Spring in bloom, time for sweet sakura cha

The blossom of cherry trees is the national flower of Japan and a symbol of the country’s uniqueness. The custom of admiring cherry trees in bloom is said to have started during the Nara Period (710–794) when the elite of the Imperial Court followed the Chinese custom of ume (plum) blossoms instead. But by the […]

Genmaicha- and Hojicha Pasta

for 4 portions 3 cups (approximately 400 g) of plain flour 1 cup (approximately 250 ml) of water 3 tbsp of Genmaicha Powder (15g) salt 1. Mix the flour together with the Genmaicha-or Hojicha powder and add a pinch of salt. 2. While stiring, add water slowly 3. Knead the dough until you get a […]

How is Japanese sencha tea hand-processed?

After Akkisan, Obubu’s President and farmer took part in the 宇治茶製法手もみ技術大会 ‘Uji Tea Tea Rolling Competition’ and became 2nd together with the Wazuka Team it is time to explain a little more in detail about the hand- processing of Sencha. There are two ways delicious sencha is produced: a hand rolling process (temomi) and a […]

Tasseography- The spiritual side of Chagara

Have you asked yourself what the future brings ? Can you influence your destiny? Did you ever consider your life as being pre-determined ? Tea leaf reading, also called Tasseography, is a method of forcasting the future and learning more about your destiny, or fate, by examining the loose used tea leaves inside your cup. […]

Quick Intro to Japanese Tea Ceremony Utensils

The Tea Ceremony, or Chanoyu, is a Japanese cultural art as well as a philosophy and spiritual discipline. Chanoyu, literally translated, means “hot water for tea”. Today, tea ceremony is often referred to as chado or sado, meaning “the way of tea”. At first glance the tea ceremony may seem to be an overly formal […]

How to Store Tea Properly

Part of enjoying tea culture is the anticipation of opening a new packet of tea. With the opening of the seal, the delightful aroma is a delightful preface to the cup of tea you are about to enjoy. As we all have experienced, slowly over time, the opened loose tea seems to lose some of […]