JACC Looks Back: Japanese Tea Event
What is the best way to relax after a stressful day?
Definitely a big mug of good green tea.
Beyond its gentle taste and numerous health benefits, green tea is a beverage with deep cultural roots, particularly in Japan, where it has been an integral part of tradition for centuries.
Whether you enjoy green tea at an authentic tea ceremony or brew it yourself at home, have you ever wondered how green tea is actually sourced?
In that case, the tea event at JACC is the perfect place to explore the topic of high-quality Japanese green tea. And, of course, there is a taste test, too.
Yoshiko-san, the founder and head of Tea for Germany (T4G), an initiative dedicated to introducing Japanese Tea to Germany, kindly hosted the event for JACC.
To start the event, let’s cover a bit of tea theory: Most teas – green, black, oolong, and white – come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis.
The differences in flavor, color, and aroma stem from the way the leaves are processed. Black tea is fully oxidized, giving it a rich, dark color, while green tea is minimally oxidized, preserving its fresh, vegetal taste.
High-quality green tea involves a series of careful steps that vary by type.
For example, Sencha, one of Japan’s most popular green teas, is steamed shortly after picking to halt oxidation, then rolled and dried.
This steaming process helps retain its bright green color and fresh, slightly grassy flavor.
After the theory, it was time to get a taste test of high-quality green tea!
Initially, the participants were divided into three groups, each with a small teapot and two different kinds of green tea.
For the first serving, the tea leaves were placed in the pot and steeped in hot, but not boiling, water.
After 30 seconds, the tea was poured into small cups and ready to be tasted.
Each tea was brewed a total of three times, with each infusion producing a distinct aroma and flavor.
The first brew was intense and rich in umami, while the subsequent infusions became milder and sweeter. The tea leaves were also edible, served with a savory sauce, allowing us to enjoy both the leaves and the tea to the fullest.
The event proved to be as engaging as it was flavorful – in every sense of the word.
Beyond savoring high-quality green tea, it was an opportunity to connect with others who share a curiosity about Japanese culture, exchanging stories and enjoying the shared experience.
As I would like to say, great tea brings great company. So, enough of this blog; get yourself a nice cup of tea. It is time to relax and enjoy the moment to its fullest.
Author: Tea Event Participant, TUM Student