Green Tea

May 1, 2020 | Spring, Year-Round

Green Teas

緑茶 RYOKU CHA

Green teas are green because enzymes responsible for oxidization have been prevented from doing their (dark and discoloring) work.

The Japanese halt oxidation by steaming freshly picked leaves, while the Chinese typically pan-fire or roast tea leaves to achieve similar results. The steaming process accentuates latent vegetal, grassy and herbaceous overtones in tea — qualities that are prized by the Japanese. In much the same way that wine enthusiasts throughout the world eagerly anticipate the arrival of Beaujolais nouveau, tea connoisseurs everywhere keenly await Japanese shin cha (new tea) at market.

煎茶           SENCHA (leaf tea)
茎茶           KUKI CHA (stem tea)
深むし茶    FUKAMUSHI CHA (deep-steamed to stabilize)
玄米茶       GENMAI CHA (green tea mixed with roasted rice)
焙じ茶       HŌJI CHA (roasted green tea)

Find out more about these teas and how to brew them…
DOWNLOAD GREEN TEA brewing details 

Using Food Fully

Using Food Fully

Meals planned around a single ingredient prepared in many ways are referred to as tsukushi (or zukushi) 尽くし menus. The verb tsukusu means "to use, or consume, entirely." This no-waste approach is both a frugal and practical way to cook, making the most of what is...

The Language of Learning

The Language of Learning

Although we are all born with some innate capabilities, we also must LEARN in order to survive and thrive. Different cultures manage learning differently. The Japanese language has two verbs that can be used when talking about acquiring information and experience....

Oysters

Oysters

Throughout the world, oysters have been a popular food source since ancient times. Archeologic evidence in Japan, in the form of kaizuka (shell mounds), dates to the Jōmon period (14,000-300 BCE). Oysters had been abundant for millennia and harvested in their natural...

Kagami Mochi

Kagami Mochi

At New Years’ time, the Japanese decorate their homes with a special display called KAGAMI MOCHI. There are many regional variations on the theme but typically two large rounds of omochi rice taffy are stacked with a daidai 橙 (bitter orange) on top. The arrangement is...

Recent Posts & Projects