Brewing Instructions & Tips
Know Your Tea
What kind of tea are you going to serve: sencha, gyokuro, genmai-cha, hoji-cha or ban-cha? It is important to know what kind of tea you are about to drink because the amount and temperature of the water will differ depending on the tea.
Learn more about the art of Japanese tea here.Choose The Right Teapot
Look for a teapot with wire mesh inside to prevent tea leaves from pouring into the cup. Mesh attached to the inside of the spout is preferable to detached, because it allows the tea leaves to circulate freely.
Temperature
It is very important to use filtered water that is first brought to a boil when brewing Japanese tea. After boiling, let the water cool to a suitable temperature for each tea type. Here is a tip: the higher the grade of tea, the lower the temperature. This is because high- grade tea has subtle flavors that are overpowered in hot water. In general, premium sencha is brewed at about 160°F (70°C), regular sencha at 175°F (80°C), genmai-cha, ban-cha, and hoji-cha at 190°F (90°C).
Serving Size
Are you using a mug or small Japanese style cups? The amount of tea leaves used depends on the volume desired and the tea type.
Store in a Dark, Cool Place
Green tea is very sensitive to heat and humidity. Once the package is opened, store it in an air-tight bag or tea canister and keep it in the refrigerator.
How To Brew Sencha Green Tea
STEP 1
Pour boiled water into a cup(s) to warm the cup as well as to measure the serving amount.
STEP 2
Spoon tea leaves into the teapot. A tablespoon (3g) serves about 8oz. Adjust the amount by the size of the spoon.
STEP 3
Pour water into the teapot. Steeping time depends on the quality and type of sencha. Steep 1 minute or more for higher grades, 30 seconds for deep steamed or regular sencha. Do not shake the teapot while waiting.
STEP 4
Gently pour the tea into a teacup(s). Do not pour all at once, rather pour it in several consecutive pours to ensure the water circulates through all the leaves. Tap out any remaining drops so no water remains in the teapot.
How to brew Gyokuro Green tea
STEP 1
Pour boiled water into a cup(s) and let it cool to 140°F (60°C) or less.*TIP: Pouring hot water once reduces the temperature by 50°F (10°C).
STEP 2
Spoon two tablespoons of tea leaves (6g) into the teapot. Adjust the amount by the size of the spoon.
STEP 3
Pour water into the teapot and steep for 5 - 10 minutes until the tea leaves are completely hydrated. Do not shake the teapot while waiting. Gently pour the tea into a teacup(s). Do not pour all at once, rather pour it in several consecutive pours to ensure the water circulates through all the leaves. Tap out any remaining drops so no water remains in the teapot.
How to brew Genmaicha and Hojicha
STEP 1
Spoon two or three tablespoons. Pour boiling water directly into of tea leaves (6-9g) into the teapot.
STEP 2
Pour boiling water directly into of tea leaves (6-9g) into the teapot. the teapot. Steep for 30 seconds.
STEP 3
Gently pour the tea into a teacup(s). Do not pour all at once, rather pour it in several consecutive pours to ensure the water circulates through all the leaves. Tap out any remaining drops so no water remains in the teapot.
STEP 1
STEP 2
