In recent years, Japanese food culture has been attracting attention around the world. In particular, matcha, with its beautiful green color and unique flavor, is loved in many countries as a matcha latte or matcha sweet. However, the appeal of Japanese green tea is not limited to matcha. In fact, Japan has an astonishingly wide variety of green teas, each with its own unique taste, aroma, and ways of enjoying them.

In this article, we'll introduce you to the deep world of Japanese green tea, which goes beyond just matcha. From the characteristics of each type to simple, delicious ways to brew it at home, we'll share tips for experiencing Japanese green tea culture. After reading this, you're sure to find your favorite cup of tea.

Learn the basics of Japanese tea: What is green tea?

First, do you know how Japanese green tea is made? Green tea is an "unfermented tea" in which the tea leaves are immediately heated after being picked to stop fermentation. This method keeps the color of the tea leaves green and creates their unique astringency and umami flavor. Japanese green tea is divided into various types depending on the manufacturing process and cultivation methods.

About the origin of tea leaves

The main tea-producing regions in Japan are Shizuoka, Kagoshima, and Kyoto. The climate and soil characteristics of each producing region affect the flavor of the tea. For example, Shizuoka tea is known for its balanced flavor, while Kagoshima tea is known for its rich umami flavor.

Not just matcha! A variety of unique green teas

Now, let's introduce some representative Japanese green teas.

Sencha (green tea)

This is the green tea most commonly consumed in Japanese households. It is made by steaming, rolling, and drying the tea leaves. It has the refreshing aroma of new tea and a good balance of sweetness, astringency, and umami, giving it a clean taste.

[How to brew delicious coffee]

• Temperature : We recommend water between 70 and 80°C. If it is too hot, the tea will have a strong bitter taste.

• Serving size : 2g (1 teaspoon) per serving, with 100ml of hot water.

• Brewing time : Wait 60 seconds before pouring.

Gyokuro

Gyokuro, known as a high-quality green tea, is cultivated by covering the tea fields and blocking out sunlight for about 20 days before the tea is picked. This method enriches the tea leaves with theanine, the umami component, resulting in a rich, umami-like flavor and sweetness.

[How to brew delicious coffee]

• Temperature : The key is to brew slowly using lukewarm water at 50-60°C.

• Serving size : 3g per serving, 30ml of hot water is recommended.

• Extraction time : Extract slowly for about 2 minutes. You can enjoy a rich flavor like dashi.

Hojicha (roasted green tea)

It is made by roasting sencha or bancha over high heat. The tea leaves are brown in color and have a fragrant aroma. It has almost no astringency and a clean taste, making it a good match with meals. It also has a low caffeine content, so it can be safely drunk before going to bed at night.

[How to brew delicious coffee]

• Temperature : We recommend brewing with boiling water (95-100°C).

• Serving size : 3g per serving, 100ml of hot water is recommended.

• Brewing time : Pour quickly in about 30 seconds.

Genmaicha (brown rice tea)

This tea is made by mixing roasted brown rice with sencha or bancha. It has the fragrant aroma of brown rice and a mellow taste. The aroma of brown rice and the refreshing taste of green tea are an exquisite match.

[How to brew delicious coffee]

• Temperature : We recommend brewing with hot water of around 90°C.

• Serving size : 3g per serving, 100ml of hot water is recommended.

• Extraction time : Pour for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Basic tips for brewing delicious tea

Here are some basic tips that will come in handy when brewing any type of green tea.

1. Focus on water

Japanese green tea has a delicate flavor, so the quality of the water has a big impact. Tap water in Japan is soft, making it suitable for brewing green tea, but if you're brewing it overseas, we recommend using mineral water with a low hardness.

2. Measure the temperature of the water

The optimum temperature for brewing green tea varies depending on the type of tea. If you don't have a thermometer, you can lower the temperature by pouring hot water into a cup and warming the teacup. It is said that the temperature drops by 5 to 10 degrees Celsius each time you pour the water into another container.

3. Use a teapot

A teapot (kyusu) specifically designed for brewing Japanese tea is ideal for allowing the tea leaves to fully expand and bringing out the tea's delicious flavor. If you don't have a teapot, you can use a pot with a tea strainer or a cup instead.

4. Pour until the last drop

If hot water remains in the teapot, the tea leaves will release excess bitterness, which will affect the flavor of the second and subsequent brews. When pouring tea into individual cups, it is important to squeeze out every last drop.

Why is Japanese tea so popular overseas?

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In recent years, Japanese tea has become popular overseas as people become more health-conscious. Its appeal goes beyond just its delicious taste.

• Health benefits : Japanese tea is rich in healthy ingredients such as catechins, vitamin C, and theanine. Its antioxidant and relaxing effects make it an appealing drink for health-conscious people.

• Connection to Japanese culture : Japanese tea is deeply connected to the tea ceremony and Zen philosophy. Taking the time to carefully brew a cup of tea is an important habit that calms the mind and allows one to reflect on oneself. For people overseas, drinking Japanese tea is also a way to experience traditional Japanese culture.

summary

There's more to the diverse world of Japanese green tea than just matcha. Learning about the different types and characteristics of each will make your tea time even more enjoyable and fulfilling.

If you have the opportunity to visit Japan, be sure to experience the profound world of tea by trying various varieties at specialty shops or purchasing some as souvenirs. Another appealing aspect of Japanese tea is that you can choose a drink to suit the season or your mood. There are many ways to enjoy it, such as cold, cold-brewed sencha in the hot summer or warm roasted green tea in the cold winter.

Why not start incorporating Japanese green tea into your daily life today and enjoy a moment of relaxation that heals your mind and body? A cup of tea will surely enrich your life.