It's All About Tea — cultivars
A Guide to Main Japanese Tea Cultivars: Flavor and Characteristics
Posted by Misha Gulko on
For those of us who are not deeply immersed in Japanese teas, it's easy to think of them all as just "green tea." But dig a bit deeper, and you quickly realize there's a lot more going on. One of the first things you'll notice is the word "cultivar," which means a particular variety (or "breed") of a tea plant that's been selected and bred for specific characteristics – things like flavor, aroma, leaf size, or how well the plant grows in certain conditions.
Japan has developed dozens of these cultivars, each with its own personality. Some cultivars produce teas with deep, rich umami flavors, perfect for high-end Matcha or Gyokuro. Others offer a lighter, fresher taste suited to everyday drinking. There are also the rarer specialty cultivars that enthusiasts and collectors hunt down.
Knowing a bit about cultivars is about understanding your tea better. It's the difference between just drinking a nice cup of tea and knowing exactly why you like that particular tea. In this article, we'll explore some of the major Japanese tea cultivars and what makes each one unique. (Read more)
Exploring the Tea Plant: Sinensis, Assamica and more
Posted by Boyka Mihaylova on
The heart of tea's diversity lies in its countless varieties, each contributing its taste, aroma, and flavor to the world of tea. The major varieties, Camellia Sinensis and Camellia Assamica, are well-known in the tea community for the wide array of tea flavors and textures they give birth to. However, beyond these popular varieties exists a realm of lesser known species that play a crucial role in the rich and varied world of tea.
This article aims to explore the depth of tea varieties, from the renowned to the rare. We'll dive into each variety's history, characteristics, and unique qualities, offering a comprehensive look at the plants that create our beloved beverage. At the same time, we hope to contribute to a better understanding of the tea plant and create a more vibrant and detailed representation of the rich world of flavors, aromas, and tastes induced by the vast array of tea varieties out there. (Read More)