Tea in Fukushima, Then and Now…

Four years ago, Obubu traveled to Fukushima as part of a Caravan of Support for the victims of the April 11, 2011 earthquake that had rampaged the region. Wanting to help but feeling powerless in the middle of winter, Matsu-San and Akky-San brought their solidarity by way of tea. Over the course of 20 days, […]

First Shincha of the year

八十八夜  Hachijuhachiya is the 88th night since the beginning of spring, according to the traditional Japanese lunar calendar. It falls in the last days of April or first ones of May and it used to mark the start of harvesting shincha. Shincha 新茶 in Japanese literally means « new tea » and it refers to the new shoots picked and processed in early spring. Usually […]

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 […]

REJUVENATE YOUR 5 BEAUTY WITH USED TEA LEAVES

Caring about our own beauty is somehow a part of human nature (I can’t help it too). Being well aware of this nature, beauty products are becoming increasingly expensive and maintaining our beauty seems to become a monetary challenge nowadays. Well, with numerous antioxidant properties, green tea leaves could be an economical relief to your […]

Fuel your day with green tea smoothies

‘-Once up- on a time on the planet of tea lovers and there happened to be a cup of fresh Japanese green tea that was, driven by curiosity, eager to widen its horizons with the aim of gaining deeper knowledge of the world of flavors. In order to get inspiration it decided to go on […]

6 Reasons Used Tea Leaves are Best Household Helper

In love with your cup of tea but don’t know what to do with loads of brewed tea leaves? Instead of disposing them, Japanese like to dry and re-use these tea leaves (also called chagara) in many ways, be it beauty care or household maintenance. Here’s how chagara can be used to enhance our household […]

Chagayu (Tea Porridge)

Recommended for those who follow a vegetarian/vegan diet or for someone who is ill:   Ingredients for 3-4 people Rice 150g/180ml (roughly rinsed) Water 540-720cc Bagged Houjicha 12g   Bring the water to a boil. Once boiled put Hojicha in, simmer it for a few minutes until the tea colour comes out. Then take out […]

How To Brew A Delicious Japanese Green Tea

Like A Meal Needs A Good Cook, Tea Needs A Good Brewer Unique, proud, generous. Japan is a nation that possesses a distinctive culture. Many people say that Japanese goods are perfectly made. While it is quite difficult to define perfection, since everyone has his or her own preferences, it is undeniable that the Japanese produce […]

Why is Green Tea Your Indispensable Companion?

Green tea is good for us, we have heard this often. Indeed, this common drink that can be easily obtained could give us numerous health benefits as it contains a high amount of the antioxidant called catechin. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), to be precise, is the main type of catechin that takes care of our overall […]

How To Brew Green Tea With Kyusu

A Classical Way Of Brewing Green Tea As stated by the previous article, the use of Houhin and Kyusu is more reliable in bringing out the tea’s potential flavors. Furthermore, it is one of the easier methods to use compared to others. Made in Japan, these teapots are recommended for brewing green tea. Normally, Kyusu is made […]

How to Brew Green Tea With Houhin

A Classical Way Of Brewing Green Tea As stated by the previous article, the use of Houhin and Kyusu is more reliable in bringing out the tea’s potential flavors. Furthermore, it is one of the easier methods to use compared to others. Made in Japan, these teapots are recommended for brewing green tea. This teapot is used […]

How To Brew Green Tea With A Strainer

An Alternative Way Of Brewing Green Tea As the previous article explains that it is more reliable to use traditional Japanese teapots, such as Kyusu and Houhin, to bring out the tea’s full potential flavor, using alternative methods shouldn’t cause too much of a concern. Although the leaves may not open completely, they can still […]

Obubu on site: Little Matcha Girl

A Japanese inspired patisserie has freshly opened its doors to curious sweet-toothed residents ( or visitors) of Perth and on their plate – a mix of Japan’s truly authentic and distinguished flavours. Little Matcha Girl is more than your regular sweet shop; it serves up teas sourced directly from Obubu and in-house baked desserts that will surely […]

Piece of cake: an easy guide to making matcha dessert

Innovative matcha recipes are a common fad in the current food scene. Borrowed from Japan and topped with a Western twist – it seems that the trend sometimes spotlights green food pizzazz instead of the rich, umami flavour that matcha brings to the plate. Since matcha green delicatessens are common in Japan for many years now, we decided to strip our recipe down to basics… So, meet […]