Superior Japanese Green
Tea
MAIKO TEA SHOP | | | | | | |
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| 1st
Story |
Let's go to Maikonocha | |
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| 2nd
Story |
Tea Picking | |
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| 3rd
Story |
Tea Processing | |
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| 4th
Story | Tea
Varieties
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| 5th
Story | Serving
Tea | |
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| 6th
Story | Tea
and Health | |
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| | (C)KYOTO
SEIKA UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE FOR MANGA STUDIES
Chie Yamada, Yui Miura, Markley
Patricia | |  | There
are many different kinds of tea. Supported by approximately 2.7 billion drinkers
around the world, it is the most popular beverage exceeding coffee, drunk by approximately
1.9 billion. Different
kinds of teas can be classified into three basic categories,according to the different
processing methods: black tea, oolong tea,and green tea. Originally, they come
from the leaves of the same evergreen plant (Camellia sinensis). |
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1.Classification
according to processing methods
*
Japanese tea is classified under "green tea."
* an evergreen tree
native to Unnan Province in China. |
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Tencha
Maccha (Matcha) (from
shaded fields) |  | Shaded
from mid-April until harvest, these fields receive reduced sunlight. Freshly sprouted
buds are picked, steamed, then dried without being kneaded.
Most people
rarely have a chance to see tencha in its original state as it is almost always
ground when sold - as maccha (matcha). However, because the flavor and color quickly
deteriorates after being ground, manufacturers preserve this type of tea in the
non-ground tencha form.
Shopping
Maccha | |
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Gyokuro
(from
shaded fields) |  | Likewise,
gyokuro is produced from fields shaded from mid-April. Buds are picked, steamed,
then dried as it is kneaded. It is the highest grade of Japanese tea available
characterized by its fine green color, rich aroma, and mellow flavor.
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Gyokuro |
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Karigane
(Kukicha) |  | Gyokuro
and Sencha are sorted into leaf, stem, and powder during processing. Karigane
is a type of green tea that consists mostly of the stem. Commonly called "karigane"
in Kyoto, it is also known as "Kukicha" throughout Japan.
Some
may question, "why the stem?" but karigane sorted from gyokuro has a
flavor similar to gyokuro leaf tea, and is popular because it is sold at a relatively
reasonable price.
Shopping
Karigane (kukicha) |
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Sencha
(from
fields fully exposed to sunlight) |  | Buds
are picked from fields fully exposed to sunlight, steamed, then dried as they
are kneaded.
It has a unique fresh aroma and refined astringency. Sencha accounts
for 75% of green tea produced in Japan.
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Sencha |
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Houjicha |  | Sencha
and karigane of lower grades are roasted over a high flame to extract a savory
fragrance.
This type of tea is suitable as a side beverage during your meal
as it clears your mouth. Because of a low caffeine content, it is also recommendable
before bedtime.
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Houjicha |
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Genmaicha |  | Sencha
and karigane of lower grades are blended with popped whole-rice (genmai). The
sweetness of the green tea and the aroma of the whole-rice combine exquisitely.
Popular as a daily drink.
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Genmaicha |
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Konacha
(Powder tea) |  | While
processing gyokuro and sencha, they are categorized into three groups: stem, leaf,
and powder. Powder tea is used commonly in sushi stores because of its refreshing
astringency.
Shopping
Konacha (Powder tea) |
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Other
Types of Green Tea | | Kyobancha | After
the fresh sprouting buds are picked from the bush, the bigger and stiffer leaves
are picked. They are steamed, dried,then roasted to make this type of tea. It
is popular for its unique aromatic flavor.
Shopping
Kyobancha |
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| Steamed
Tamaryokucha | Produced
just like sencha, except the final kneading step is omitted. Therefore, the leaves
are not shaped like needles, but are loosely curled. Common in the Kyushu region. |
| | Roasted
Tamaryokucha | Also
produced in the Kyushu region, roasted in an iron caldron to bring out a pleasant
aroma. |
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3.Tea for Every
Occasion
Different
types of tea can be drunk for different purposes during the day. |
| During
Work / Study
[We recommend]---matcha, gyokuro, high grade sencha
Abundant in caffeine, a
chemical that stimulates the brain. |  | Exercise
[We recommend]---gyokuro, high grade sencha, houji cha
Caffeine, also known
as "muscle stimulant," is helpful when drunk 20‾30 minutes before exercising.
During exercise, we recommend a cup of tea every 20‾30 minutes. Afterwards, replenish
liquids lost from your body as sweat with enough houjicha. |  | Drowsiness
[We recommend]---matcha, gyokuro, high grade sencha
Green tea is also effective
to ward off drowsiness. More caffeine will dissolve in the tea when brewed with
higher temperature water. |  | To
Clear your Mouth
Houji cha rids your mouth of unwanted aftertaste from greasy foods. |  | After
a Meal
We recommend
middle ‾ higher grade sencha and powder tea after meals.
They contain increased
amounts of catechin, a chemical that reduces risks of food poisoning and cavity.
Try powder tea after eating raw foods such as sushi! |  | Bedtime
/ Elderly / Infants
Houjicha, which has low caffeine content, is recommendable before bedtime, and
as a beverage for the elderly and infants. Weaker houjicha is suitable for babies. |  | Before
Meals
Strong
tea may irritate the stomach. Houjicha is best because of its low caffeine content,
when you are hungry. |
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