Well, if you’re lookin’ to try somethin’ good, that Japanese green tea is mighty fine. I tell ya, it’s like nothin’ you’ve tasted before. Now, there’s all kinds of ‘em, but I reckon the organic ones taste the best. They ain’t been touched by no chemicals or fertilizers, so you get the purest, cleanest flavor right from the leaves. Let’s talk a bit about some of them.
Sencha Tea – This here is the most common green tea you’ll find in Japan. They say about 80% of all the tea made there is Sencha, and no wonder why. It’s got a nice balance, a bit of bitterness but still smooth. Folks drink this every day in Japan, it’s as regular as bread and butter. If you’re lookin’ to start with Japanese green tea, Sencha is a mighty good choice.
Gyokuro Tea – Now this one, I reckon it’s somethin’ special. Gyokuro is for the fancy folks, it’s got this deep, rich umami flavor that you won’t find in your average green tea. It’s made from the youngest leaves and grown in the shade, so it’s extra sweet and smooth. A real treat if you want to splurge a bit. Folks say it’s like a fine wine, gets better with every sip.
Matcha Tea – Well, this one’s all the rage now, ain’t it? Matcha is ground up into a fine powder, so when you drink it, you’re takin’ in the whole leaf. It’s got that nice, earthy taste. Some folks say it’s got a lotta health benefits too. Now, you don’t have to get organic matcha, but if you do, you know you ain’t got no chemicals in there. Always better to go the natural route when you can, I say.
Genmaicha Tea – Oh, this one’s got a little somethin’ extra, I tell ya. Genmaicha is a mix of green tea and roasted rice, and it gives it a toasty flavor that’s mighty nice. Some folks call it “popcorn tea” ‘cause of the smell, and it sure does make you think of sittin’ by the fire on a cold day. It’s a good tea for when you want somethin’ a bit more relaxed and down-home.
Houjicha Tea – Now this one’s different again. Houjicha is made by roasting green tea leaves, so it’s got a darker color and a nice, warm, toasty flavor. It’s got less caffeine, so you can drink it anytime of day, even right before bed if you want. Some folks find it a bit more mellow and easier on the stomach, especially if you’ve got a sensitive tummy.
Kukicha Tea – Kukicha is made from the stems and twigs of the tea plant, not just the leaves. Sounds a bit odd, but it’s actually a pretty mild, sweet tea. If you like something a bit lighter and gentler, Kukicha might be your go-to. It’s a good one for those who don’t want too much of a strong tea taste but still want that green tea goodness.
Organic Japanese Green Tea – The best part about all these teas is you can get ‘em organic. Organic means they ain’t been sprayed with no synthetic pesticides or chemicals. I don’t know about you, but I like the idea of drinkin’ somethin’ that’s grown natural. When you’re pickin’ your tea, always look for the organic ones if you can. It’s worth the extra few pennies for peace of mind.
Well, I reckon that’s enough talk about tea for now. All these Japanese green teas come in different types, so it’s really up to you to find the one you like best. Whether you’re after a nice, calming cup in the mornin’ or somethin’ to sip on in the afternoon, Japanese green tea’s got a little somethin’ for everyone. Try it once, and you might just fall in love with it like I did. Don’t be shy now, give it a go!
Tags: [Japanese Green Tea, Organic Green Tea, Sencha, Gyokuro, Matcha, Genmaicha, Houjicha, Kukicha, Japanese Teas, Organic Japanese Tea]
