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DISCOVERING THE ESSENCE OF JAPANESE TEA
by Anna & Xenia Katina
After years of exploring Japan, trekking through its serene mountains, and immersing myself in the warm hospitality of its people, I discovered a simple yet profound tradition: being welcomed with a cup of tea. This ritual is more than just a drink—it’s an invitation to pause, acknowledge the moment, and find comfort in your surroundings. It became clear that tea is not just a beverage in Japan; it’s a way of life.
My journey took me across different prefectures, where I became captivated by the incredible variety and deep-rooted traditions of Japanese tea. I found myself comparing the unique flavors, brewing methods, and specialized tools from region to region. Each type of tea had its own dedicated teapot, enhancing its preparation to perfection. But the one that truly captured my heart was matcha, often regarded as the “princess of teas.”
My first encounter with matcha was in a tranquil Buddhist temple in Kyoto, on a trip with my twin sister Anna who joined me on my tea hunt.
A monk, with the utmost care and precision, prepared my cup. I watched, entranced, as he warmed the water, carefully cleaned the utensils, and whisked the vibrant green powder into a frothy, velvety texture. It was more than just tea; it was a meditative experience. From that moment, I was on a mission to find the best matcha in Kyoto, which ultimately led me to Uji—the birthplace of this iconic tea.
Why Uji?
Uji, a region renowned for its superior quality matcha, benefits from a unique combination of rich soil, misty climate, and traditional cultivation techniques perfected over centuries. The tea plants are shaded for weeks before harvest, enhancing their chlorophyll content and delivering that deep, umami-rich flavor profile that true matcha lovers cherish.
During my travels, I had the privilege of meeting various tea farmers. However, one small, family-run farm in Uji stood out. They offered four different types of matcha, but it was the Hikari cultivar that captured my senses. Even before tasting the others, I knew this was something extraordinary. Hikari is a rare, competition-grade matcha with a depth of flavor and smoothness like no other. It’s produced in limited quantities, making each sip a truly exclusive experience.
My passion for this tea led me to bring it home, so you too can experience the magic of Uji matcha. Words can only go so far—taste it for yourself, and discover the tradition and craftsmanship in every cup.
yours trully,
Xenia
@sawanoha
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