Differences between Chinese and Japanese green teas

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Dec 31st, '07, 19:02
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Differences between Chinese and Japanese green teas

by TheSteamyPot » Dec 31st, '07, 19:02

I am new to tea so don't shoot me for this question. I never had Japanese green tea, only Chinese and I really do like the flavor of Chinese green teas. I was wondering if someone would be kind enough to explain to me the differences in these teas in terms of: taste, aroma, and method of production. Also if anyone can suggest a good Chinese and Japanese green tea to compare and contrast with I would be very thankful. Thank you.

Oh and here is a link to the catalog I pick my teas from my local vendor here in Tampa: http://www.thetealounge.com/images/Kale ... KOFTEA.pdf

If you could suggest one of those that would be nice and easier for me to get but by all means if you have other suggestions please share them :)

Dec 31st, '07, 19:25

by Ed » Dec 31st, '07, 19:25

Japanese green tea is steamed, whereas Chinese green tea is pan-fired. Japanese green tea generally has a bolder flavor. The menu you linked to does not contain any premium Japanese tea, as far as I can see. But the kukicha, genmaicha, and sencha might give you some idea what Japanese tea is about. But keep in mind those teas are probably not the freshest or the best quality. Consider ordering a premium sencha from a Japanese tea vendor for the best cup.

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Dec 31st, '07, 19:52
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by TheSteamyPot » Dec 31st, '07, 19:52

Thanks for the advice. What vendor do you recommend for Sencha? I am considering trying this Chinese green (Premium Huang Shan Mao Feng) http://sevencups.com/tea_shop/home.php?cat=296

Dec 31st, '07, 20:00

by Ed » Dec 31st, '07, 20:00

It looks like you're going for the high-quality Chinese green (good call). You'll probably want the best Japanese green too then. www.o-cha.com has some of the best sencha. They tend to carry the higher-quality teas.

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Dec 31st, '07, 20:23
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by TheSteamyPot » Dec 31st, '07, 20:23

Thanks again Ed, what do you think of this one: http://www.o-cha.com/green-tea/daily-sencha.html

It says its a good choice for people who are new to green tea.

I also like this one too: http://www.o-cha.com/green-tea/kagoshim ... utaka.html

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Dec 31st, '07, 20:29
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by bambooforest » Dec 31st, '07, 20:29

Steamy, I think it's a good idea to work your way up. So, starting with the "daily sencha" green tea makes good sense to me.

Dec 31st, '07, 20:31

by Ed » Dec 31st, '07, 20:31

I'd really recommend skipping the Daily Sencha if you don't mind spending a few dollars more. Yutaka Midori is a very fine sencha... it brews a bright-green cup and the flavor is very mild. The Miyabi is incredible. You might try the Miyabi, Yutaka Midori or the Hautsumi to get an idea of what really good sencha should taste like.

Daily Sencha is a good 2nd flush sencha. It's just that 2nd flush has a more harsh flavor and it might give you a bad impression of sencha when in fact there is much better available.

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Dec 31st, '07, 20:38
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by TheSteamyPot » Dec 31st, '07, 20:38

I will give the Yutaka Midori a try, its description makes my mouth water. I can't wait to try both Chinese and Japanese greens to compare and contrast. I just purchaced a Fukugata, will the Sesame be fine enough for this tea? Just curious, if its not I can always run it through a strainer.

Dec 31st, '07, 20:50

by Ed » Dec 31st, '07, 20:50

Yes, the fukugata will be perfect for Yutaka Midori. Wait until you see the color of the tea... it is very green and tastes really fresh. 8)

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Dec 31st, '07, 20:55
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by bambooforest » Dec 31st, '07, 20:55

Ed, this is a valid point.
Ed wrote: Daily Sencha is a good 2nd flush sencha. It's just that 2nd flush has a more harsh flavor and it might give you a bad impression of sencha when in fact there is much better available.

Dec 31st, '07, 20:58

by Ed » Dec 31st, '07, 20:58

I really loved the Daily Sencha... but after drinking the 1st flush, heh There's no going back. You know what I'm sayin', Ryan. :P

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Dec 31st, '07, 22:22
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by TheSteamyPot » Dec 31st, '07, 22:22

Awesome guys, thanks for all your help :)

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Dec 31st, '07, 23:09
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by Wesli » Dec 31st, '07, 23:09

Man, I go to work; I miss all the fun!

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Dec 31st, '07, 23:32
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by Space Samurai » Dec 31st, '07, 23:32

seriously.

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Dec 31st, '07, 23:50
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by TheSteamyPot » Dec 31st, '07, 23:50

lol you can still provide your feedback, multiple opinions and feedback only can benfit everyone :)

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