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syntheticpanda
2nd Degree Black Belt
Joined: 07 Nov 2006
Posts: 198
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 Posted: Sep 12, 2007 2:06 pm Post subject: |
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(Once again, I'm going to side with Kevin on this one) |
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Kevangogh
Forum God
Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 927
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Sep 12, 2007 5:06 pm Post subject: |
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Well, some teas are more green than others, the intensity of green isn't always "the" most important factor, it's just one of the main factors that one considers. There is also aroma, taste, astringency, what the leaf looks like before you brew it, etc, etc.
Regarding the "dust", it's completely normal for green tea to have some leaf settle at the bottom of the cup and yes, deeper steamed green tea will have more of this. I usually don't sit around and wait for it to settle before drinking it, I like to drink it as soon as possible. All of that said, while Miyabi isn't our "greenest" green tea (that would be Kagoshima Sencha Yutaka Midori), I've never seen *any* Chinese tea that was as green as Miyabi is. Nor have I ever tasted any Chinese green tea that has the aroma and taste of Miyabi. Doesn't mean there isn't one, just that I personally have never come across one. I was in Hong Kong last week and tried a nice Dragon Well but still, it's completely different. |
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Karen
Black Belt
Joined: 13 Apr 2007
Posts: 123
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| Posted: Sep 12, 2007 8:40 pm Post subject: |
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| admin wrote: | Well, some teas are more green than others, the intensity of green isn't always "the" most important factor, it's just one of the main factors that one considers. There is also aroma, taste, astringency, what the leaf looks like before you brew it, etc, etc.
I've never seen *any* Chinese tea that was as green as Miyabi is. Nor have I ever tasted any Chinese green tea that has the aroma and taste of Miyabi. Doesn't mean there isn't one, just that I personally have never come across one. I was in Hong Kong last week and tried a nice Dragon Well but still, it's completely different. |
Although my experience is undoubtedly more limited than that of many who post here, I agree with Kevin: it's completely different. And, to be honest, I enjoy both and don't prefer one to the other; it just depends on my mood (which, like many of us, isn't even always "green"). I'm happy to have a choice and just wish that it wasn't the case that my preferred choices are usually so freakin' expensive. |
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Photiou
Black Belt
Joined: 25 Apr 2007
Posts: 125
Location: Finland
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| Posted: Sep 13, 2007 7:09 am Post subject: |
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| admin wrote: | | Well, some teas are more green than others, the intensity of green isn't always "the" most important factor, it's just one of the main factors that one considers. |
Isn't that green color more related to steaming than anything else?
Random www-quote:
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Generally speaking, teas from the select growing zones and higher-grade teas (such as the first-harvest teas discussed below) are processed with shorter steaming times to retain their natural flavor. Deep-steaming is a relatively new processing method. Advantages brought by longer steaming are a milder yet rich-bodied taste with less bitterness, brilliant green brewed color, and easier brewing.
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| admin wrote: |
I've never seen *any* Chinese tea that was as green as Miyabi is. Nor have I ever tasted any Chinese green tea that has the aroma and taste of Miyabi. |
Neither have I - it is just only uji tea I ordered from you  |
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Shichao
Uh, Can I Add Sugar?
Joined: 14 Oct 2007
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Oct 14, 2007 5:33 am Post subject: |
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I agree with the comments made earlier than the difference is due to processings.
i.e. roasting versus steaming.
I also heard that Japanese tea leaves are older and larger? Is that true?
I really can't believe there is so much difference in Chinese and Japanese fresh tea leaves as they are the same cultivar ...
Shichao |
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britt
2nd Degree Black Belt
Joined: 22 Oct 2007
Posts: 181
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| Posted: Oct 22, 2007 3:11 pm Post subject: Re: Differences between Chinese Green Tea and Japanese Green |
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| babenders wrote: | | What are the main differences between a premium Chinese Green Tea and a premium Japanese Green Tea? Just curious |
I drink many types of quality Japanese green tea and also various high quality Taiwanese oolongs. I find the two to be very different in every way, but I enjoy both.
I find Japanese tea to be quite a bit fussier in the preparation, but well worth the effort. On the other hand, I find it almost impossible to ruin the Taiwanese oolongs during brewing. They are less sensitive to time and temperature.
I have seen many Japanese green teas that are actually deep green, but most Chinese green teas are more of a yellow or brown color. The Taiwanese oolongs can be many colors, depending on the type. Some high mountain oolongs are golden-green, an aged oolong can be dark amber, and regular oolongs can be honey-colored. In these cases, the tea is not intended to be pure green.
I typically avoid tea from mainland China due to quality and safety concerns. My experience leaves me believing that it is much easier to find quality Japanese and Taiwanese tea than it is to find decent Chinese tea. There is a lot of contaminated tea from China, but I have heard of no safety issues with Japanese or Taiwanese teas. |
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Chip
Spam/Troll Killer
Joined: 21 Apr 2006
Posts: 763
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji, purging looters
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| Posted: Oct 22, 2007 3:19 pm Post subject: Re: Differences between Chinese Green Tea and Japanese Green |
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| britt wrote: | | babenders wrote: | | What are the main differences between a premium Chinese Green Tea and a premium Japanese Green Tea? Just curious |
I drink many types of quality Japanese green tea and also various high quality Taiwanese oolongs. I find the two to be very different in every way, but I enjoy both.
I find Japanese tea to be quite a bit fussier in the preparation, but well worth the effort. On the other hand, I find it almost impossible to ruin the Taiwanese oolongs during brewing. They are less sensitive to time and temperature.
I have seen many Japanese green teas that are actually deep green, but most Chinese green teas are more of a yellow or brown color. The Taiwanese oolongs can be many colors, depending on the type. Some high mountain oolongs are golden-green, an aged oolong can be dark amber, and regular oolongs can be honey-colored. In these cases, the tea is not intended to be pure green.
I typically avoid tea from mainland China due to quality and safety concerns. My experience leaves me believing that it is much easier to find quality Japanese and Taiwanese tea than it is to find decent Chinese tea. There is a lot of contaminated tea from China, but I have heard of no safety issues with Japanese or Taiwanese teas. |
It sounds like you will fit in here very well indeed. Many share a similar tea philosphy here.  |
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Shichao
Uh, Can I Add Sugar?
Joined: 14 Oct 2007
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Nov 14, 2007 5:41 am Post subject: |
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Brit
There are pros and cons about roasting versus steaming green tea.
Roasting gives the tea a delicious cooked flavours, whereas steaming gives a nicer colour.
I think there is the basic difference between Chinese and Japanese green tea.
Having said that, it is hard to make the distinction these days as Japan is importing Chinese made Japanese tea too.
And a few Chinese teas are steamed made.
All very interesting. |
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Ryan
Sensei
Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 475
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| Posted: Nov 14, 2007 6:45 am Post subject: |
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I would argue that steaming also gives sencha a deliciously fresh and vibrant flavor. The only benefit isn't merely the color being enhanced.
Additionally, I think Chinese and Japanese green tea are significantly different.
And, *if* Japan is importing Chinese made sencha, it is probably only restaurants who want dirt cheap sencha... Chinese made sencha in no way, shape or form can compete with Japanese produced sencha.
I've had many Chinese green tea's. And though I like them quite a bit, Japanese green tea still is significantly different. I wont say either one is better, it really comes down to personal taste. I personally prefer Japanese green tea. |
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Karen
Black Belt
Joined: 13 Apr 2007
Posts: 123
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| Posted: Nov 14, 2007 9:16 am Post subject: |
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I have to agree with Ryan on all counts. I think steaming accomplishes more than achieving color (e.g., there are some heavily steamed fukamushi senchas that are piercing). And I don't think tea processed one way in a given country is superior to another--excellent tea is excellent tea. It comes down to a matter of personal taste and like Chip, mine is kind of all over the place. It depends on my mood at any given moment.
I buy my Chinese tea from Seven Cups. They're expensive but they bring everything in through the FDA--they make it a point to be on the up-and-up about these things. |
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Kevangogh
Forum God
Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 927
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Nov 14, 2007 4:58 pm Post subject: |
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As a note - *everyone* who brings in tea to the USA now must go through the FDA, it's been that way for about 2 years. I mention that only because it's not really a selling point, it's something that everyone must do due to the "war on terror"  Yup, you never know what they might try to slip in through the mail, meanwhile on the souther border they slip people in by the thousands... |
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Karen
Black Belt
Joined: 13 Apr 2007
Posts: 123
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| Posted: Nov 14, 2007 10:45 pm Post subject: |
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| admin wrote: | | As a note - *everyone* who brings in tea to the USA now must go through the FDA, it's been that way for about 2 years. I mention that only because it's not really a selling point, it's something that everyone must do due to the "war on terror" Yup, you never know what they might try to slip in through the mail, meanwhile on the souther border they slip people in by the thousands... |
But you know yourself that tea can be bought direct from Asia without being inspected by Customs or the FDA--I seriously doubt that any of your American clientele has ever had a purchase opened by either agency before it reached their mail box.
It was to this difference that I was referring--Chip had mentioned that there might be contamination issues with Chinese tea. I'm fairly certain he was referring to tea bought direct from China (e.g., Teaspring, Golden Teahouse, etc.) much more cheaply than through importers like Austin of Seven Cups. And lest I sound holier-than-thou, I've ordered from Teaspring (although I haven't sampled my purchases yet). They carry some high-end jasmine teas that Seven Cups doesn't carry. I guess it's a risk, but my oh-so-scientific rationale is that it's lessened by virtue of the product's being brewed in really hot water. |
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Kevangogh
Forum God
Joined: 19 Jul 2005
Posts: 927
Location: Japan
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| Posted: Nov 15, 2007 5:02 pm Post subject: |
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| Karen wrote: | But you know yourself that tea can be bought direct from Asia without being inspected by Customs or the FDA--I seriously doubt that any of your American clientele has ever had a purchase opened by either agency before it reached their mail box.
It was to this difference that I was referring--Chip had mentioned that there might be contamination issues with Chinese tea. I'm fairly certain he was referring to tea bought direct from China (e.g., Teaspring, Golden Teahouse, etc.) much more cheaply than through importers like Austin of Seven Cups. And lest I sound holier-than-thou, I've ordered from Teaspring (although I haven't sampled my purchases yet). They carry some high-end jasmine teas that Seven Cups doesn't carry. I guess it's a risk, but my oh-so-scientific rationale is that it's lessened by virtue of the product's being brewed in really hot water. |
Actually, you are incorrect regarding the FDA situation. It is illegal for any food item to be shipped to the USA without FDA clearance, trust me - this is what I do everyday. Every single box we send has it's own clearance number on it. If you are in Paris and want to send your friend in the USA a box of chocolates, you are now directed to obtain this "prior notice" number first. I can also tell you for a fact that customs HAS inspected our boxes as several have been returned with the special tape they use to re-seal the box. This of course doesn't mean that someone may slip something through, but any reputable foreign company MUST have FDA prior notice before they ship the tea or any other food item into the USA. |
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Karen
Black Belt
Joined: 13 Apr 2007
Posts: 123
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| Posted: Nov 15, 2007 11:55 pm Post subject: |
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| admin wrote: |
Actually, you are incorrect regarding the FDA situation. It is illegal for any food item to be shipped to the USA without FDA clearance, trust me - this is what I do everyday. Every single box we send has it's own clearance number on it. If you are in Paris and want to send your friend in the USA a box of chocolates, you are now directed to obtain this "prior notice" number first. I can also tell you for a fact that customs HAS inspected our boxes as several have been returned with the special tape they use to re-seal the box. This of course doesn't mean that someone may slip something through, but any reputable foreign company MUST have FDA prior notice before they ship the tea or any other food item into the USA. |
But that's exactly my point--the companies that aren't reputable slip stuff through. I don't think that Teaspring has any FDA clearance to ship stuff into the States. And please don't get me started on the FDA--I'm not saying they don't have some merit, but...never mind--it's off-topic.
On what grounds were your packages returned? |
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Chip
Spam/Troll Killer
Joined: 21 Apr 2006
Posts: 763
Location: Back in the TeaCave atop Mt. Fuji, purging looters
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| Posted: Nov 16, 2007 12:01 am Post subject: |
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...interesting...
I honestly do not recall whether TeaSpring had done this or not for my orders. I might have an old box around here somewhere.
Is it also the FDA that requires expiration dates on tea labeling now? I do not mind that, but I still want to know the harvest info since expiration dates are completely useless as far as I am concerned...since they are arbitrarily chosen by each vendor. |
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