Japanese Tea For Beginners
Tea is undoubtedly a classic go-to drink for anyone around the UK, with a variety of different flavours and types available. However, if you want to expand your taste buds further, consider trying Japanese tea. In my latest article, I will offer a few suggestions for beginners looking to dip their toes into these refreshing Asian teas.
In Japan, tea is heavily entwined with its culture, dating back centuries within its compelling history. If you are a newcomer to the world of Japanese tea, it can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience.
With so many choices available, it can be challenging to know where to start! Fortunately, my latest article is here to help – whether you want to expand your palate or discover the long list of health benefits, this guide will steer you in the right direction.
Genmaicha – The Nutty Green Tea Blend
First up, we have Genmaicha, which provides a slightly sweet flavour with a touch of nuttiness! It is often known as the “popcorn” tea as it contains rice kernels (which are visually very similar to popcorn), and they actually ‘pop’ during the roasting process.
If you are beginning to explore Japanese tea, a quick online search will open up a world of different websites sharing information about different tea varieties available. If you click here, you will also find invaluable info about green tea, which will help furnish your mind with helpful tidbits.
Genmaicha offers an indulgent, mellow, and comforting experience; as such, it is very popular with those new to Japanese tea. Its roasted rice adds an amazing level of delicious flavouring and also lowers the caffeine content—this drink is then ideal for afternoons or evenings when looking for something different. It is definitely a great starting point in the Japanese tea sector, as it offers a diverse taste yet does not overwhelm you with any complex components.
Green Tea Benefits
Green tea holds the key to a number of health benefits, making it another contender for beginners. This Japanese blend contains antioxidants (such as catechins), which help boost metabolism, reduce the risk of diseases, and improve brain function.
Also, L-theanine (an amino acid) boasts the ability to improve your relaxation levels without any side effects of drowsiness (and balances the impact of caffeine). Additionally, green tea features an earthy and sweet taste that is ideal as a daily refreshing drink, along with its unique wellness benefits.
Hojicha Roasted Perfection
Hojicha’s wonderful flavour invokes a smokey texture, yet differs from its green tea compatriots. It is made by roasting the leaves at very high temperatures, producing a lovely, enticing scent and an attractive red-brown hue!
The roasting process also reduces the amount of caffeine, making hojicha a fantastic choice if you are seeking a milder tea for your collection. Its nutty flavour, which is also toasty, is a combination that is warm and comforting, the perfect end-of-day cuppa to unwind.
You can sip it plain or mix it with lattes or desserts, overall ensuring that hojicha is an amazing alternative to more traditional green teas on the market.
Matcha – The Vibrant Green Powder
Matcha is an essential in the realm of Japanese tea—the eye-catching vibrant green powder was traditionally used in tea ceremonies yet has since become a worldwide phenomenon! If you choose matcha as your drink of choice, you will experience the maximum amount of nutritional properties (as the whole leaf is used in each cup). It is filled to the rafters with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which will hugely boost your energy levels.
Special mention must go to the taste, as its umami flavouring is invigorating to the senses but also refreshing. Incidentally, it is considered a talent and an art to prepare matcha—you whisk the powder with hot (but importantly not boiling) water until the mixture is frothy. The final result has a bright green visual that is also creamy and ultimately embodies the essence of tea culture in Japan.
Sencha – Japan’s Everyday Green Tea
If you are looking for the perfect choice for beginners, then Sencha could be just what you are looking for. It is considered a typical everyday tea that the people of Japan enjoy thanks to its balanced blend of bitterness, sweetness and umami. There are a wide variety of different Sencha flavours, ranging from full-bodied and rich to grassy and light. Additionally, they are full of antioxidants and vitamin C – in short, this particular tea offers fantastic health benefits wrapped up in a delicious taste! If Sencha ends up being one of your regular drinks, you will see benefits in immune function, digestion and overall well-being.
Fortunately, Sencha is simple to brew – use water (that is below boiling point) and steep the leaves briefly, and you are finished with a refreshing cup of tea ready to drink. This is definitely an added bonus, especially if you are a busy go-getter who wants an easy-to-make and delightful cuppa.
Kukicha – The Stem Tea
Kukicha is interestingly known as ‘twig tea’ and is made from the stalks and stem of the actual plant instead of the normal leaves. This uniqueness produces a drink that offers a light, slightly creamy flavour with just a subtle hint of sweetness.
If you want to cut back on your caffeine consumption, Kukicha tea is an excellent choice thanks to its blend of rich minerals and low caffeine composition. This particular beverage can also be served hot or cold, depending on your preference. The mild flavour of Kukicha is a gentle introduction to Japanese tea to newcomers, and its versatility is another added blessing.
Attend Tea Tasting Events and Workshops
If you are dead set on entering the wonderful genre of Japanese tea, then why not participate in a hands-on tea-tasting workshop that will allow you to learn all about the different varieties and ingredients?
These types of events typically have experts at the ready who can share their invaluable knowledge and insights. Additionally, workshops commonly cover all sorts of areas, from tea presentation (which is an art in itself) to brewing techniques and even discussing the history of Japanese tea for those interested in discovering more about past generations.
You will also typically find a soiree of fellow tea enthusiasts at these functions, who share ideas and help you understand the traditions further. If you find that an event is opening near you, go pay a visit—you won’t be disappointed!
Summary
Japanese tea is something that everyone can enjoy; whether you are an inexperienced beginner wanting to find out more (especially after reading this guide) or are a veteran of all sorts of Asian teas, the flavours, aromas, and textures will always be out of this world. You can go one step beyond if you delve into the cultural aspect, further enriching your experience. So go forth and head on a journey of discovery inside the domain of Japanese tea.
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