The Difference Between Japanese and Chinese Tea
Chinese and Japanese tea share some similarities. For instance they both come from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. Tea first originated in China and it is rumored that Japanese priests liked it so much that they decided to start processing it themselves.
Over the years, Japanese tea farmers have refined there processing of the plant and this has lent to a slightly different taste. The Japanese have concentrated more on preventing the oxidation of flavenoids which help retain the flavor of the tea and contribute to the healing benefits. They do this by steaming the leaves, then letting them naturally dry. Once the leaves are completely dry they are then rolled into different shapes. The Chinese on the other hand pan fry the leaves in a large work.
Price
Japanese tea tends to be more expensive than Chinese tea. Whether this comes down to the processing method or the bulk that Chinese teas can export in is unknown. It is true that in terms of availability, Japan does not have access to the same bulk amounts that China does. In terms of aroma there is no real different between Chinese and Japanese tea.
Japan also seems to prefer to process a lot of there teas with machinery and only hand pick the most quality teas, while most Chinese tea is hand picked.
The Japanese Tea Ceremony
Both Japan and China pay a lot of attention to ritual and tradition and nowhere is this more evident than in their tea ceremonies. The Japanese tea ceremony first began in the 16th Century, and is still ritually followed today.
Matcha is a fine powdered green tea which is used for the ceremony. The Japanese tea ceremony is performed by a trained practitioner, who will hold the ceremony for a small group of people in a tranquil setting. This is not just about drinking tea but is a more spiritual practice, where the tranquil nature of the tea and surroundings are one. Sometimes food may also be served.
Becoming a Japanese tea ceremony practitioner takes years of practice and they must be well versed in the accompanying phrases and gestures that are part of the ceremony. They must also be well skilled in Kimono, calligraphy, flower arranging and incense.
Over the years the rules have become a little more relaxed and in some situations the wearing of the Kimono may be optional.
The Difference Between Western And Eastern Tea Drinking
Eastern tea drinkers have very different drinking habits to the western counterparts. For example Japanese tea drinkers, use cups without handles. The practice is to hold the cup with one hand while the other hand is placed below it. Japanese tea is never served with cream or sugar.
While China can out weigh Japan in the sheer volume of tea they can shift, Japan still has a lot to offer tea drinkers, in terms of a refreshing and healthy beverage.