Table of contents:
Tea is an integral part of Japanese culture. This also means that you can never go wrong if you choose a tea as a small souvenir. Teas are available everywhere in all kinds of flavors, whether in the supermarket or at the vending machine, in cans or bottles, hot or cold. The most popular variety is green tea, which is also served at the tea ceremony. There are also some sweets and savory dishes that contain tea. Find out exactly what tea is all about in Japan in this article.
History of Tea in Japan
It wasn't always the case that everyone could drink tea. Because right at the beginning, when tea was introduced to Japan from China around 700 AD, it was considered a luxury item. This means that whoever drank tea was either rich or a priest who participated in religious ceremonies, as tea was primarily drunk for health reasons. It was only between the 12th and 16th centuries that tea became widespread among the ordinary population. It even went so far that people began to make special dishes for tea. But mostly it was of such high quality that only members of the upper class could afford it. People collected individual pieces that they then only brought out for special guests. When people came together for tea, the dishes and the tea served were usually discussed. People also liked to use these moments for special conversations that became more intimate over time, so they built a special room - the tea room. In these sparsely furnished rooms, people sat with their guests and enjoyed the tea. From this later developed the tea ceremony.
What's it like today?
Today, green tea with its different varieties is one of the everyday drinks. Like water, it is usually served with an order at restaurants without any extra charge. You could even say that green tea is comparable in importance to rice. If you're invited somewhere, you'll almost certainly be served green tea as a sign of good manners. In the hot summer months, tea is usually drunk chilled.
What other types of tea are there in Japan?
Ryokucha
“Ryoku” in Japanese stands for green and “Cha” for tea, so “Ryokucha” literally just means green tea. Since a lot of green tea is drunk in Japan, it comes in many different variations.
Gyokuro
Gyokuro tea is considered one of the finest green teas in Germany, as it receives a little more care during cultivation in Japan. The leaves are covered and protected from strong sunlight in mid-April, so that they are covered with dew in the early morning. This gives the tea a deep green color and a uniquely floral and sweet taste. This also gives the tea its special nickname: Dewdrop.
Matcha
When people talk about Japanese tea, many mean Matcha. This is a ground green tea for which plant leaves are ground into a fine powder in a long process. Matcha plays such a special role in Japan that the tea is now processed into many other foods such as sweets or even noodles.
Sencha
Sencha is one of the best known Japanese varieties abroad, alongside Matcha. As a loose tea, it has a much darker color and a much stronger taste than Matcha.
Kabuse-Cha
The name Kabuse-Cha comes from the fact that the tea thrives best in partial shade and literally has to be covered for 2 weeks, which in Japanese is “kabuseru”. It is therefore rather light green and milder in taste than Sencha.
Bancha
Bancha is a green tea. This variety is the second most drunk in Japan, which is reflected in the name, namely bancha for "ordinary tea". It is also often drunk because of its many trace elements and minerals.
Kukicha
This green tea is produced from stems and twigs of the tea plant. These must be at least 3 years old. This means that this variety also contains hardly any caffeine.
Houjicha
Fine twigs and leaves are roasted to make Houjicha. Unfortunately, this process removes many of the tea's nutrients.
Genmaicha
Genmaicha is made by adding roasted rice to green tea leaves, making it slightly smoother and nuttier in taste.
Gabalong
The name Gabalong is made up of the two words “Gaba” for gamma-amino acids and “long” for Oolong. The many gamma-amino acids give it a very fresh and slightly sweet note. The special thing about Gabalong is that, unlike other teas in Japan, it is mainly grown in Shizuoka and the Osaka region.
Mugicha
One of the most popular teas in Japanese summer, chilled. It is made from roasted barley, which makes it caffeine-free and has a mild taste compared to green tea.
Sobacha
This tea is also made from roasted grain, namely buckwheat. It contains many antioxidants and is drunk cold or warm.
Kombucha
When you hear Kombucha, you probably think of the trendy drink that is made from the Kombucha mushroom. But the Japanese Kombucha tea is a tea that is made from algae, which gives it a slightly salty taste. In Japan, it is usually drunk with an Ume plum.
Sanpincha
Sanpincha is a jasmine tea from Okinawa, the southernmost tip of Japan. It is also called Chinese tea in Japan and tastes somewhat bitter.
Yamecha
Yamecha is sold in specialty tea shops because it is repeatedly awarded prizes in Japan for its high quality. It comes from the Fukuoka area, is mild and tastes slightly sweet.
Gobocha
Gobocha is made from burdock root, which is an integral part of 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 you brew it, the individual tea leaves open up.
Where can you best buy your tea in Japan?
Tea is taken very seriously in Japan, so you have the opportunity to buy loose tea of good quality on every corner. It is so popular that it is even served free of charge in many canteens and chain restaurants. In the Japanese summer, the tea is usually already waiting on the table so that you can drink it chilled immediately. Tea is usually drunk unsweetened in Japan.
Which tea is drunk the most?
As in our country, there is a wide range of teas in Japan. Green tea is particularly 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 such as rice or wheat. That's why there are, of course, also some less well-known varieties.
Where does Japanese tea actually come from?
Tea is grown everywhere in Japan. Nevertheless, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Fukuoka, Mie and Kumamoto have established themselves as growing areas over time. Which tea variety is grown where usually depends on the soil quality.
Green and black - what's the difference?
It is true that both tea varieties are derived from the same plant, namely Camellia Sinensis, but processing creates taste differences. Black tea is first fermented and then processed further. This also gives the tea its dark color. Since green tea does not undergo fermentation, it retains its natural 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. If you drink a lot of green tea, then you are doing something good for yourself and your body. Because with its antioxidants, it not only strengthens your immune system, but also keeps your cells young. It can also lower your risk of cancer and diabetes, reduce stress, and boost your 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 a 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. There is usually only a subtle floral decoration, called Ikebana, which is also seasonally coordinated. Ideally, a quiet, relaxing atmosphere prevails during the ceremony. The host should, if possible, provide the guests with a consistently positive experience.
Where can you get Japanese tea in Germany?
The easiest and fastest way to get it is over the internet. Here is a small overview of German providers where you will immediately find what you are looking for.
Online Shops
Teaworld
Here you will find a large assortment as well as detailed descriptions of the individual varieties. Tea accessories such as teapots can also be purchased here.
Paperandtea
You can also choose from a wide range at Paperrandtea. If you're not sure which tea to choose, you'll find a taste description for every tea.
Tee-Kaffee-Shop
In addition to coffee, as the title suggests, you will also find teas here. This specialist offers a very large selection of flavors and many teas are supplemented with fruit pieces.
Tee Gschwendner
In addition to classic Japanese teas, you can also find organic teas here, which you can specifically search for.
Tea Rooms and Tea Houses
If you want to be truly spoiled with tea, try out a nice tea room. There are quite a few in Germany.
Mamecha, Berlin
The sweet Japanese café: Mamecha is located in Berlin Mitte, where you can find all kinds of tea varieties and Japanese sweets, also to take away.
Mulackstraße 33, 10119 Berlin
Teehaus KanShoAn, Munich
In the English Garden in Munich, there are regular tea ceremonies that you can participate in. Here you can bring a piece of Japan back home with you.
Letcha, Munich
If you go to Letcha, we recommend you try the Matcha drinks. All teas here are of the highest quality and can also be bought for home.
Herzogstraße 1a, 80802 München
Phoenix Tea, Frankfurt
This establishment specializes in tea varieties that you won't find on the German market. If you want to prepare Matcha at home the “right” way, then you will find suitable utensils here.
Friedberger Landstraße 82, 60316 Frankfurt am Main
Comments