The Tea Detective
Uncovering and Exploring the Facts About Tea
Uncovering and Exploring the Facts About Tea
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| Where Japan's Tea Grows Shizuoka Prefecture on Honshu Island |
| A few hours east of Uji and an hour south of Tokyo, in the shadows of Mount Fuji, Japan's tallest peak, lies Shizuoka prefecture, Japan's largest tea growing region. The Akaishi Mountains which form the southernmost range of the Japanese Alps ends in western Shizuoka prefecture. |
| With high elevations, rolling foothills, an abund- ance of rivers and cool mountain breezes, it pro- vides the perfect climate for abundant tea growth. Over 50% of Japan's tea is grown in this area. In the central region of Shizuoka prefecture lies Shizuoka City. Suruga Bay protects this area with a mild climate and frequent coastal fog that pro- vides abundant moisture, supporting up to four tea harvests per year. Sencha is the primary tea produced in this region. Fukamushi Ichiban Senchas are some of the most prized teas grown here, as they are made from the very first leaves plucked during the beginning days of the First Sencha Harvest, comparable to China's Qing Ming Festival, and India's First Flush Darjeelings. |
| Ichiban means "the first," referring to tea that was produced from the first most tender leaves plucked during the beginning days of the tea harvest in early May. Ichiban senchas are some of the finest, most exquisite teas be- cause they contain a concentration of compounds stored over the winter and released into the first new buds and leaves. Also nearby, in the shadow of Mount Fuji, lies Kakegawa, a small wedge of fertile land on the coastal hills south of Shizuoka City. Kakegawa has the most sophisticated tea operations in the world. Huge metal fans are out-fitted on the hills overlooking the tea, protecting it from frost (the fans prevent cold air from settling down low near the plants which could kill the tender young leaves and buds). Tea factories are located every few miles throughout the entire region, ready to process the harvest on a moments notice. It was Kakegawa tea makers that first invented the fukumushi method of deep steaming after WWII. Their goal was to improve the quality of mass produced tea made from larger, tougher, less desirable and lesser quality tea leaves. Even though the fukamushi method of deep steaming only lasts 30 seconds longer than standard, traditonal steaming, it breaks the leaves up into much smaller, thinner filaments which brew quicker and impart a stronger flavor. The Japanese have come to enjoy the flavor of fukamushi sencha so much that nearly all sencha is now deep steamed in Japan. Ichiban senchas have become so popular in Japan that they are now mass produced, sometimes with less quality. They have become so popular, in fact, that the demand has begun to exceed the supply, forcing Japan to outsource manufacturing and import Chinese made senchas. These are most often extremely inferior quality, though, due to inferior soil and inexperience producing this type and style of tea. Tea was first produced in Shizuoka during Japan's Kamakura period (1185-1333). Sencha is the main tea produced in Shizuoka prefecture and today over 40% of Japan's sencha production comes from this region. Shizuoka prefecture is also the second most famous producer of top quality gyokuro, as well as producing bancha which is also grown in Uji and Kyushu. Enjoy. For more information or to learn more about tea, visit our other pages: The teas of Japan - where age old tradition meets new age demand. Follow the history of tea drinking in Japan beginning around the eighth century Nara period through today, and the bright, shiny state-of-the-art factories that turn out some of the world's finest teas. Learn how Japanese teas are made. A close-up look at the nine step manufacturing process for Japan's green teas, from the field through the first six steps to produce aracha or crude tea, to the last three refining steps for a finished tea or shiagecha. |
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| For a great selection of quality teas, gifts, and accessories, visit: The Tea Detective's Gift of Tea Store |
| Which types and styles of tea are grown in Japan? Learn about Japan's teas, the types and styles grown there, and a brief description of each one, along with growing cycles, harvesting times, and processing methods. Also which teas are exported and found in and outside of the U.S., and online. (Enjoy the refreshing, savory flavor of Silver Leaf Tea's Genmaicha or subtly sweet Kukicha tea). Where were Japan's first tea gardens located? Learn about Japan's world famous tea gardens and the historical city where tea first arrived in the 800's, and is still grown there today, producing most of Japan's finest quality teas. Which green teas are found in China? Take an in-depth look at green teas specific to China, the styles, growing season, climate, and description of some popular green teas you could expect to find in and outside of the U.S., and online. (Delight your taste buds with Silver Leaf Tea's, Green Earl Grey and Jasmine Monkey King). Which three teas is India most famous for? Learn about India and the teas it's best know for as well as the growing season, climate, and its majestic terrain. Teas of the World Over 50 countries produce tea today. Learn which countries are in the top ten for tea production and export, and which new up and coming countries are producing the tea you can expect to see in your cup in the near future. When and where was tea first discovered? Learn the early history of tea, from its discovery through the mid 16th century and China's early trade with Europe. Herbal teas-bringing together tea and herbs, two of nature's powerhouses. Tea and herbs together from a powerful healing and nutritional element to your everyday diet. Find out why herbal teas are so beneficial to your health. The Gift of Tea - why tea makes the perfect gift. Learn why tea makes the perfect gift for birthdays, holidays, get well and more, to show you really care, and how tea also makes the perfect beverage to serve for dinners and entertaining. |
An easy-to-use ingenuiTEA teapot, whose ingenious design has been featured in The New York Times, Time Magazine and HGTV.
Receive A Guide To Tea, an 88-page book on the history and enjoyment of tea free with your first Adagio Teas order of $19 or more.