Matcha and Japanese Tea
Gain the skills, learn about the health benefits and history
Japanese Teaware
From tips on selecting and maintinance, to history and significance.
Welcome! Dive into the delicious and wonderful world of Japanese Green tea!
This guide aims to help your Matcha and other types of Japanese tea experience filled with delight. We'll go over the types of tea, how to make them, and any other information that will enrich your "Japanese Tea Journey". We even have detailed coverage on the "National Tea Competition of Japan" - something you won't find in English elsewhere.
Contents
01
Learn the Different Types of Japanese Tea
Learn the different types of Japanese green tea. This comprehensive guide will cover most of the major types of tea and their characteristics in detail. Have you ever wondered what the differences between a Sencha and a Fukamushi-Sencha is? Perhaps you bought a quality Matcha in our shop and wanted to know how to properly brew it. Or was wondering why Houjicha is a green tea when it's brown?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll go over all the types of Japanese green tea and everything you need to know about them.
02
Nutrients, Health Benefits, and more!
Aside from the fantastic taste - the health benefits and nutrients are what makes us love Japanese Green Tea so much. Learn about these health topics and more.
Active compounds and nutrients in Japanese Green Tea
Here we'll take a look at the individual nutrients and compounds that contribute to the health.
The most studied family of antioxidants in green tea, catechins are the compounds behind much of its health reputation. Four distinct types work together in every cup, each with its own strengths and biological role.
A rare amino acid found almost exclusively in tea, L-theanine crosses the blood-brain barrier and promotes a state of calm, focused alertness. It is also the primary driver of the umami taste that defines premium Japanese green teas like gyokuro and matcha.
The most abundant and studied catechin in green tea, EGCG is a potent antioxidant linked to a wide range of health benefits, from supporting metabolism to protecting cells from oxidative stress.
A catechin found in green tea with a unique advantage: it extracts readily in cold water and supports mucosal immunity, the body's first line of defense against bacteria and viruses in the respiratory and digestive tracts.
A naturally occurring variant of EGCG found primarily in certain Japanese green tea cultivars like Benifuuki. It is studied for its potential anti-allergic properties, particularly in relation to hay fever and histamine response.
The pigment that gives matcha its vivid green and gyokuro its deep emerald hue. Chlorophyll is produced in abundance by shade-grown tea plants and serves as one of the most reliable visual indicators of freshness and quality in Japanese green tea.
A natural stimulant found in all true teas, caffeine in Japanese green tea is full of surprises. The smoothest and most delicate teas are often the highest in caffeine, while the boldest-tasting are sometimes the lowest.
Not all tea is equal when it comes to fluoride. Japanese green tea, grown in naturally low-fluoride soil and made from young spring leaves, sits at the safe and beneficial end of the spectrum, where small amounts actively support dental health.
Green tea has long been associated with health, but the vitamin story is more nuanced than most people realise. We dive into the bioavailability of vitamin in this article.
03
Tips on Preparing Delicious Matcha and Japanese Tea
Here we'll cover how to prepare delicious Japanese tea. The delicate taste of the tea can be truly extracted only under the right methods. For example, the temperature of the water or the amount of water can change the great tasting tea experience into a astringent and dry one. Make sure you have a study!
Matcha Preparation
Loose Leaf Preparation
04
Mastering the Fundumentals
Not every tea is the same. Not every situation is the same. In order to be able to make exceptional tea under any environment, you need to understand the basics. Master these fundamentals and know how to adjust and apply, to reach the best tasting tea.
05
Youtube Resources
Short, punchy videos by our founder, Yuki, with key insights into Japanese tea.
Long-form explorations where we go all-in on experiments, details, and understanding.
Actionable systems to build a consistent, high-quality matcha and Japanese tea program.
06
Japanese Tea's Production "Area Brands" and Cultivars
Area Brands are where the region becomes the brand. Teas like Ujicha, Yamecha, and Ureshinocha carry identities shaped by history and craftsmanship, and these names are protected by regional tea associations, with trademarks that uphold their quality and reputation. These areas and producers compete annually in the National Tea Competition of Japan.
07
Tea Tools and Japanese Ceramics
Japanese Tea tools have evolved over the years and are perfectly designed to optimize the tea. A Chasen, or a bamboo whisk, is obviously difficult to replace with another tool in your kitchen. While you can replace a Matcha-chawan or a Kyusu with a cup or a teapot, for the best Japanese tea experience you may want to think twice. Read more here.
These ceramic traditions were not created in isolation, but in step with Japanese tea.
08
Others
Not everything fits into a category. These are topics, ideas, and insights that expand how you understand Japanese tea.
Conducting and consolidating data and information regarding Japanese tea and the Japanese tea market.
