What kind of tea?!

[tkellyd]

Hello all:

Recently I purchased a chawan. The picture is attached, although it is the website picture. I have yet to take a picture of it myself. I thought it was pretty and I had to have it. Problem is, I've never tried Japanese tea. What kind of tea would you use in a chawan? Any suggestions for a beginner?

Best,

- T

[Chip]

Very nice "first chawan!"

If it is a Chawan as we typically define it, it is used for Matcha preparation and enjoyment. But I have seen the term chawan also used loosely for any kind/size of Japanese "teabowl."

So, what is the diameter. Most often, a Chawan for Matcha with vertical sides like this one are 4.75" or larger ...

[teaisme]

nice one , drink green tea in it!

hehe chip coincidentally...

http://www.yuuki-cha.com/matcha-accesso ... f60e810963

[tkellyd]

The chawan is 4 1/2" in diameter. Green tea, you say? I've got some Xi Hu Long Jing from Hojo! It's a great tea, but I'd like something a little stronger. Maybe Shi Feng Long Jing next time (not trying to break the bank, though).

Thanks for the link! I'll check it out!

- T

[tkellyd]

Ahhhhh! Didn't realize that Yuuki-cha had my chawan! It's still a beaut, though!

[Chip]

"Matcha" ... it will likely be too big for typical green tea. But you can certainly give it a go!

[tkellyd]

And a good place to get that tea would be . . .

[Chip]

Not Teavana.

My current fave 5 vendors specializing in Japanese tea (not in absolute order or preference):

O-Cha.com
Zencha.net
Denstea.com
Ippodo
Hakoniwado (never had Xell's)

There are many out there.

[sencha]

My current fave 5 vendors specializing in Japanese tea (not in absolute order or preference):

I'm surprised Yuuki-Cha isn't on that list...

[Chip]

Replying to that would be ... "malicious" and "shady." [EDIT: Oh wait, I just did.]

I am however sipping some awesome shade grown tea (gyokuro Kame from O-Cha, should have prepared Matcha which is also shade grown)... and I feel good, certainly not malicious!

[tkellyd]

Chip:

Tea and a good ear is always destined to make you feel good! I'll check out those tea shops. ALL of them! Thanks!

- T

[teaisme]

Ahhhhh! Didn't realize that Yuuki-cha had my chawan! It's still a beaut, though!

well yours is unique because the hand painting on each individual one is slightly different, as well as the shape itself. I like the two green splotches on yours, a very fine tea bowl indeed.

You could also casually brew chinese green's and whites in there, few leaves, hot water,savour and enjoy
Something like
http://jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea-shop ... -hsmfa.cfm
http://jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea-shop ... a-ysbc.cfm