Japan Sencha Kakagawa

Description

Luxury Ingredients: Green tea.
Ingredients From: Japan (Kagoshima Prefecture)
Shipping Port(s): Yokohama / Tokyo
Grade Composition: Sencha
Growing Altitude(s): 200 – 1000 feet above sea level
Manufacture Type(s): Non fermented, Traditional steamed, pan dried and polished
Infusion: Pale yellow green.
Pairing Suggestions: Sushi, Sashimi, Vegetable Tempura, Fish dishes
Caffeine Content: Low

It should come as no surprise that Japan‟s most influential Samurai, Saigō Takamori (1828-1877), was born in Kagoshima prefecture, home of Japan Sencha Kakagawa. Why should that not be surprising? Because, both are assertive, legendary and “true”. We‟ll explain.

According to lore, Saigō Takamori was dubbed Japan‟s last true Samurai. Living only until his 49th year, the famous warrior fought social oppression, exile and many battles, winning the hearts of all who followed him. Likewise, Japan Sencha Kakagawa is thought by many in the tea world to be one of the truest expressions of Japanese tea, also highly capable of winning the hearts of all who drink it.

Hailing from gardens not far from Saigō‟s birthplace, the fields where Sencha Kakagawa is grown have been shown in numerous studies to be radiation-free, untouched by the unfortunate 2011 Fukushima nuclear event. This leads us to the next truism regarding this fantastic Sencha. If you‟re familiar with Metropolitan Tea, you‟ll know that food safety is something we don‟t take lightly. In the same way the Samurai of old, valued and defended their honor, we value the safety of our clients, and will defend that position come hell, high water, or a marauding band of sword-wielding warriors. A fabulous tea, well worthy of its lineage. Enjoy.

Hot tea brewing method:

Traditional method (see note below): When preparing by the cup, this tea can be used repeatedly – about 3 times. The secret is to use water that is about 180°F/82°C. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon in your cup let the tea steep for about 3 minutes and then begin enjoying a cup of enchantment – do not remove the leaves from the cup. Adding milk and sugar is not recommended. Once the water level is low – add more water, and so on and so on – until the flavor of the tea is exhausted. Look at the pattern of the leaves in the brew, not only do they foretell your fortune but you can see the bud and shoots presenting themselves, looking like they are about to be plucked.

Modern Method: Bring filtered or freshly drawn cold water to a rolling boil. Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea, 1 tea bag or 1 Q3 portion control pack for each 7-9oz/200-260ml of fluid volume in the teapot. Pour the boiling water into the teapot. Cover and let steep for 3-7 minutes according to taste (the longer the steeping time the stronger the tea). Adding milk or sugar is not recommended.

Note: Traditionally, the recommendation has been that green tea be brewed at 180°F/82°C. Regretfully, modern society makes it necessary to consider that water may not be free of harmful bacteria and other impurities. Therefore you need to boil water to kill bacteria. If you wish to use traditional brewing temperatures bring the water to a boil and allow it to cool to the desired brewing temperature – it’s the food safe thing to do!

Iced tea brewing method (Pitcher): (to make 1 liter/quart): Place 6 slightly heaping teaspoons of loose tea, 6 tea bags or 6 Q3 portion packs into a teapot or heat resistant pitcher. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 1¼ cups/315ml over the tea. Steep for 5 minutes. Quarter fill a serving pitcher with cold water. Pour the tea into your serving pitcher straining the tea or removing the bags. Add ice and top-up the pitcher with cold water. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted with cold water. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about!)

Iced tea brewing method (Individual Serving): Place 1 slightly heaping teaspoon of loose tea, 1 tea bag or 1 Q3 portion control packinto a teapot for each serving required. Using filtered or freshly drawn cold water, boil and pour 6-7oz/170-200ml per serving over the tea. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Add hot tea to a 12oz/375ml acrylic glass filled with ice, straining the tea or removing the bags. Not all of the tea will fit, allowing for approximately an additional ½ serving. A rule of thumb when preparing fresh brewed iced tea is to increase the strength of hot tea since it will be poured over ice and diluted. (Note: Some luxury quality teas may turn cloudy when poured over ice. This is a sign of luxury quality and nothing to worry about!)

ANTIOXIDANT BENEFIT: More antioxidants are extracted from tea (L. Camellia Sinesis), or rooibos (Asphalatus Linearis), the longer it is brewed….and the more tea or rooibos that is used, the greater the antioxidant benefit.

Ideal Brewing Temperature: 100ºC/212ºF. Minimum Brewing Temperature: 90ºC/194ºF.