About Tana

"Tana" - a word that may seem simple at first glance, but has a profound meaning in the world of Japanese tea. The tana, a special shading system, plays an essential role in the artful practice of growing matcha, one of Japan's finest forms of tea. This traditional process is particularly important in the production of Gyokuro and Matcha and gives these teas their characteristic, delicate taste.

Tana, literally translated as "shelf" or "rack", describes a two-tiered covering system that protects the tea plants from direct sunlight in the crucial weeks before harvest. It is not simple shelves that are used here, but a finely tuned system of bamboo frames covered with reed mats and rice straw. The construction of this shading is a complex process that is deeply rooted in the tradition of Japanese agriculture.

The aim of Tana shading is to reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the tea leaves by around 90 percent. This reduction in light has far-reaching effects on the metabolism of the tea plants. Under the influence of the sparsely transmitted light, the plant increases its chlorophyll content and the formation of L-theanine, an amino acid, is favored. L-theanine is responsible for the umami taste of the tea, a sensory quality that envelops the palate with a gentle, sweet and savory note.

The refinement of the flavors through the Tana technique goes hand in hand with the development of a deep, usually richer green of the tea leaves - a sight that is pleasing to the eye and reveals the depth of craftsmanship to the attentive connoisseur. This becomes particularly clear when you see the transition from the robust green of unshaded teas to the rich emerald tones of the shaded leaves.

Traditionally, the shading period is carefully monitored and controlled, typically around 20 to 30 days before harvest. This precise control allows the tea masters to accurately influence the subtle flavors and chemical composition of the tea, producing exclusive, outstanding tea qualities that are prized worldwide.

The art of Tana covering rises above the mere agricultural process and becomes a symbolic representation of respect for nature and man's mastery of techniques. Each sip of Matcha or Gyokuro reflects the quiet devotion with which this shading is artfully realized - a devotion that unfolds in a perfectly harmonious symmetry of flavours.