Green tea is a beverage that has won the hearts of people all over the world, but nowhere does it have as deep a meaning as in Japan. Tea in Japanese is not just the brew itself, but also a philosophy, ceremony, and art that intertwine, creating an extraordinary experience for body and soul.
We all know tea, but in Poland, black tea is mainly popular. Green tea, however, is not yet so widespread. Few people know how to properly brew green tea, whether it can be steeped with boiling water, and whether the brew must always have a seaweed-like taste.
For those who want to delve into the secrets of Japanese tea, there are more and more places where one can try it and where tea is an important element. An example is Klekotki SPA & Resort, where you can taste authentic green tea every day, and also participate several times a year in special events that bring Japanese culture closer.
Green tea definitely deserves to be explored. Therefore, we invite you to a short compendium about the tea that the Japanese have fallen in love with.
History of Japanese Tea
The Japanese tradition of drinking tea (in Japanese, tea is called "cha") dates back to the 9th century when Buddhist monks began importing green tea from China. They introduced tea to Japan as a ritual drink meant to aid meditation. Over time, tea drinking became popular among the aristocracy and samurai warriors. In the 14th century, Sen no Rikyū, one of the most influential tea masters, shaped the tea ceremony into the form we know today.
The Japanese popularized tea in their country, but the final product differs from that of several hundred years ago. This is partly because they developed their method of steaming tea leaves and improved cultivation, for example, by shading some crops. Tea produced in Japan is not always identical in taste. There are many varieties of cha, mainly differing in flavor, aroma, and color. In the country of origin of tea, China, tea remains very popular, but green tea is Japan's domain, particularly due to the aforementioned leaf steaming process.
Green Tea in Japan
Japan is famous for various types of green tea, with the most popular being sencha, gyokuro, hojicha, and matcha. But there are many more varieties of cha, some produced in very limited quantities. Each type of tea has a unique method of leaf processing, flavor, and brewing method. The harvest time of cha is also important. For example, sencha from the first harvest will differ from that of the late harvest.
A tea particularly enjoyed both hot and cold is hojicha, which is green tea subjected to a roasting process. In Japanese restaurants and bars, it is often served free of charge with meals. Another type of tea frequently drunk is genmaicha, to which roasted rice is added.
However, the most popular cha is that in plastic bottles, sold in numerous vending machines and stores. In summer, it tastes best heavily chilled, and in winter very hot - and you can buy it on every corner in Japan.
How is Green Tea Produced?
It is worth noting that green tea comes from the same bush as black tea. The difference lies in the fact that immediately after harvesting, green tea leaves are steamed to stop the oxidation process, while black tea leaves are left to wither and dry partially. The most valuable is early spring tea available for a limited time, especially that from the first harvest. This is because young, small leaves give a milder brew. But the second harvest’s tea can also be excellent.
The Japanese tea industry has been facing a big challenge for some time. Among Japanese people, the consumption of tea is decreasing, and additionally, Japanese growers, like most of society, are aging significantly. For this reason, many growers are seeking new customers, for example in Europe or the United States.
The Ideal Way to Prepare Green Tea
There is no one universal brewing method, everything depends on the type of tea. Ceramic teapots (jap. kyusu) with ceramic or metal filters are used for brewing leaf teas. Tea should be brewed with soft water at a temperature adjusted to the type of leaves. The leaves are delicate, so boiling water is not used for brewing green tea. Typical vessels used for serving tea include ceramic cups or small mugs.
Sencha, the most popular green tea in Japan, should be brewed in water about 70-80°C for about a minute, sometimes less. Good quality sencha has a slightly green or yellowish-green color and a distinct aroma of fresh grass or fruit. The taste reveals a delicate sweetness and sea notes.
Gyokuro, considered one of the highest quality green teas, is an early harvest tea brewed at a lower temperature (about 50-60°C) for a longer time, which gives it sweetness and a clearly perceptible umami flavor. Its taste sometimes even recalls a delicate broth.
Tea Ceremony
The tea ceremony, known as chanoyu or sadō, is a ritual that involves preparing and drinking matcha tea. Matcha is powdered green tea with an intense flavor and deep green color. The tea ceremony pays tribute to simplicity and harmony, and every element – from the choice of utensils to the way the tea is whisked – is thoughtful and full of symbolism.
Four words are key: wa (harmony), kei (respect), sei (purity), and jaku (tranquility). The tea preparation takes place in a special tea pavilion called chashitsu, usually surrounded by a garden. Entering the chashitsu, participants leave daily worries behind and enter a state of meditation and contemplation.
To prepare this tea, the ground cha leaves are processed in a special way. Tea leaves are ground into a fine powder, which is then mixed with hot water using a bamboo whisk called chasen. The resulting tea is thick and creamy, with a characteristic foam on the surface. Traditionally, it is drunk without additives, although nowadays matcha tea can be found in more varied forms, like latte.
Health Benefits of Green Tea
Green tea is valued not only for its exceptional taste and the rituals associated with it but also for numerous health benefits.
Immune System
Green tea leaves are rich in antioxidants called catechins, which help combat free radicals. Thanks to this, regular consumption of green tea can support the immune system, reduce the risk of heart diseases, and protect against some types of cancer.
Concentration and Stress Reduction
One of the main components of green tea is EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate), which has strong anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea also helps improve brain function due to its caffeine and L-theanine content, which together enhance concentration and reduce stress. Moreover, regular consumption of green tea can contribute to better metabolism.
Detoxification
Green tea is also known for its detoxifying properties. It helps remove toxins from the body, supports liver function, and improves digestion. Consequently, drinking green tea can relieve people suffering from stomach problems and support overall well-being.
Klekotki – A Place for Japanese Green Tea Lovers
If you want to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese tea, Klekotki SPA & Resort is the perfect place where you can feel the spirit of Japan. Every day, you can taste authentic green tea prepared traditionally and experience its aroma. Special events also take place at Klekotki, such as the Japanese Weekend, held twice a year.
During these events, you can not only enjoy Japanese tea but also participate in workshops and tea ceremony demonstrations, learning all its secrets. All this happens in a very Japanese atmosphere and surrounded by beautiful nature, which promotes relaxation and meditation.
Good tea is always a great excuse for traveling and meeting people. Green tea or black tea – it really does not matter much. Cha simply brings people together.