Table of contents:
Summary
Japan's rich tea culture is highlighted in the site "Japanische Teesorten," which provides an informative overview of various Japanese teas, including their historical significance and contemporary role. Initially a luxury reserved for the elite, tea became more accessible between the 12th and 16th centuries, leading to the creation of special tea-serving ware and the development of tea rooms for intimate gatherings. Today, green tea is a staple beverage, often served in restaurants alongside meals, and symbolizes hospitality. The site details different types of Japanese teas, such as Ryokucha (green tea), Gyokuro (a premium green tea with a floral taste), Matcha (powdered green tea increasingly found in various foods), and Sencha (known for its robust flavor), reflecting the diversity and importance of tea in Japanese society.In Japan, tea is an integral part of the culture. This also means that you can never go wrong when choosing a tea as a small gift. Teas are available everywhere in various flavors, whether in supermarkets or vending machines, in cans or bottles, hot or cold. The most popular variety is green tea, which is also served during the tea ceremony. There are also some sweets and savory dishes that incorporate tea. You will learn more about what tea means in Japan in this article.
History of Tea in Japan
It wasn't always the case that everyone could drink tea. In the very beginning, when tea was introduced from China to Japan around 700 AD, it was considered a luxury item. This means that those who drank tea were either wealthy or participated in religious ceremonies as priests, as tea was primarily consumed for its health benefits. It wasn't until the 12th to 16th centuries that tea became widespread among the general population. It even reached the point where special tea utensils were being made. However, these were usually of such high quality that only members of the upper social class could afford them. Individual pieces were collected and only brought out for special guests. When people gathered to drink tea, they typically talked about the utensils and the tea served. These moments were also used for special conversations, which became increasingly intimate over time, leading to the creation of a dedicated room—the tea room. In these sparsely furnished rooms, guests would sit and enjoy the tea together. This later developed into the tea ceremony.
How Is It Today?
Today, green tea with its various varieties is one of the everyday beverages. Like water, it is usually offered free of charge with a meal in restaurants. One could even say that green tea rivals rice in its importance. If you are invited somewhere, you will almost certainly be served green tea as a sign of good manners. During the hot summer months, tea is typically enjoyed cold.
What Other Types of Tea Are There in Japan?
Ryokucha
“Ryoku” means green and “Cha” means tea in Japanese, so “Ryokucha” literally just means green tea. Since green tea is widely consumed in Japan, it comes in a variety of different variations.
Gyokuro
Gyokuro is considered one of the finest green teas in Germany because it receives extra care during cultivation in Japan. The leaves are covered and protected from strong sunlight from mid-April, ensuring they are covered with dew in the early morning. This makes the tea deep green and gives it a uniquely floral and sweet taste. This also gives the tea its special nickname: Dewdrop.
Matcha
When people talk about Japanese tea, many refer to Matcha. This is a powdered green tea, where plant leaves are ground into fine powder through a long process. Matcha plays such a special role in Japan that the tea is now incorporated into many other foods like sweets or even noodles.
Sencha
Sencha is, alongside Matcha, one of the best-known Japanese varieties abroad. As loose tea, it has a much darker color and a much stronger flavor compared to Matcha.
Kabuse-Cha
The name Kabuse-Cha comes from the fact that the tea grows best in partial shade and must be covered for about two weeks, which in Japanese means “kabuseru.” Therefore, it is lighter green and milder in taste than Sencha.
Bancha
Bancha is a type of green tea. This variety is the second most consumed in Japan, as reflected in its name, which means "common tea." It is also enjoyed for its numerous trace elements and minerals.
Kukicha
This green tea is made from the stems and twigs of the tea plant. These must be at least three years old. As a result, this variety contains very little caffeine.
Houjicha
For the production of Houjicha, fine branches and leaves are roasted. Unfortunately, many of the beneficial compounds are lost during this process.
Genmaicha
Genmaicha is made by mixing green tea leaves with roasted rice, giving it a milder taste and a nuttier flavor.
Gabalong
The name Gabalong is derived from the two words “Gaba” for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and “long” for Oolong. Due to its high gamma-aminobutyric acid content, it has a very fresh and slightly sweet note. The special thing about Gabalong is that, unlike other teas in Japan, it is predominantly grown in Shizuoka and the Osaka region.
Mugicha
One of the most popular teas in the Japanese summer when served chilled. It is made from roasted barley, making it caffeine-free and having a mild taste compared to green tea.
Sobacha
This tea is also made from roasted grains, specifically buckwheat. It contains many antioxidants and can be enjoyed either cold or warm.
Kombucha
When you hear Kombucha, you probably think of the trendy drink made from the Kombucha fungus. However, the Japanese tea Kombucha is a tea made from algae, which gives it a slightly salty taste. In Japan, it is usually enjoyed with ume plum.
Sanpincha
Sanpincha is a jasmine tea from Okinawa, the southernmost tip of Japan. It is also called Chinese tea in Japan and has a slightly bitter taste.
Yamecha
Yamecha is sold in specialty tea shops because it is repeatedly awarded for its high quality in Japan. It comes from the Fukuoka area, is mild, and has a slightly sweet taste.
Gobocha
Gobocha is made from the burdock root, which is a staple in Japanese cuisine. Although the root is roasted during production, the tea retains an earthy taste.
Tamaryokucha
This variety is also called “Gemstone Tea” and not only tastes aromatic but is also mild. When brewed, the individual tea leaves open up.
Where Is the Best Place to Buy Your Tea in Japan?
Tea is highly regarded in Japan, so you have the opportunity to purchase loose tea of good quality around every corner. It is so popular that it is offered for free in many cafeterias and chain restaurants. In the Japanese summer, tea is usually already on the table so that you can drink it chilled immediately. In Japan, tea is typically enjoyed unsweetened.
Which Tea Is the Most Consumed?
Just like in other places, there is a wide range of teas in Japan. Particularly, green tea is the most popular. In its powdered form (Matcha), it is known worldwide. In the Land of the Rising Sun, you can even find many teas made from roasted grains like rice or wheat. Therefore, there are also rather lesser-known varieties.
Where Does Japanese Tea Actually Come From?
Tea is grown all over Japan. However, over time, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Fukuoka, Mie, and Kumamoto have established themselves as cultivation areas. Which type of tea is grown where usually depends on the soil quality.
Green and Black – What Is the Difference?
While both varieties are derived from the same plant, Camellia Sinensis, the processing results in flavor differences. In black tea, the leaves are first fermented and then further processed. This gives the tea its dark color. Since fermentation does not occur in green tea, it retains its naturally green color and has a different taste.
Is Green Tea Really That Healthy?
In short: Yes, green tea is super healthy! The benefits are also proven by numerous studies. Drinking a lot of green tea is good for you and your body. With its antioxidants, it not only strengthens your immune system but also keeps your cells young. Furthermore, it can reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes, reduce stress, and boost metabolism, digestion, and fat burning.
What Is the Japanese Tea Ceremony?
Practiced since the 14th century, the tea ceremony is an important part of Japanese culture and history. In the Japanese language, there are several words for this ceremony, namely “Ocha“, “Sado“, and “Chanoyu“. It is considered an art and spiritual discipline, where green tea (Matcha) is prepared and served to guests with traditional sweets. To ensure that nothing distracts from this special experience, the room is sparsely decorated. Usually, there is only subtle flower decoration, called Ikebana, which is also seasonally coordinated. Ideally, a calm and relaxing atmosphere prevails during the ceremony. The host should aim to provide the guests with an entirely positive experience.
Where Can You Get Japanese Tea in Germany?
The easiest and fastest way to get it is through the internet. Here is a small overview of German suppliers where you can find it immediately.
Online Shops
Teaworld
Here you will find not only a large assortment but also detailed descriptions of the individual varieties. Tea accessories like teapots can also be purchased here.
Paperandtea
At Paperandtea, you can also choose from a wide range. If you don't know which tea to choose, you will find a flavor description for each tea.
Tee-Kaffee-Shop
In addition to coffee, as the name suggests, you will also find teas. At this specialist store, you will find a very large selection of flavors and many teas are complemented with fruit pieces.
Tee Gschwendner
In addition to classic Japanese teas, you can also find organic teas here, which you can search for specifically.
Tea Rooms and Tea Houses
If you want to be truly pampered with tea, try visiting a lovely tea room. There are quite a few in Germany.
Mamecha, Berlin
The sweet Japanese café: Mamecha is located in Berlin Mitte, where there are all kinds of tea varieties and Japanese sweets available, also to take away.
Mulackstraße 33, 10119 Berlin
Teehaus KanShoAn, Munich
In the English Garden in Munich, tea ceremonies are regularly held, which you can participate in. Here you can bring a piece of Japan home.
Letcha, Munich
When you go to Letcha, we recommend trying the Matcha drinks. All teas here are of the best quality and can also be purchased for home use.
Herzogstraße 1a, 80802 Munich
Phoenix Tee, Frankfurt
This location specializes in tea varieties that you won't find on the German market. If you want to prepare Matcha “properly” at home, you will find suitable utensils here.
Friedberger Landstraße 82, 60316 Frankfurt am Main
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