How do you host a Japanese tea tasting?

Select 3-5 different teas progressing from light to strong (e.g., sencha, gyokuro, matcha, hojicha). Brew each at its ideal temperature and serve in small cups. Provide palate cleansers like rice crackers between teas. Encourage guests to note color, aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel. Share background on each tea's origin.

What order should you taste Japanese teas?

Start with the lightest, most delicate teas and progress to stronger ones: begin with a light sencha or kabusecha, move to gyokuro or premium sencha, then matcha, followed by hojicha or genmaicha. This prevents stronger flavors from overwhelming your palate for the more subtle teas.

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brewed tea in a bottle with tea tin and kyusu teapot

Tea Culture | August 09, 2023 | A. Broadway

5 Tips for Having Japanese Tea Outdoors

When you’re surrounded by nature's beauty and serenity, there's something truly alluring about sipping your favorite tea outdoors. Sipping Japanese tea in the great outdoors, whether in your backyard or a scenic park, is a genuinely reviving experience.

We'll go over 5 tips and suggestions in this blog post to help you have a memorable time drinking Japanese tea, so you can savor every sip.

1. Choosing Travel-Friendly Tea

Planning to have Japanese tea outdoors requires careful consideration of your tea selection. Use teas that are appropriate for outdoor settings, like kuromamecha black soybean tea or sobacha buckwheat tea. These teas can be steeped for longer periods of time without growing bitter.

Kuromamecha's nutty flavor and sobacha's toasty notes align beautifully with nature, and their forgiving steeping nature lets you immerse yourself in the serene surroundings.

Brewed hojicha in a bottle with hojicha tea tin

2. Pack the Right Equipment

The necessary gear must be packed before having a session of Japanese tea outdoors. Think about taking a portable tea set or a portable tea bottle along with you. This makes it possible for you to comfortably and correctly brew tea while on the go.

If you decide to bring sencha or genmaicha, both Japanese green teas, we suggest that you carry them in a separate container and brew it the moment you’re ready to enjoy them.

3. Choose the Right Setting

Your tea experience can be greatly influenced by which outdoor location you decide on. Look for calm areas, such as gardens, parks, or simply a peaceful area in your backyard. Invite your friends so you can all enjoy the outdoor tea experience together. If you enjoy drinking matcha, a bamboo whisk or even a matcha shaker might be a nice addition to make the prep of matcha easier.

This time is for you to connect with the tea, the environment, and your friends so make sure to choose a location with natural beauty and few interruptions.

4. Be Environmentally Conscious

When enjoying tea outdoors, it's important to be mindful of the environment. Choose reusable and eco-friendly tea packaging or infusers instead of single-use options. Additionally, think about bringing a small container for discarded tea leaves that you may use as compost later on. It's crucial to tidy up the area before you leave and not forget any waste.

5. Practice Mindfulness

We believe mindfulness is at the heart of Japanese tea culture. Take this opportunity to take a break from screens and immerse yourself in the calmness of nature. As you sip your tea, observe the rustling leaves, the chirping birds, and the gentle breeze. Let go of your worries and distractions, focusing on the bold tastes of hojicha, or the mellow aromas of gyokuro.

Enjoying Japanese tea outdoors is a wonderful way to connect with nature and even connect with yourself. As you’re experiencing the beauty of nature, you can truly be immersed and mindful.

By following these five tips, you can create a truly authentic and fulfilling tea experience. So, the next time you venture outdoors, don't forget to bring along your favorite Japanese tea and enjoy the moment.