Single Origin Japanese Tea. Why is so Important?

 

 

Single origin, or single state tea, refers to tea that comes from a specific geographic location, usually a particular tea estate or region. This means that the tea leaves are grown, harvested, and processed in one place, rather than being blended with leaves from other areas.

The importance of single origin tea lies in the fact that it allows consumers to appreciate the unique characteristics and flavours of the tea that are specific to that region. Factors such as terroir, climate, soil, altitude, and harvesting methods all influence the flavour profile of the tea. Single origin tea also allows for greater traceability and transparency in the supply chain, as it is easier to track the journey of the tea leaves from the farm to the consumer.

In Japan, there are many single state farms that produce high quality, premium teas. Each region has unique characteristics, such as soil, irrigation, climate, and production methods, that can significantly impact the taste and aroma of the tea.

For example, Uji, located in the Kyoto prefecture, is known for producing high-quality Matcha and Gyokuro, which are shaded green teas. The shading process gives these teas a distinct sweetness and umami flavour. In contrast, Shizuoka, located in central Japan, is famous for its sencha, a steamed green tea that has a fresh, grassy taste. Kagoshima, located in the southern part of Japan, is a newer tea region that has gained popularity in recent years. Kagoshima produces Sencha and Gyokuro, with a rich, bold flavour that is distinct from other regions, this is due to the volcanic soil and warm, humid climate in the area. But there are many other very important single origin teas producing areas throughout Japan such as, Saitama, Mie, Fukuoka, Miyazaki, Shiga, Aichi, Gifu, Nara, Nagasaki and Kumamoto. We will describe these other areas in more detail in future posts.

When purchasing single origin Japanese tea, it's important to pay attention to the information provided about the specific farm or region where the tea was grown. This can give you a better understanding of the unique qualities of the tea and allow you to appreciate it even more. Additionally, it's essential to purchase high-quality tea from reputable transparent sources to ensure that you are getting the best quality possible for taste, aroma and health benefits.

Japanese tea, in particular, is highly sought after for its unique taste and health benefits. Many Japanese teas, such as Matcha and Sencha, are rich in antioxidants and have been linked to various health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and improved brain function.

By choosing single origin tea, consumers can support sustainable farming practices, and often small-scale tea growers, who may be at risk of being overshadowed by larger, multinational tea companies. Additionally, single origin teas are often of higher quality and more complex in flavour than blended teas, as they are not diluted with leaves from other regions.