Japanese Teas at Tea-Direct

Japan was one of the earliest countries to cultivate tea when, in the 8th century, Buddhist scholars discovered tea while studying in China and, impressed with the medicinal qualities of green tea, brought it home to Japan. The earliest mention of tea in Japanese literature dates back to AD 815, when it was recorded as being served to Emperor Saga, but it remained a rare and valuable drink, available only to the imperial court for many centuries. Not until the 17th century did Japan begin to export tea, with the Dutch East India Company exporting tea leaves to Europe and later to the United States.

Climate and Harvests
Most Japanese tea is grown on small farms that share a communal factory. Climate differs depending on region, but in general it is warm and moist, due to tea growing regions being located next to the sea or by rivers. Three or four harvests take place each year in Japan, with the sought-after first flush taking place in April, while June and September are the usual months for standard cuttings.

How do Japanese Teas Taste?
There are a variety of green teas gown in Japan, including popular varieties such as sencha, and bancha. Japanese teas tend to be grassy, oceanic and vegetal in flavour, due to the misty and moist climate, but can also be quite sweet to taste and full of complex flavours.

Sencha Fukujyu Tea – From £14.99
Made from leaves that are plucked in spring and steamed lightly before rolling, this fine green tea produces a lovely deep olive green colour and reveals smooth, slightly sweet flavours. Subtle, mild and refreshing, Japanese Fukuiya Green Tea can be enjoyed all through the day.

Sencha Fukuju tea is produced in Japan, in areas where tea leaves are grown in the shade for several weeks before being harvested in early spring. The leaves are then steamed, rolled, and dried through a process known as "Asamushi", resulting in a tea that is delicate and refreshing.

Sencha Genmai Cha Tea – From £12.99
This classic Japanese green tea is blended with toasted popped rice to create a lovely warm and nutty taste and delightful savoury notes. Sencha Genmai is smooth and mild, but full of delicious flavours, and is perfect for those looking for a less astringent green tea.

Also known as "popcorn tea" due to the popping sound the roasted rice makes when brewed, Sencha Genmai tea was first produced by monks in 15th century Japan, who would mix roasted rice with leftover tea leaves to make their tea supplies last longer. The tea became popular among the Japanese people, soon becoming a staple in daily life.