Japanese Green Tea and Its Most Popular Varieties
In Japan, tea is life. This beverage, present on every table, from local restaurants to elaborate Japanese tea ceremonies, is a staple of Japanese culture. It's no wonder there are over 100 different types of Japanese tea.
Teas vary by tea type, variety, growing region, and even processing methods. Most are green tea varieties with flavors ranging from sweet and floral to nutty and spicy, although some Japanese black and oolong tea varieties can also be found.
In this brief article, we'll delve into everything surrounding Japanese green tea: its history, health benefits, how to prepare it, and the best varieties.
What is Japanese green tea?
Japanese teas are produced from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant , the same plant used to make black, oolong, white, and red (pu-erh) tea. Japan primarily produces green tea, although some black and oolong specialty teas are also produced.
The leaves used to make Japanese green tea are steamed shortly after harvesting to prevent oxidation. There are many different varieties of Japanese green tea, whose unique flavors depend on factors such as the specific growing conditions and the brewing process.
A Brief History of Japanese Green Tea
Green tea originated in southern China and may have been consumed more than three thousand years ago. Around the 6th century, tea consumption and production spread from China to Japan, as well as to neighboring countries such as Korea and Vietnam. Initially, green tea was closely associated with Buddhist monasteries and monastic culture in Japan. Tea was revered for its ability to induce a state of calm and alertness particularly conducive to meditation and religious practice.
Today, green tea is often associated with Japan as much as it is with China. Tea is a fundamental part of Japanese culture, whether enjoyed as part of a formal Japanese tea ceremony or more casually with family and friends.
Benefits of Japanese green tea
Like other types of tea made from the Camellia sinensis plant, Japanese green teas have a host of health benefits. Green tea has been widely studied for its numerous health benefits, such as increased mental clarity and focus, reduced inflammation, anxiety relief, and high levels of antioxidants.
Studies link the benefits of green tea to its high content of polyphenols and catechins, such as EGCG or epigallocatechin gallate, and L-theanine, a very rare amino acid found only in the tea plant and a type of mushroom called Boletus badius.
Japanese matcha green tea, which is made from stone-ground green tea leaves into a fine powder, is the tea that contains the highest concentration of these health-promoting compounds.
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How to prepare Japanese green tea?
Generally, Japanese green teas are steeped at a temperature of around 75–80°C for short intervals of 1 to 3 minutes to prevent the tea from becoming bitter. Traditionally, tea is prepared in Japan in cast iron teapots called tetsubin or in ceramic teapots with a side handle called kyusu.
Matcha tea is traditionally prepared in a small bowl using several specialized utensils: the chasen or bamboo whisk, the chawan (a type of bowl), and the chashaku or bamboo measuring spoon.
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Our Japanese green teas
At Replantea, we have a selection of organic Japanese green teas , perfect for introducing you to the world of Japanese tea, each one very different from the others. Like all our teas and infusions, these teas are selected for their quality, always in bulk, and are organically grown. We firmly believe this is the best way to reap the benefits of drinking the finest tea while avoiding harmful chemicals and fertilizers.
Organic matcha tea
Matcha is a powdered green tea. It's produced from the same shade-grown leaves used to produce Gyokuro and Sencha, resulting in a bright green tea with a sweet, savory flavor. Because matcha is made from the whole tea leaf, it contains higher amounts of many of the beneficial compounds found in green tea, such as L-theanine and free radical-fighting antioxidants.
Matcha also has a much higher caffeine level than other types of tea. Ceremonial-grade matcha is typically enjoyed on its own, whisked into a bowl of hot water, while culinary-grade matcha can be added to smoothies, lattes, or as an ingredient in other recipes.
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Organic genmaicha green tea
Genmaicha is a traditional Japanese blend of Sencha tea and roasted rice. This organic green tea has roasted notes mixed with a pleasant, mild, sweet, yet slightly earthy flavor. During cooking, it's not uncommon for some grains of rice to pop, making them look like popcorn.
Genmaicha means "brown rice tea" in Japanese. Genmaicha is also sometimes known as "popcorn tea" or "village tea" because people could stretch their tea supply further by mixing it with roasted rice, which was a cheaper ingredient.
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Organic kukicha green tea
Kukicha Green Tea, also known as "twig tea," is a unique and comforting variety that offers a smooth and delicate flavor experience. Made from the stems and twigs of the tea plant, this Japanese green tea has a slightly sweet flavor and a refreshing character that makes it a perfect choice for any time of day. With its unique flavor profile and revitalizing properties, Kukicha Green Tea is a true gem in the world of green tea.
Organic Hojicha green tea
Hojicha (Houjicha) is a green tea distinguished from other green teas by its high temperature roasting. The leaves acquire a reddish-brown color when roasted at high temperatures.
This process results in a less astringent tea with a slightly caramelized , toasted flavor and lower levels of caffeine. Due to its mild flavor, it is a popular tea to drink in Japan at any time of day, even by children and the elderly.
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