The world of Japanese black tea

Japanese black tea has seen a revival since around 2000.
Nowadays, unique Japanese black teas are produced in tea-producing regions all over the country.

・The element that shapes the individuality of Japanese black tea: " variety "
Tea plants can be broadly divided into two types: the Assam type, which is suitable for black tea, and the Chinese type, which is suitable for green tea. In Japan, many green tea varieties, such as the Chinese type "Yabukita," have long been cultivated. It can be said that using these varieties to produce black tea is unique to Japan.

On the other hand, there are Assam varieties that are suitable for black tea production in Japan as well. Varieties with the character "beni" (red) in their names, such as "Benifuki" and "Benifuki," are special tea leaves that were developed in an effort to establish black tea production in Japan. Furthermore, "native varieties" that are rooted in the region and grown from seeds also enrich the world of Japanese black tea.

Currently, about half of the varieties of Japanese black tea produced in Japan are green tea varieties, followed by black tea varieties and native species. The differences in aroma and flavor of each variety create a unique expression in each cup.

・Another factor that influences the taste of Japanese black tea is the " picking time ."
The first tea of spring has a gentle and delicate fragrance, while the second and third teas of summer can have a slightly stronger astringency. This is due to the difference in the compounds contained in the leaves, and the changes in nature are truly reflected in a cup of tea.
In this way, Japanese black tea shows an infinite number of different expressions depending on the variety and the season.

Producers are closely connected to their respective lands, selecting varieties, devising innovative cultivation methods, and carefully considering the timing of picking. Some are particular about varieties suitable for black tea, others see potential in indigenous varieties, and still others want people to enjoy the comparison of teas from different seasons.

The efforts of these producers give Japanese tea a diverse appeal and broaden the enjoyment we have in choosing from.