Superior Japanese Green Tea
MAIKO TEA SHOP


Guidance Story Characters 1st story 2nd story 3rd story 4th story 5th story 6th story


 

1st Story
Let's go to Maikonocha
2nd Story
Tea Picking
3rd Story
Tea Processing
4th Story
Tea Varieties
5th Story
Serving Tea
6th Story
Tea and Health

(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.

2.Classification of Green tea (Japanese tea)
Green tea (Japanese tea) can be further classified into different types.
Cultivation Method

Roten en

Ooishita en
grown in full sunlight
grown with reduced exposure to sunlight (shaded from mid-April)

Sencha
75 % of green tea produced in Japan is of this type. Sencha has a fresh aroma and refined astringent flavor.
Shopping Sencha
Gyokuro
highest grade of Japanese tea available. It is characterized by its fine green, rich aroma and mellow flavor.
Shopping Gyokuro
Tencha (Maccha)
Maccha (Matcha) is ground tencha. It is lavishly aromatic with a full-bodied flavor.
Shopping Maccha
Green tea is classified into three basic categories mentioned above (Sencha, Gyokuro and Tencha). But there are many other types on the market, such as Karigane (Kukicha), Konacha (powder tea), Genmai tea or Houjicha.

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
KyobanchaAfter 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

Steamed TamaryokuchaProduced 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.

Roasted TamaryokuchaAlso 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.





Preparation of various

Gyokuro

Maccha

Sencha

Shiawasecha


About Japanese Tea
Chako's Tea Exploration Adventure
1.Let's go to Maikonocha
2.Tea Picking
3.Tea Processing
4.Tea Varieties
5.Serving Tea
Maccha Gyokuro
Sencha
6.Tea and Health

Proper Tea Storage

About Company
MAIKONOCHA-HONPO
2-1 Kamidaimon Fugenji Kyotanabe Kyoto JAPAN 610-0322

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MAIKONOCHA-HONPO 2-1 Kamidaimon Fugenji Kyotanabe Kyoto JAPAN 610-0322
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