Sakura Tea Caddy

[beachape]

Hello,

I was perusing Artistic Nippon when i stumbled upon their Sakura Tea Caddies.
http://www.artisticnippon.com/product/t ... caddy.html

They look so nice, but I wonder if they are practical. I then watched the documentary that was posted a little while back (these ones look like they are a few steps above the ones offered at Artistic Nippon)
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=17512

For those that own a sakura tea caddy; I am wondering if they actually work for storing tea (specifically sencha). I have a tin with a plastic lid that I use currently and I feel that the tea survives for somewhere between 1-4 weeks in the tin before it gets stale. How do these fare? More for decoration than practical use? I am looking for one that holds about 100 grams of asamushi sencha. Any experience with the ones offered at Artistic Nippon. Other sources to recommend?

Welcome you to show off pictures of yours if you own one.

Thanks!

[Peacock]

I believe they are good at keeping moisture out, but I've only read that.

[beachape]

Self bump. Anybody own one one and care to share their impression?

[rdl]

beachape,
i didn't reply because i have nothing to base my conclusions on except the recommendation by Horaido and his knowledge, and my using one and just feel it stores tea better than any other container i use. but i did want to tell you that i did first inquire and the small size caddy is for 100g. fits perfectly as i would guess designed to hold 100g. the Artistic Nippon site says both hold 100g, but i didn't purchase mine from them.
it was said that the qualities of the finish best deal with moisture, air, and all that keep tea fresh. i won't enter into that debate but there isn't a day that i don't enjoy seeing it even if i don't prepare sencha.
hope that helps.

[beachape]

Thanks for your input rdl,

How long do you feel your tea stays fresh in the container? I know this is largely subjective. Also any and all pictures are welcome.

I am interested in getting the "unwaxed" or rough finish version. Any good sources besides horaido and artistic nippon that anyone has tried?

[ABx]

Honestly, if I just want to keep tea fresh, then I use a nice double-lidded tin or ceramic container with an airtight seal. If I get a caddy like that, then it's because I want something that looks nice. If you're unsure about the seal, then simply keep the tea in a bag within the caddy; there's no disadvantage to this unless you're trying to age the tea.

[rdl]

beachape,
i have never photographed my caddy but i think if i did you would not - from the photograph at least - be able to tell it apart from the others posted on line. i was not aware of an unwaxed version. if you mean the bottom caddy pictured on the Artistic Nippon site, which looks more rough, it seems the interior has some kind of finishing as it appears different from the exterior. but if you could explain further i would be happy to learn something new.
as to freshness. again i cannot prove anything and i am sure many opinions are out there. but as noted in the Artistic Nippon site, "Sakura bark tea caddies have the advantage of absorbing excess moisture from the leaves." maybe this and the effect of a wood (like the studies showing wood cutting boards having bacterial properties) on storing tea is the difference i noticed. i am not sure if it keeps the tea fresh longer (Artistic Nippon says two weeks) than other containers, but for the freshness period the tea seems to be better preserved. it's a bit like opening a fresh bag of tea each time the caddy is opened. i can't recommend a source as i bought mine in japan and cannot now remember the name of the manufacture. i can check if i can remember where i have stored the box it came in.
for a lifetime investment i suggest if you have the opportunity to purchase one, do so.

[beachape]

ABx,

Thanks for the suggestion; I am looking for both form and function. I really like the way the sakura containers look, but would be disappointed if they can't keep the tea reasonably fresh without an additional container. Would ideally like to avoid having to use another bag, although a great suggestion.

rdl,

Thanks again, you are correct; the container I am referring to is the rough appearance. On Artistic Nippon it is referred to as the "grainy finish" and on the horaido tea shop it is referred to as the "unpolished" version. Not sure if there is any less wax on this version; i just think it looks cool. Unless someone has some personal experience to offer a suggestion between these sources, or can recommend additional sources, I'd probably choose the smaller volume of the two which may be horaido.

[rdl]

this is the manufacturer:
http://translate.google.com/translate?h ... S:official

and a new york times article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/04/fashi ... .html?_r=0

[beachape]

rdl,

Thanks for the links. That article was a great addition. I wish I could pick one out in person.