Tea Preparation

Tea Preparation:  Full enjoyment of any fine tea requires proper preparation. Let us begin with green tea. The term “green tea” actually has almost nothing to do with the colour of the tea. A tea is classified as “green” if it has not been allowed to ferment. Oolong tea is partially fermented, and black tea is completely fermented. The difference between the green teas of Japan and of other regions is the method of stopping fermentation. Japanese green tea is steamed and other green teas are roasted. One result of this difference is colour. Chinese green tea, for instance, is usually golden brown, while Japanese green tea is actually green. This difference in production method is manifested not only in colour, but also in taste and in the proper manner to prepare and serve the tea.

Japanese Green Tea:  Tea from Japan is not robust, like its Chinese or Indian cousins. It is, in a word, fragile. It requires a lot of tender loving care – but the results of proper preparation are extraordinary! First, Japanese green tea oxidizes very easily – a result of steaming rather than roasting. Thus, fine green teas from Japan are always carefully packed in nitrogen washed, vacuum sealed foil envelopes. When one of these envelopes is opened, the tea should be prepared immediately – if not, the flavour intensity will begin to diminish. The next important thing to know is that the temperature of the water added to the tea should be only about 80^o C to 85^o C (about 175^o F to 185^o F). This is significantly less than the temperature of boiling water (100^o C or 212^o F). Boiling water for Japanese green tea is OK as long as you let it cool a few minutes before adding it to the tea. The final important rule to follow is to remove the sachet (teabag) of Japanese green tea from the hot water as soon as the tea’s colour becomes dark green. The sachet can be reused for a second cup, or even a third, but it should not be immersed in water in between cups. This sounds rather complicated, but it’s not difficult at all – and trust us – it’s worth doing right!