About tea

The Return of the 88th Night - A Seasonal Story in Your Cup

Before diving into this week's topic, it's worth taking a moment to enjoy an old Japanese children's song from 1912. Still taught nationwide today, it begins with the line "夏も近づく八十八夜" (Summer is co...

Benefits of Hojicha

Warm, soothing, and rich in natural antioxidants, hojicha roasted green tea offers more than just comfort in a cup. From supporting heart and digestive health to easing inflammation and calming the...

How to Store Tea Properly (and What to Do if It Loses Its Flavour)

Learn how to store tea properly to preserve its flavour and aroma. Discover why refrigeration isn’t ideal, how to freeze tea safely, and how to revive old leaves by roasting them.

Japanese Tea Day: Honouring Eisai and the Roots of Tea Culture in Japan

Discover the story behind Japanese Tea Day (October 31st), a celebration of Eisai, the monk who brought green tea to Japan. Learn how tea became a symbol of harmony, health, and mindfulness.

A Journey to Cape Town: The Science Behind Rooibos

Let's journey from Japan to the southern tip of Africa: Cape Town, South Africa - where the word's only source of Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) thrives. Rooibos is a leguminous shrub native to the...

Don’t Toss Your Tea Leaves: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips

We all love a good cup of tea, but did you know your used tea leaves have a secret superpower?  Only about 20–30% of tea nutrients dissolve in hot water, leaving many non-water-soluble compounds i...

Tea for Your Body and Mind: How Your Cup Nourishes You

When we think about vitamins, it is easy to imagine pills and supplements lined up on a shelf. However in reality, these little compounds have always been part of foods and drinks that we enjoy eve...

Theanine in Tea: The Amino Acid for Calm, Focus, and Flavour

Proteins are essential for life. They build and repair the body’s cells, provide energy, and regulate important processes through hormones and enzymes. When proteins are digested, they break down i...

The Story of Genmaicha: Japan’s Tea of Simplicity and Spirit

In the land where tea and rice are treasured gifts of nature, Japan brings them together to create Genmaicha: a gentle harmony of vibrant green tea’s grassy notes and the toasty, nutty aroma of roa...

From Light and Refreshing to Rich and Velvety: Discover the Two Facets of Japanese Green Tea

Why does one cup of Japanese green tea look crystal clear while another glows with a deep, almost opaque green? The secret lies in the steaming process: and it’s what sets Sencha apart from Fukamus...