shade-grown green tea that is specifically sourced from 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.
Japanese Green Tea Co. (https://www.JapaneseGreenTeaIn.com )
Japanese Green Tea Co. now offers popular products for free shipping to people in Australia!
Japanese Green Tea Co. 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.
Click here to see which products are available for free shipping.
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, 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-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.
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 sources 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, who include sugar cane or sugar syrup in 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
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, has developed a 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, including 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/)
Are you looking for different types of organic, high-grade green tea, but you’re quite far from Japan? JustGreenTea's 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, which is brewed 2 to 3 times longer than regular Sencha. It has a rich, powdery taste and aroma, but without the grass-like aftertaste. Gyokuro is the best, most 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 that 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.
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 can find specialty and one-of-a kind teas to bring to the Vietnamese tea market.
They offer high-quality 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, an inviting aroma, and a rich and flavorful taste. You’ll be guaranteed that your money is 100% well spent!
Click here to visit What-Cha.
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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Everything You Need To Know About 2nd Infusion
Did you know that the same green tea leaves can be steeped more than once? Steeping the green tea leaves for the second time is known as the second infusion. In Japanese, it is called nisenme (nisen-me 二煎目) for the second infusion and sansenme (sansen-me 三煎目) for the third infusion.
Resteeping is slightly different than your first infusion of tea. Unlike other tea types, green tea leaves only have limited infusions—maximum three or four. However, it is not quite easy to get the perfect cup with every infusion because you need to be careful about the water temperature and steeping.
Do not try to use hot, boiling water and a longer steeping time to make the leaves infuse all at once. Because tea made like this will be very bitter with strong astringency to the point that it will be unpleasant. It is due to the fact that different compounds infuse in the water at different temperatures to create balance and good flavor. Therefore, it is important to have different infusions to get the best flavor and nutrients out of green tea.
After the first infusion, the leaves still have compounds left, which creates barely any flavor, but it is fun to try mild and low-note flavors. The second steeping differs from the first and third steeping because it has a different controlled temperature steeping time.
When you first brew tea, it takes a longer time because the tea leaves are dry and take time to infuse. But it is not the same the second time because the tea leaves are warmed up and unrolled from the first steeping and just need a little time to extract some more flavors. While we are waiting for a second infusion, the leaves continue to release flavor, so therefore resteeping is for a shorter time but at a slightly higher temperature. You only need a little time for a second infusion, so when you pour water over tea leaves, wait for 30 or 60 seconds and then pour into cups.
Nevertheless, some people have different opinions, such as that leaves release more flavors when brewed longer. Here is an interesting fact: with each additional steeping time, you get a different flavor, and therefore it is good to experiment to get the best taste suited for you.
Many people wonder if there are health benefits to the second infusion, and they are right to think about it. Second and later infusions are mainly for taste and quality rather than their benefits. However, it does not imply that it does not have any effect on health. According to a study, the caffeine content in first-infused tea is 68%, and later it decreases to 23%. It is due to the fact that 70% of the tea leaf content dissolves in water in the first brewing, while later, only 20% remains. The catechins and polyphenols dissolve in water slowly compared to caffeine, resulting in more content in later infusions than in the first brewed tea. Therefore, it shows that later infusions also have healthy substances and are not regarded as useless.
It was mentioned that the standard practice in Japan is to do a second infusion of the tea. I've seen other places on the internet where it is mentioned that green tea can be steeped up to three times, or even more (depending on the quality of the tea), and this is common practice in Japan. Would two infusions only be good for lower-quality teas or "non"-green teas?
Our Answer:
In my opinion, you can do third and fourth infusions with any tea. If the flavor comes out on the 3rd or 4th infusion, it is probably not related to the quality of the tea but rather to the type of tea.
We have a private Facebook group called Green Tea Club, and below is how people answered how many times they steep tea. Click here to join the Green Tea Club.
How to Use Ginger with Japanese Green Tea
It is tough to argue that at least a small part of our enjoyment of tea is a cultural adventure of sorts. Perhaps the Earl Greys of the world touch on your knowledge of British history. Perhaps your favorite oolong tea brings back memories of your trip to Fujian, China. Lastly, it may be that the Japanese green tea you are currently enjoying piques your interest in how sencha became so popular.
Whatever it is and whether you recognize it, a cultural stamp is pressed on the world of tea. This article will review the cultural stamp on Japanese green tea specifically. We will spend some time understanding ginger, its history, its application(s), and the how-tos of Japanese green tea with this unique ingredient.
Yes, ginger is that distinct, earthy-like plant that may best be explained by its strong, almost bitter-like flavor. Beyond this, what else is there to know about ginger? Likely native to southern or southeastern Asia, ginger has been a major ingredient in Indian and Chinese cuisines since at least ancient times. In China, we have the writings of Shennong, also known as the father of traditional Chinese medicine. Apparently, ginger was noted for its healing abilities and for maintaining well-being. In fact, Confucius is said to have had ginger before every meal, which he claimed removed dampness in his stomach and aided indigestion. By the 1st century AD, ginger had made its way into Japan, Korea, and as far away as the Mediterranean. By the 16th century, ginger had become a global commodity via the Spanish Empire. Its original application was primarily related to aiding digestion. The ancient Greeks wrapped ginger in their bread and ate it after dinner. This, apparently, led to the invention of gingerbread. The English would eventually create ginger beer to aid digestion. Often, you will find ginger dried and ground as a flavoring and spice. The green ginger seen on the roots, or rhizomes, is often used in cooking, while slices of ginger are commonly found in Japanese dishes, particularly sushi.
Ginger use extends well beyond what you may commonly find in grocery stores or in recipes. Ginger is used in teas and broths and can even be found in capsules. Slowly sipped ginger tea can be great for coughs, nausea, stomach aches, and even arthritis.
Are any of these claims related to the purported health benefits actually true? Let us review a few case studies. In 2010, a relatively small study looked at the effects of ginger root powder supplements on nausea in kids and younger adults who were taking chemotherapy. In the experimental group, nausea was reduced. In 1999, a study was conducted on 12 volunteers taking 100 mg twice a day of the ginger extract while fasting and then taking a meal. In both cases, ginger purportedly leads to increased digestive movement.
However, the benefits of ginger extend beyond nausea and the digestive system. Ginger reportedly lowers cholesterol levels by blocking cholesterol absorption. It may also help ease the flu or a cold. Other studies have suggested that it may also relieve pain and even reduce inflammation. As a major source of antioxidants, ginger can reduce all kinds of "oxidative stress." The idea is the removal of free radicals or elements that cause cell damage and can lead to all kinds of health issues, including cancer. Specifically, a 2013 study showed ginger may play a role in preventing colorectal cancer.
Yes, ginger is quite common in Japan, and chances are you have come across it at your favorite sushi restaurant. However, there is a much larger story to tell. As noted, ginger arrived in Japan approximately 2000 years ago. Chinese traditional medicine and Buddhism flourished as if they were two sides of the same coin. Ginger became a part of this new narrative in Japan. In fact, in September, in parts of Japan, you may be lucky enough to partake in Shoga Matsuri, also referred to as the Ginger Root Festivals. There are a few of these festivals held across parts of Japan, but on September 9th specifically, the city of Akiruno reflects on the importance of ginger and its role in religion, health, and wellbeing. The historical narrative of this festival goes something like this: It was believed that if you were to eat the Ninomiya Shrine’s ginger, evil would be warded off and you would be in a perfect state of health.
In contemporary times, ginger is commonly used across Japan in many different applications. Shogayu, or ginger hot water, being a ginger tea, is often used as a remedy for common colds. Hiyashiame is a summer drink to help the drinker deal with hotter weather. Gari is a type of tsukemono, or pickled vegetable, that is sliced and commonly used with sushi. It is as much about cleansing the palate as it is about adding to the presentation of the meal. Ginger is said to also help kill any additional pathogens that may be in the raw fish. With genmaicha at their side, sushi and ginger have helped establish a cultural icon for the world of Japanese cuisine.
Can I simply add ginger to my tea? The simple answer is yes, you can! It can be hard to know what to do with ginger when you are picking it up for the first time. It is not immediately obvious what one should do to extract the flavors he or she desires. There are also different drink types. These include lattes, simple teas, iced and flavored teas, and even smoothies!
A common recipe is green tea with ginger and lemon. Here is what you’ll need:
Put two cups of water and your ginger into a saucepan, and make sure to bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stir in your honey, and then remove the pan from the heat and add the loose tea or tea bags. Steep for 3 more minutes, and then strain everything out. Combine the strained tea and 2 cups of water into a larger pitcher, and then add lemon juice.
As you can imagine, lattes with ginger and matcha are not overly complicated. For a single average cup, you’ll need:
Whisk your matcha with ¼ cup of water until smooth. (Feel free to review our matcha kit here or something like that.) Once smooth, add your honey, coconut milk, or other sweeteners to taste. Pour in the remaining water and whisk or use a milk frother until you are satisfied with the drink’s consistency and smoothness.
For your favorite morning smoothie, you will need a few more ingredients:
Next step: blend and puree the ingredients, and lastly, enjoy!
Ginger not only has a distinct history in shaping cultural cuisines, but it also remains an icon of health in the world of digestion and tea. Sometimes it is difficult to step beyond the boundaries of what we are comfortable with, and this includes tea as well, but thankfully, ginger is not as big of a leap as it may sound to some. It’s a relatively small step into some that pair incredibly well with other teas.
Ultimately, it is up to you; however, history shows that it's tough to go wrong with some added ginger. Enjoy a latte or try a smoothie, and continue exploring what tea offers!
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