Superior
Japanese Green Tea
MAIKO TEA SHOP
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| | (C)KYOTO
SEIKA UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE FOR MANGA STUDIES
Chie Yamada, Yui Miura, Markley
Patricia | |
| There are
many different kinds of tea. Supported by approximately 2.7 billion drinkers around
the world, it is the most popular beverage exceeding coffee, drunk by approximately
1.9 billion. Different
kinds of tea can be classified into three basic categories, according to the different
processing methods: black tea, oolong tea and green tea. Originally, they come
from the leaves of the same evergreen plant (Camellia sinensis). |
| 1.Classification
according to processing methods
* Japanese
tea is classified under "green tea."
* an evergreen tree native to Unnan Province
in China. | |
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| Tencha
Maccha (Matcha) (from
shaded fields) |  | Shaded
from mid-April until harvest, these fields receive reduced sunlight. Freshly sprouted
buds are picked, steamed and then dried without being kneaded.
Most people
rarely have a chance to see Tencha in its original state as it is almost always
ground when sold as Maccha (Matcha). However, because the flavor and color quickly
deteriorates after being ground, manufacturers preserve this type of tea in the
non-ground Tencha form.
Shopping
Maccha | | |
| Gyokuro
(from
shaded fields) |  | Similar
to Maccha, Gyokuro is produced from fields shaded from mid-April. Buds are picked,
steamed and then dried as they are kneaded. It is the highest grade of Japanese
tea available characterized by its fine green color, rich aroma, and mellow flavor.
Shopping
Gyokuro |
| Karigane
(Kukicha) |  | Gyokuro
and Sencha are sorted into leaf, stem and powder during processing. Karigane is
a type of green tea that consists mostly of the stem. Commonly called "Karigane"
in Kyoto, it is also known as "Kukicha" throughout Japan.
Some
may question, "why the stem?" but Karigane sorted from Gyokuro has a flavor similar
to Gyokuro leaf tea, and is popular because its relatively reasonable price.
Shopping
Karigane (kukicha) |
| Sencha
(from
fields fully exposed to sunlight) |  | Buds
are picked from fields fully exposed to sunlight, steamed and then dried as they
are kneaded.
It has a unique fresh aroma and refined astringency. Sencha accounts
for 75% of green tea produced in Japan.
Shopping
Sencha |
| Houjicha |
 | Sencha
and Karigane of lower grades are roasted over a high flame to extract a savory
fragrance.
This type of tea is suitable as a side beverage during your meal
as it clears your mouth. Because of a low caffeine content, it is also recommendable
before bedtime.
Shopping
Houjicha |
| Genmaicha |
 | Sencha
and Karigane of lower grades are blended with popped whole-rice (genmai). The
sweetness of the green tea and the aroma of the whole-rice combine exquisitely.
Popular as a daily drink.
Shopping
Genmaicha |
| Konacha
(Powder tea) |  | While
processing Gyokuro and Sencha, they are categorized into three groups: stem, leaf
and powder. Konacha (powder tea) is used commonly in sushi stores because of its
refreshing astringency.
Shopping
Konacha (Powder tea) |
| Other
Types of Green Tea | | Kyobancha | After
the fresh sprouting buds are picked from the bush, the bigger and stiffer leaves
are harvested. They are steamed, dried and then roasted to make this type of tea.
It is popular for its unique aromatic flavor.
Shopping
Kyobancha |
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| Steamed
Tamaryokucha | Produced
just like Sencha, except the final kneading step is omitted. Therefore, the leaves
are not shaped like needles, but are loosely curled. This tea is common in the
Kyushu region. |
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| Roasted
Tamaryokucha | Also
produced in the Kyushu region, this tea is roasted in an iron caldron to bring
out a pleasant aroma. | |
| 3.Tea
for Every Occasion
| Different
types of tea can be drunk for different purposes during the day. |
| | During
Work or Study
We recommend Matcha, Gyokuro or high grade Sencha.
These types of tea are
abundant in caffeine, a chemical that stimulates the brain. |
 | Exercise
We recommend Gyokuro, high grade Sencha and Houjicha.
Caffeine, also known
as "muscle stimulant," is helpful when drunk 20-30 minutes before exercising.
During exercise, we recommend a cup of (cold) tea every 20-30 minutes.
Afterwards,
replenish liquids lost from your body as sweat with Houjicha. The caffeine content
of Houjicha is so low, that this tea does not have any water-extracting effect
on your body |  | Drowsiness
We recommend Matcha, Gyokuro or high grade Sencha.
Green tea is very effective
to ward off drowsiness. More caffeine will dissolve in the tea when brewed with
higher temperature water. |  | To
Clear your Mouth
Houjicha rids your mouth of unwanted aftertaste from greasy foods. |
 | After
a Meal
We recommend
middle - higher grade sencha or Konacha after meals.
They contain an increased
amount of catechin, which reduces risks of food poisoning and cavity. Try Konacha
after eating raw foods such as sushi! |  | Bedtime
/ Elderly / Infants
Houjicha, which has low caffeine content, is recommendable before bedtime, and
as a beverage for the elderly and infants. Weaker houjicha is suitable for babies. |
 | Before
Meals
Houjicha
is best because of its low caffeine content and its mildness. |
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| Preparation
of various |
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Gyokuro
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Maccha
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Sencha
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Shiawasecha
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