About Half shade tea

In the multifaceted world of Japanese tea, semi-shade tea occupies a prominent position. This type of tea, which is characterized by its fine taste and profound variety, is often cultivated in a semi-shaded environment, which contributes significantly to the development of its unique characteristics.

The origin of semi-shade tea lies in a carefully orchestrated growth phase in which the tea plants are placed under shade a few weeks before harvest. The method of "kabusecha" cultivation - as it is called in Japanese - causes the plants to adapt to the lack of sunlight. They produce more chlorophyll and amino acids such as L-theanine, while reducing the content of bitter substances, the catechins. This chemical fine-tuning leads to a sweetish umami profile that sends connoisseurs into raptures.

The shade that falls on the plants is created by netting or bamboo mats that are stretched by hand over the plantations. This is usually done three weeks before the harvest and serves not only as protection from direct sunlight, but also as a medium to give the plants a special flavor. The transition to semi-shade tea is both an aesthetically pleasing and pragmatic act of agricultural art.

The effect of the semi-shade, which varies depending on the density, has both sensory and aesthetic effects on the tea. The infusion has a deep green to emerald color, typical of this type of cultivation. The taste impresses with its mild sweetness, subtly surrounded by umami tones that linger gently on the tongue and offer a harmonious rounding off. Every sip is like a breath of Japanese countryside - calm, deep and expressive in its restraint.

The semi-shade tea forms the basis for some of Japan's most exquisite teas, including Gyokuro and high-quality Sencha. These varieties are not only popular with culinary gourmets, but also with those who are looking for a break from their hectic everyday lives and find a form of meditative practice in the act of preparing tea. The tea is traditionally infused with soft water - a gentle preparation method that does justice to the finely balanced notes of this tea.

A half-shade tea is not just a drink, but an invitation to appreciate the subtle art of tea making. It combines centuries-old techniques and the beauty of Japanese nature. It is a reminiscence of the quiet, green hills of its origins, a reflection of subtle creation and a testimony to Japanese perfection. Those who celebrate it are immersed in a world in which mindfulness and enjoyment merge into one.