Japanese tea

Discover the excellence of Japanese tea

At Chanoki, our Japanese teas are carefully selected for their quality and adherence to traditional craftsmanship. Each leaf tells the story of a terroir, a climate, and the expertise passed down by our partner farmers.

The production of green tea in Japan

Japanese green teas are known as unoxidised teas. After picking, the leaves are quickly steamed (for 20 to 40 seconds) to halt the oxidation process. This essential step allows them to retain their vibrant green colour and their aromas. Although green tea is also produced in China, Japan has distinguished itself through its unique production methods, which result in rich, mellow and balanced flavour profiles. In Japan, green tea accounts for over 99% of production. This stood at 75,000 tonnes in 2023.

It features several iconic varieties of Japanese green tea: Sencha, Genmaicha, Gyokuro, Hōjicha, Matcha, Bancha, and many more.

The tea harvest cycle

The tea harvest runs from mid-April to October, divided into four distinct periods:

• First flush (April–May): the most renowned, this is the preferred harvest as it produces the most delicate teas.

• Second flush (June–July): more robust, it offers a more pronounced flavour.

• Third harvest (July – August)

• Fourth harvest (August – October)

Leaves from the first harvests are particularly sought after for the production of the finest teas. It should be noted that most producers will only harvest once or twice a year at most. Increasing the number of harvests stresses the tea plant, leading to a decline in both the quality and quantity of the crop.

Sencha, the emblem of Japanese tea

Accounting for nearly 51% of production, Sencha is Japan’s most representative tea. Its slender, elongated leaves resemble dark green needles, and its vegetal flavour, sometimes with a hint of sea salt, reflects the richness of the Japanese terroir. Grown in full sun, unlike other shade-grown teas such as Gyokuro or Matcha, Sencha develops a perfect balance between umami, astringency and sweetness.

Buy your Japanese tea online and enjoy fast delivery and secure payment, so you can savour Japanese teas in the comfort of your own home.