Organic Herbel Tea and Fermented Tea - Chado January 2022

Happy New Year from Chado Tea House

We wish all our customers a very Happy 2022.

We are pleased to announce that we have added two new teas to our lineup recently.

We have a herbal tea and a the Post-heated fermented tea, fermented tea comes in loose or as tea bags.

Both of these new teas are slightly different to our usual selections and we are excited to offer them for you to try. We taste test and these new varieties meet our high standards, and we hope you enjoy them if you decide to give them a try.

The first is our Organic Japanese Herbal Tea Bag 5g x 20p

• This is our first caffeine-free tea. We have been asked many times for a tea without caffeine and we are happy to be able to offer one now.
• Eight kinds of Japanese organically grown herbs (barley, brown rice, mulberry leaf, burdock, black beans, houttuynia cordata, quercus salicina, sword beans) are blended to produce a fine-tasting tea
• Offered in convenient easy to use plant-based tea bags.
• This dark tea has a nutty sweetness and is gentle on your body. A very comforting drink and suitable for the cold winter months.

 

 

Our Second new offering is our Post-heated Fermented Tea, presented as either loose or in tea bags.

• A unique and modern post-heated organic fermented green tea.
• Organic Sencha produced in Shizuoka put through certified single strain of black koji-powered fermentation process inspired by the traditional Japanese sake, miso, soy sauce and Shochu making.
• The dark dried leaves produce very smooth amber like liquor.

 

We hope we have sparked your interest with these new teas.

We are in regular contact with growers in Japan. Recently we have been involved in some teleconferences organized by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. It supports Japanese business owner to export overseas where we have been introduced to new suppliers and we have advised them on what our clients are looking for and they provide insight into the tea specialties they have to offer. We feel these discussions have been a win-win for all parties and we look forward to continuing these sessions in 2022 and beyond.

Rest assured that our existing selections of teas are available, and we are going to continue to offer those long-time favorite tea selections in the future!

 

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On the theme of something different for 2022 we thought you would like to test your knowledge of tea and Japan with a just-for-fun crossword.
If you enjoy it please let us know and we will do a prize crossword in upcoming newsletters.

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REFERENCE SECTION

Teatime Terminology Treats

Sencha

Exploring the World of Sencha Tea

Sencha tea, a beloved variety of green tea, originates from Japan and has become widely appreciated for its distinct flavor and cultural significance. As one of the most popular teas in Japan, sencha green tea offers a delightful experience to tea enthusiasts around the world, characterized by its fresh, grassy taste and vibrant green color.

The Journey of Sencha Tea

The story of Sencha begins with the cultivation of green tea in Japan. Sencha tea is grown under direct sunlight, which gives it a unique flavor profile and appearance. This contrasts with matcha, which is grown in shaded conditions. The distinction between matcha and sencha tea lies in the cultivation process and how the teas are processed and enjoyed. While matcha is finely ground into a powder, sencha is typically rolled into thin leaves.

Production and Processing

The production of sencha tea involves harvesting the young tea leaves during the first flush of the season, usually in spring. Once harvested, the leaves are steamed to prevent oxidation and rolled into their signature needle-like shapes. This process preserves the tea's vibrant green color and helps lock in its fresh flavors. The best sencha green tea is often made from the first flush of leaves, as it offers the most delicate and nuanced flavors.

One of our popular Sencha teas is from Kagoshima. It is called Sencha ManRyo and is one of over 20 Sencha teas we carry. It is grown from the Yutakamidori cultivar and is a Fukamushi, deep-steamed Sencha.

Types of Sencha Tea

There are several types of sencha tea, each offering its distinctive qualities. One of the popular variations is fukamushi sencha, which undergoes a longer steaming process than regular sencha. This results in a deeper, richer flavor and a darker infusion. Another variety, rishi sencha green tea, is known for its high-quality leaves and smooth taste. For those looking to explore more creative blends, sencha matcha tea combines the essence of sencha with matcha powder, creating a harmonious mix of flavors.

Sencha and Matcha: A Unique Pairing

When discussing green tea, the combination of sencha and matcha often comes up. Sencha with matcha tea is a popular blend that merges the refreshing, grassy notes of sencha with matcha's bold, creamy flavor. This blend offers a unique tea-drinking experience, as both teas complement each other. Whether you’re sipping green tea sencha and matcha or experimenting with sencha matcha tea, this pairing is a must-try for tea lovers.

Organic Sencha and Loose Leaf Options

With increasing demand for organic products, organic sencha green tea has become a popular choice for health-conscious individuals. Organic sencha is grown without the use of synthetic chemicals, allowing tea drinkers to enjoy a pure and natural product. For those who prefer a more traditional experience, loose leaf sencha green tea offers a more robust flavor than pre-packaged tea bags. When brewed correctly, loose-leaf sencha provides a richer and more aromatic infusion.

Convenience in Every Cup

While loose leaf tea is often preferred for its depth of flavor, sencha tea bags offer a convenient alternative for those who enjoy tea on the go. These tea bags are filled with high-quality sencha leaves, ensuring that you don’t sacrifice flavor for convenience. For matcha enthusiasts, sencha naturals matcha is a great option, as it offers a quick and easy way to enjoy the benefits of both matcha and sencha.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned tea drinker or a newcomer, Japanese sencha green tea is a delightful beverage that captures the essence of Japan’s tea culture. From the rich flavors of fukamushi sencha to the innovative blends of te sencha matcha, there’s a world of flavors waiting to be explored. The next time you brew a cup, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship and tradition behind every sip of sencha tea.

 

Chasen

The Chasen: Essential Tool for Whisking Matcha

The chasen, or matcha whisk, is an integral tool in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Made from bamboo, it is specifically crafted to whisk powdered matcha into a frothy, smooth consistency. Whether you are new to matcha or a seasoned tea enthusiast, understanding the role of the chasen is essential to fully appreciate the art of making matcha.

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A chasen is used during a Japanese tea ceremony to make matcha.  The tea preparer uses 'W' and 'M' motions to form foam in the tea.

Origins of the Chasen

The chasen, often called a bamboo tea whisk, has a long history rooted in Japanese tea culture. The art of whisking matcha, or cha sen or chi cha sen, can be traced back to the 15th century when tea master Sen no Rikyū refined the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The delicate craftsmanship of the chasen reflects the precision and mindfulness associated with this ritual.

There are different types of chasen, such as the Takayama chasen, which is handmade in the Takayama region and known for producing some of the best chasen in Japan. The variations in the number of prongs or tines in each chasen give users options depending on how they prefer their matcha – whether thick (koicha) or thin (usucha).

Using the Chasen with Matcha

To use a chasen, you need a few essential items: matcha powder, a tea bowl (chawan), and, ideally, a chasen whisk stand or chasen holder for proper care. Begin by sifting the matcha into the bowl, then add some hot water. Using the chasen matcha whisk, make quick “M” or “W” motions to whisk the tea vigorously until a smooth, frothy layer forms on the surface. This motion ensures the matcha blends thoroughly with water, creating a perfectly balanced texture.

A matcha tea whisk like the chasen is essential for aerating the matcha, improving the tea’s texture and enhancing its taste and visual appeal. For a complete matcha experience, having a matcha whisk and stand helps maintain the longevity of your bamboo whisk by keeping its shape intact. The kusenaoshi—a whisk holder—is particularly important for storing the chasen properly after each use.

Bamboo Matcha Whisks and Their Varieties

When choosing the best chasen, look for a bamboo matcha whisk that suits your needs. Some users prefer the bamboo tea whisk for its flexibility and resilience. Others may seek the best matcha chasen by paying attention to the number of tines on the whisk. The number of tines affects the texture of the whisked matcha—more tines create a finer froth, while fewer tines may be better for thicker matcha preparations.

For convenience, you can use a chasen stand to keep the whisk from deforming between uses. A stand helps to preserve the delicate tines of the chasen bamboo whisk, which ensures that each whisking experience is as practical as the last.

The Ritual of Matcha and Whisk

Matcha preparation goes beyond just making tea. It’s a mindful practice that honors tradition. When using a japanese bamboo matcha whisk, you are engaging in a centuries-old craft. The process of whisking matcha with a green tea whisk or bamboo chasen connects you to a deeper appreciation of tea-making, where every element—from the chasen whisk to the tea bowl—plays a role in the ritual.

Whether you are enjoying a cup of matcha tea and whisking it with a matcha whisk bamboo, or carefully storing your whisk with a chasen holder, every step of the matcha preparation offers an opportunity to slow down and appreciate the craftsmanship involved.

Conclusion

In the world of matcha, the chasen is more than just a tool—it's a symbol of tradition, precision, and mindfulness. Whether you're using a matcha green tea whisk or exploring different whisk types like the Takayama chasen, the right chasen can elevate your matcha experience. With proper care, including the use of a matcha chasen holder, this beautiful bamboo whisk will be a lasting companion on your tea journey.