About Shading

The art of tea shading in Japan, a fascinating chapter in high-quality tea production, is like a harmonious dance between nature and human cultivation. Shading is a central component in the production of fine teas such as Gyokuro and Matcha and influences both their taste and the tea leaf itself.

The shading process usually begins around three weeks before the harvest. Traditionally, the tea plants are covered with a cloth made of rice straw, known as "tana", which gradually filters out the light. In modern practice, the material has often changed; plastic tarpaulins are increasingly used to ensure more precise control of the amount of light. Such a reduction in sunlight leads to an increase in chlorophyll content in the leaves - a phenomenon that results not only in the intense green color but also the tea's unique umami flavor.

The result of this careful cultivation can be found not only in the bright color of the leaves, but also in their nutrient content. The L-tyrosine content increases, emphasizing one of the characteristic features of Gyokuro, its delicately sweet umami taste. The amino acids, especially L-theanine, are also produced in greater quantities. They not only contribute to the subtlety of the taste, but also promote a calming effect when consumed.

It is interesting to note that shading techniques have a long tradition in Japan, originating in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). At that time, it was discovered that the shade of the natural environment, such as trees and shrubs, could confer beneficial properties to tea plants. With the advent of the first formal "tea pavilion", these natural findings began to be systematically used to improve tea quality.

During shading, tea plants live in a kind of muted semi-shade, which slows down their photosynthetic activity. This leads to an elasticity in the leaves, which thickens them and makes them more resistant. The softness of the texture and the complex aromas are the result of this balance of light and shade.

For the tea drinker, this means an enormously refined sensory experience: not only the palate, but also the eyes and nose gain an intimate understanding of what makes the perfect cup of Japanese green tea. The artful manipulation of natural conditions is transformed by the shade cloths into an orchestrated spectacle that marks the transition from mere tea cultivation to fine tea art.

Overall, the shading of tea offers a unique opportunity to discover the subtle depth of the Japanese tea tradition, where the harmonious interplay of nature and human craftsmanship is reflected in unparalleled tea quality. Each cup of tea, which owes its characteristics to this artistic care, becomes a gateway to an ancient knowledge and a respectful admiration of nature itself.